BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~250 Overall
CURRENT ADP: ~189
ANALYSIS: Cam Newton is being drafted as the QB32 right now. Two big reasons for that: first, Cam Newton is viewed as an injury risk and fantasy managers are baking that concern into their drafting right now, even though he played 15 of 16 games last year. Second, the Patriots spent a first-round pick on Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.
I'd expect the Patriots to at least start the year with Newton at quarterback. Let's not forget that last season, Newton started 15 games and had 12 rushing touchdowns. He only threw for eight touchdowns, which was by far his worst mark over a full season, with his previous low being 18. But even with a one-game absence because of COVID (and potentially some lingering aftereffects considering he had five interceptions in the two games after he returned) and that low touchdown number, Newton's rushing ability helped make him the QB16.
New England added some weapons for Newton. Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne come over at wideout, but the big impact is at tight end, as they added Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Suddenly, there are two really good tight ends to help Newton move the chains and to increase his effectiveness when he's down in the red zone and isn't quite close enough to the end zone to barrel his way in for a rushing score.
The Patriots made a lot of strides offensively to build a team that'll pass the ball better than in 2020. Add in Newton's rushing upside and cross your fingers that he stays healthy and you have a really high ceiling for a guy being drafted as the QB32 right now.
UPDATE: Cam Newton was released by the Patriots as they're going with rookie Mac Jones as their starter. Newton will have to take his talents elsewhere this year, and he might be having to settle for a backup job somewhere. The Cowboys have reportedly shown interest.
More Fantasy Football Values and Sleepers
Kadarius Toney Start 'Em, Sit 'Em – Super Bowl 58 Fantasy Football Picks
BALLER MOVE: Consider in Large-Field GPPs POSITIONAL VALUE: WR/Flex DFS Dart Throw ANALYSIS: Kadarius Toney is perhaps the biggest wild card of the Super Bowl LVIII matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. The mercurial wide receiver has battled injury issues and controversy off the field, as well as drops and ineffectiveness... Read More
Stefon Diggs Start 'Em, Sit 'Em – NFL Playoffs Fantasy Football Picks
BALLER MOVE: Start in 10+ Team Leagues POSITIONAL VALUE: WR1 ANALYSIS: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs was the WR10 during the regular season, averaging 13 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The superstar wide receiver started the year on fire but tailed off towards the end. He scored fewer than 6.9 fantasy points in... Read More
Jayden Reed Start 'Em, Sit 'Em – NFL Playoffs Fantasy Football Picks
BALLER MOVE: Start in 10+ Team Leagues POSITIONAL VALUE: WR2 ANALYSIS: Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed had low expectations entering the season. Many thought the Packers’ passing attack would suffer without Aaron Rodgers. Instead, the rookie wide receiver was a fantasy star. Reed was the WR23 during the regular season, averaging 11.6 half-point... Read More
Chris Godwin Start 'Em, Sit 'Em – NFL Playoffs Fantasy Football Picks
BALLER MOVE: Start in 10+ Team Leagues POSITIONAL VALUE: WR2 ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin had a slightly disappointing year. The former Penn State star was the WR31, averaging 9.9. half-point PPR fantasy points per game during the regular season. Mike Evans had a massive year as Baker Mayfield’s go-to target, leaving... Read More
Brandin Cooks Start 'Em, Sit 'Em – NFL Playoffs Fantasy Football Picks
BALLER MOVE: Start in 10+ Team Leagues POSITIONAL VALUE: Low-end WR2 ANALYSIS: Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks had a solid regular season. The veteran was the WR36, averaging 9.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. While he struggled early in the year, Cooks picked up his play when it mattered most for the Cowboys.... Read More
Download Our Free Draft App
Like what you see? Be sure to also download our free fantasy football mobile app for iPhone and Android which includes more draft sleepers at very position, 24x7 player news, push notifications, injury alerts and daily articles.