Cam Newton: Fantasy Expectations for Panthers Star QB vs. Seahawks in Week 5

Cam Newton is getting prepared to play the Seattle Seahawks in a Week 5 NFL matchup, and many fantasy owners are simply hoping for more than the superstar QB has given them the past few weeks.

As a consensus top 10 pick, the second-year man out of Auburn hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations of high week-to-week point totals that many fantasy owners envisioned when they selected him.

Will he get back on track against the Seahawks?

Let’s take a look at what we can reasonably expect from the former Heisman Trophy winner in this matchup.

Passing: 20-of-31 for 224 yards, two touchdowns, one interception

Seattle’s defense is one of the most respectable in football, but that shouldn’t stop Newton from putting together a solid day throwing the rock.

The 2011 No. 1 overall pick has a cannon arm and has been creating space in and outside the pocket since he joined the NFL, but has started to improve greatly on his mid-range throws and ability to spread the ball around to multiple receivers.

While the Seahawks have have only allowed three touchdowns via the air on the entire season, Newton will nearly double that total today. The defense hasn’t faced a signal-caller quite like the Panthers’; so don’t be surprised to see a shockingly good performance from him.

 

Rushing: Nine carries for 82 yards and one touchdown

While the Seahawks are giving up just 62.8 yards per game and have only let two scores in on the ground, they are still vulnerable to an elite, mobile QB like Newton.

This defense will not even see most of the signal-callers' rushes coming, as he likes to sit in the pocket until it breaks down, roll out and continue looking down field. Newton doesn’t often scramble unless it’s the last resort and best option.

Seattle is going to have to focus its efforts on shutting down Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and the solid Panthers receivers and then hope that their front can keep Newton contained, otherwise he’s going to have a solid day on the ground.