Is Cam Newton’s daily fantasy football stock sinking?

Cam Newton comes into 2014 more focused and hungry than ever.

Your mom’s favorite daily fantasy football quarterback was in talks over his contract situation when Colin Kaepernick received a lucrative deal. In a recent interview, Newton told reporters the last thing on his mind was money or a contract though. He wants to concentrate on healing his ankle which underwent surgery in March to tighten ligaments. This surgery was intended to give the 25 year-old “more strength and burst when pushing off,” according to Roto World.

Adam Schefter told Sportscenter Thursday morning that Cam gave excellent answers to the questions regarding his contract, and he now needs to concentrate on staying healthy and healing that ankle. The ailment has plagued him since college.

Heading into the 2013 season, Ron Jaworski viewed Cam Newton’s film for 2012 and said Newton needed to work on his control.

“Cam improved as the season progressed, but he was far too erratic with his accuracy and too scattershot. He must become more precise with better control of his throws,” said Jaworski.

Cam Newton accumulated 3,379 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 2013 with the Carolin Panthers.

This season brings a different attitude, but the same overall objective for the former #1 overall draft pick. You should not mock the NFL Draft from a few years back and draft him as your #1 overall pick at quarterback though. According to FantasyPros.com, Newton’s Average Draft Position currently places him as the seventh best quarterback overall. The ankle injury could very well be factoring into this ranking, as his rookie and sophomore seasons saw him sitting as the number four and five draft pick fantasy wise.

Daily Fantasy Football Wide Reciever Outlook

There are other ingredients that will factor into Cam Newton’s success of course, as the wide receiver situation is not one to be ignored. He has Kelvin Benjamin catching pigskins this season, and for those of you who are unfamiliar, Benjamin was the number 28 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Florida State.

During rookie camp, Panthers’ wide receiver coach Ricky Proehl said he was in awe of the 23 year-old. During the NFL Combine, Benjamin timed his 40-yard dash with a 4.61, 20-yard dash at 2.63, and his 10-yard dash at a 1.65. CBS Sports’ Rob Rang said Benjamin’s strengths outweighed his weaknesses.

“He (Benjamin) shows the gliding speed and short-area quickness to create separation and be a terror in jump-ball situations, especially in the red-zone. Big hands, good eye coordination and impressive body control to snatch passes outside of his frame. He tracks the ball well over his shoulder.”

He is obviously a strong companion for Newton on the field, and is going to see more opportunities than most other receivers from this draft class.

A young Benjamin is a plus for Carolina, and the Panthers also added Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant to fill the in their offensive gaps. These two have been the Panthers primary duo in the off-season. Cotchery will more than likely play outside in three-wide sets according to Roto World, but don’t expect him to carry your fantasy team on any given week, or quite frankly to even be a part of it. I would “pass” on both of them.

Cam has more weapons to choose from than most are giving him credit for. I’m not promoting violence, but defenses do need to be aware.

Daily Fantasy Football Tight End Outlook

Tight end Greg Olsen will likely once again be Newton’s main target. Last season, the 29 year-old did a lot for the Panthers when Steve Smith was sidelined, especially in Week 17 against Atlanta when he helped Newton put the Panthers on top with a beautiful diving catch. Olsen was huge for Carolina, catching at least four passes in 13 of 16 games. He also had six touchdowns last season; the second highest total of his career.

Olsen is reliable on the field, and a reliable tight end for your daily fantasy football team as well. I love Olsen this season, mainly because there’s no other way for him to go but up. The Panthers lack a clear alpha male in the passing game, and Olsen figures to be even more involved. Even if his production stays the same, I would take him. And not to dinner, for my daily fantasy football teams. Well, maybe to dinner too.

Daily Fantasy Football Running Back Outlook

Running back DeAngelo Williams had something to say regarding his recent fantasy value.

“I joked with people that my fantasy value went up after we got rid of our four receivers, but it’s the truth,” Williams said. “I went from probably being drafted in the fifth and sixth round to being in the first round, me and Jonathan Stewart alike because we have no receivers.”

I’m only assuming Benjamin and Olsen covered their ears during this interview.

With Steve Smith gone, I can see the frustration in what Williams is saying though.

Williams also said back in April “I don’t know where we go from there.” Sounds like a terrible break-up, and it’s quite similar to it.

Despite what Williams says, he is absolutely not a priority for your daily fantasy football lineups.

The 31 year-old finished 2013 rushing 201 times for 843 yards and four touchdowns, and unless some miracle happens, don’t expect different numbers from him. He won’t eat into Cam Newton’s fantasy value, but he has had his moments.

Luckily, Jonathan Stewart finally seems healthy and has been an active participant in the offseason for Carolina. He’s younger than Williams by four years, and it’s been reported that he’s been doing a lot of yoga and stretching. Hopefully he finds his chi and Cam finds some confidence in him. Let’s cross our fingers he has as good of a season as many have been hopeful for in the past.

Daily Fantasy Football Conclusion

As I mentioned earlier, Newton’s ADP is sitting at seventh among quarterbacks, which is relatively fair. However, the beauty of Newton is that he is completely concentrated on coming back from his ankle surgery. His work ethic is stronger than ever, and he’s not as distracted by contract talk as most would think. He will without a doubt make a full recovery, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s better than ever. I would rank him fifth among quarterbacks personally, with the upside to be a top-three signal caller by year’s end. He’s obviously not going to be picked before Peyton Manning, but he will remind you of why he was once a # 1 overall NFL draft pick.

I like Cam’s chances this season. He has lost a ton of his cocky attitude, and is now a veteran player. His mentality is more professional and his performance will show that. I will not hesitate to pay up for him in the right matchups.

You could also completely ignore my advice, but that would be stupid. Take Cam and don’t look back.