Cam Newton, Kelvin Benjamin, Jonathan Stewart Post-Week 1 Fantasy Advice

It's hard to evaluate too much from one game, especially against an elite defense, but there was a lot to like from the Carolina Panthers skill players early on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos.

Although the Panthers fell 21-20 on a missed field goal from Graham Gano, you should still be excited to use their offensive starters in fantasy football.

The most exciting breakthrough was that of receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who was considered a bit of a risky fantasy prospect coming into the season. After he missed the entire 2015 season with a knee injury, there were questions about his health as well as his role within the offense.

However, Benjamin proved himself right away with two catches and a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. Matt Harmon of NFL.com explained how this clarified the talented player's role:

He had four catches for 62 yards in the first half and ended up with six catches for 91 yards overall. His 12 targets were a game high for both teams, showing how heavily he was involved in the offense. After being just the 24th receiver on average taken in fantasy drafts on ESPN, it's clear his value is much higher. He could potentially become a top-10 player at the position by year's end.

Benjamin provides Cam Newton with yet another option within the offense, which could make last year's top fantasy scorer even better in 2016.

Newton was abused physically throughout the game, but still produced solid fantasy numbers thanks to 194 yards and a touchdown through the air as well as 54 yards and another score on the ground.

Considering he did this against the top defense in football last year—a unit that held him without a score in the Super Bowl—there is plenty of reason to be encouraged by Newton. If you can get your hands on him in fantasy, it will be worth it. His work as a runner simply makes him too good to stop when healthy.

Jonathan Stewart provided his usual role of an unheralded but solid runner while tallying 64 yards on 15 carries in the game. This wasn't the best fantasy day for the starting running back, but once again this is what happens when you face one of the best front-sevens in the NFL.

While Newton is going to take away attempts at the goal line, Stewart will still have an important role on one of the best offenses in the league. 

With Carolina likely to be ahead a great deal of the time, Stewart remains a consistent option for your roster. In today's pass-heavy league, you will take anyone who gets 15 touches a game out of the backfield.

Some fantasy owners were likely scared of using players against the stout Broncos defense, but these Panthers proved they are must-start competitors every week of the season.

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