Fantasy Focus- The Cam Newton Slump

Oct 21, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) screams after throwing a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

At this time last season Cam Newton was being talked about like RG3 is being talked about this season.  When looking through Newton’s stats for fantasy there is one glaring statistic that screams at you, his rushing TD’s have drastically dropped off which basically goes hand in hand with the total demise of the Panthers offense.  Newton’s passing stats are not too different from last season, he had 21 TD passes and 17 INT’s. This year he has 5TD passes and 6 INT’s.  Another factor is Newtons’s demise is that he has already faced two of the best defenses in the NFL in Seattle and NY Giants, and it shouldn’t get any easier for him this Sunday in Soldier Field.  Newton has a ton of talent and he may be lacking some confidence, but all it takes is one week to turn that around which is fine as long as it doesn’t happen Sunday.

Quarterback

Stud-Drew Brees- He was on fire in Tampa and there is nothing to suggest that the Broncos will be able to slow Brees and the Saints offense down.

Dud-Cam Newton- He faces a Bears defense that is in the zone! Newton is in a funk and nothing suggests he breaks out this week.

Sleeper- Brandon Weeden- The Chargers Defense was torched by Peyton Manning when they were last on the field. The rookie QB will have his chances.

Running Back

Stud-Matt Forte- Forte eyes lights up every time he faces the Panthers, expect another big day from Forte.

Dud-Mikel Leshoure- Another good defense for the struggling Detroit offense to go up against.

Sleeper-Darren McFadden- The Chiefs defense will be on the field long enough for McFadden to break off a long one.

Wide Receiver–

Stud-Mike Wallace- He had a bad game last week, and the Washington secondary can’t stop anyone.  Thats a big scoring day combo.

Dud-Wes Welker- The Patriots offense seems to focus one player and this week it won’t be Welker.

Sleeper-Dez Bryant- Except for Week #1 Bryant always scores when playing the Giants.

Tight End

Stud- Vernon Davis- The 49ers offense has to get back on track and Davis is one of the major keys to accomplish the task.

Dud-Brandon Pettigrew- He is getting totally ignored by Stafford and the offensive coaching staff in Detroit.

Sleeper-Martellus Bennett-Bennett had a great week #1, he will be looking for a repeat performance.

Defense–

Stud- Packers D- Welcome Blaine Gabbert and all your turnovers to Lambeau Field.

Dud-Philly D- They will have a lot on their plate with the visiting Falcons offense… Good Luck

Sleeper- Patriots D gets to take on the vertically challenged Rams defense which should lead to lots of points.

Good luck in Week #8!!