Cam Newton, Kelvin Benjamin, Greg Olsen's Post-Week 11 Fantasy Reaction

Against the last-ranked pass defense in the NFL, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton came alive late in Sunday's Week 11 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.   

However, more could have been expected for a player of Newton's caliber against such a favorable defense in what amounted to a 19-17 loss.

Name	PASS	YDS	TD/INT	Fantasy Points
Name	REC	YDS	TD	Fantasy Points
Cam Newton	23/37	292	2/2	18
Kelvin Benjamin	9	109	1	16
Greg Olsen	5	61	0	6

Newton and rookie first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin did connect on a fourth-quarter touchdown, yet they're still struggling getting on the same page. Tight end Greg Olsen remains a consolatory bright spot in Carolina's passing game, though he could have been more proficient on 11 targets.

"Under duress" doesn't justly describe how much pressure Newton has faced this year and in his time with the Panthers overall. Protection issues surfaced again Sunday, as ProFootballTalk.com's Darin Gantt pointed out:

ESPN's Adam Schefter highlighted the punishment Newton has endured before Week 11:

This brief snippet from Newton, via Around The NFL, shows why he can't be counted on in fantasy as a QB1 any longer:

The following anecdote from ESPN Stats & Info is another cause for alarm, despite the grit Newton showed to will his team back:

Even against the most generous secondary and with the benefit of home-field advantage, Newton had trouble until the fourth quarter.

Benjamin is Newton's best weapon other than Olsen, but drops and inexperience hamper the young wideout's production from being even greater. With the constant poor offensive line play, it's hard to expect any consistency when the Panthers pass.

Benjamin's sheer size and potential, along with a lack of viable alternatives in the Carolina receiving corps, allow him to remain a strong WR2.

As for Olsen, he is having perhaps the best year of his career and is among the best tight ends fantasy owners could hope to possess. Since Carolina is bound to play from behind often, Olsen is worth starting no matter how formidable the opposing defense is.