Cam Newton is going to be a fantasy stud in 2018

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 09: DJ Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers attempts to fend off Kelcie McCray #37 of the Buffalo Bills while carrying the ball during the second half at New Era Field on August 9, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. Carolina defeats Buffalo in the preseason game 28-23. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

One thing is for sure, the Panthers passing attack will look different in a multitude of ways. The team shook up the offense last season by trading away the team’s top receiving target, Kelvin Benjamin. This, quite literally added insult to injury with tight end Greg Olsen’s season-ending injury. Newton’s top receiving option became Devin Funchess who flashed promise and potential, but never dominated competition the way that one hopes a No. 1 receiver would. This, among other things, led to a lackluster offensive performance for the Panthers in the passing game.

This season, the Panthers seem well equipped for the passing game. During the offseason, the team added veteran Torrey Smith who has had a solid career to this point. Smith brings a new element to the passing offense. With excellent acceleration off of the line of scrimmage, Smith excels at getting open quickly.

Another addition to the receiving corps is first-round draft pick, DJ Moore. With a great combination of size and speed, Moore is a good deep threat. Additionally, Moore is athletic. He has good jump ball ability, which may help Newton in the red zone.

Lastly, Olsen is returning from injury. This simply cannot be overlooked. Olsen, when healthy, is one of the most dominating pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. Even at age 33, Olsen is a very effective receiver and serves as the passing game’s safety blanket. When Newton struggles to find an open receiver, Olsen is consistently the check-down guy.

Home/Fantasy Football