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Cam Newton has been one of the biggest surprises through 5 weeks
by Cameron Dark
With the NFL season a little more than a quarter through, it’s time to take a look at the decent sample size we’ve been given and address some things. What’s changed since late August? Who has surprised us in positive ways, and who has disappointed us to no end? Let’s take a look.
Surprising Studs
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina
#1 overall draft choice Cam Newton burst onto the NFL scene Week 1 with an offensive explosion, passing for 422 yards and 2 TDs. Nearly everyone was surprised, but we all had a little skepticism. And justifiably so. But after five weeks, it’s time to say that Newton is here to stay. He has thrown for 7 TDs and rushed for 5, meaning he’ll get you the fantasy points you need on the ground if he can’t through the air. Plus he has a veteran receiving corps that has shown the experience and talent to make up for Newton’s mistakes.
Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo
Just when we thought we’ve seen all Fred Jackson had to offer, he breaks out and surprises us in brand new ways. Jackson has been a man this year, with 5 TDs and 4 games with over 100 total yards. The other game? 98 total yards. This revitalized Buffalo offense is being run through Jackson; he’s getting plenty of carries and lots of dump passes from Ryan Fitzpatrick. He’ll rack up ample yards week in and week out. While he may not finish the season atop the RB rankings like he is now, expect plenty of production from Jackson for the rest of the season.
Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans
Graham is the all around perfect tight end. He’s 6’8 with great hands and ridiculous athleticism. He has made the most out of the targets he’s gotten and shown Drew Brees he deserves even more. Graham is currently on a 3 game streak of over 100 yards, has by far the most targets on the team, and has reeled in 3 TDs to boot. A new #1 receiver has emerged in New Orleans, and his name is Jimmy Graham.
Disappointing Duds
Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta
The BC grad came into the season with tons of hype. And why not? He has a fantastic receiving corps and one of the most reliable RBs in the game to lean on as well. Those who bought the hype, however, are hurting now. He’s the 18th overall fantasy QB, leaving many questioning why Ryan isn’t getting the job done. With a 7:6 TD:INT ratio, Ryan is having accuracy problems and trouble moving the ball effectively. He has thrown as many times as Tom Brady, but with over 500 less yards, showing Ryan simply isn’t taking shots down the field. He’s being limited as a distributor in the offense, not the leader and gunslinger good fantasy QBs are, so his ceiling for scoring potential is lower than most. Until the philosophy in Atlanta changes a little and he starts throwing the deep ball and spreading the field, Ryan won’t put up the numbers we expected.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh
Let’s be honest — despite the Steelers’ offensive line woes, Mendenhall is still struggling. His highest yardage game has only been 66 yards against the not-so-terrifying Seahawks. He looked awful against Indianapolis, usually a great matchup, only managing to run for 37 yards. Drafted in the late 1st to early 2nd-round, Mendy has been a disappointment. It’s been widely noted how many carries he got during the playoffs, and some of that mileage may be wearing him down now. But I’m still keeping the faith he’ll bounce back. The O-Line will trouble him all season, keeping him from reaching his full potential. But at the end of the day, he’s still a talented RB on a run-heavy team. You can’t dislike that. Sure, I’m worried he never gets it going this season, but just looking at what he did last year, I have to believe he will become relevant again. He won’t be the #1 guy most everyone drafted him as, but he’ll find his stride and give you some good games.
Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis
Not much to say here. I feel bad for anyone who drafted him still thinking Manning would play. He just isn’t used with Painter and Collins the way he was with Manning, and he won’t put up the numbers we’ve come to expect of him. Cut him and move on.
Moncler Vests…
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