Is Cam Newton Still a QB1?

When he played all 16 games, Cam Newton finished the season as a Top 5 fantasy quarterback. He still finished in the top 8 for all but one of his seasons (2011-2018).

There are a few downsides to Newton that each fantasy owner contemplating drafting him will have to contend with. The first is his health. When we think of dual-threat quarterbacks who contribute significantly with their feet as well as their arms, Cam Newton was a fantasy trendsetter in that regard. A guy who can chip in six or seven hundred yards on the ground is a great fantasy asset, but all of that wear and tear will eventually take its toll.

When he suffered a shoulder injury against the Steelers in 2018 and really wasn't himself until surgery that following January. He didn't really get to do much after because he suffered a foot injury that next preseason. The Panthers told us that it wasn't a big deal, but it was obvious that it was a problem when he reinjured it in Week 2. Two shoulder surgeries and a surgically-repaired left foot aren't the kind of attributes that one looks for in a fantasy QB.

The second downside to Newton really comes down to the offense. It's a new offense and he's technically competing with Jarrett Stidham for the starting gig. There aren't a lot of true weapons in New England any more. Just ask Tom Brady. There's a learning curve, and based upon them placing the franchise tag on guard Joe Thuney and spending early draft picks on a pair of tight ends, don't be surprised if the Patriots opt to run the ball more this season.

Now, if there was any offense in the NFL that could come up with a plan for Newton, it's obviously one led by Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. If they choose to run the ball more, it would seem logical that a QB threat like Newton would fit into that narrative well.

If Cam can stay healthy (a big "IF") for all 16 games, he could be a great QB for the Patriots and has the potential to be a good fantasy QB.

Conclusion

If you can draft Cam Newton as your backup QB, then you've really put yourself in a great position. If you play in superflex leagues, then he would be a fantastic second QB to start each week. He is ranked as a mid-range QB on fantasy football nerd. That might change as the season approaches, but look for Cam to be a QB2 with great upside potential.

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