Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings: Cam Newton and QBs with Favorable Matchups

Cam Newton will lead the Carolina Panthers to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers. If you own Newton in fantasy, I'd definitely play him over most quarterbacks.

The Bucs have made two significant upgrades in the secondary with rookie safety Mark Barron and cornerback Eric Wright, but it's the defensive line that is still lacking. 

The Bucs won't be able to get consistent pressure on Newton and they'll need Barron in the box to help stop the running game. That should create opportunities down the field for Newton.

Expect him to find Steve Smith as usual, but I also see Greg Olsen having a big game here. It all turns out good for Newton from a fantasy standpoint.

Here are two other matchups that favor quarterbacks in Week 1:

Philip Rivers vs. Oakland Raiders

Rivers doesn't have Vincent Jackson anymore, but against the Raiders subpar pass-defense it won't matter. Robert Meachem is a quality downfield threat, and a big target.

Plus, Antonio Gates will still be a threat up the seam of the Raiders defense. In 2011, the Raiders defense was ranked 27th against the pass, and the Chargers were able to take advantage of this in head-to-head meetings.

The team hasn't made enough significant improvements to change that. Shawntae Spencer is a bit of a downgrade from Stanford Routt at corner, and there are no significant changes to the defensive line. 

Rivers should put up big numbers in this one. Last season he averaged 292 yards, 2.5 TDs and an INT against the Raiders in 2011.

I'd expect him to have at least that in the season opener.

Matt Schaub vs. Miami Dolphins

Schaub seems to be healthy and ready to perform this season. He should have his favorite target available for this one. Andre Johnson has had a rib injury, but ESPN lists him as probable for the game.

The Dolphins secondary is unproven and has only one cornerback that has a chance to matchup with Johnson in Sean Smith.

He's 6'3" and 220 pounds, so he shouldn't be out-muscled like most corners, but hardly no one shuts Johnson down.

The Dolphins defense has looked suspect throughout the preseason, and this is not the team you want to struggle against. The Texans offense has so many weapons, it will be difficult for the Fins to slow them down.

Schaub should get great field position all game as the Dolphins less than intimidating offense struggles against the Texans' pressure.

My prediction is a big game for Schaub, and a big game for the Texans.

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