2013 carolina panthers Fantasy Preview
You can't talk about the Panthers and fantasy football without mentioning Cam Newton (4th - 323.46 points). After a slow start to 2012, he went off in the second half and once again ranked among the five-best overall players based on fantasy points. All told, Newton threw for just under 3,900 yards, rushed for 700-plus yards and finished with a combined 27 total touchdowns. He was also one of just two members of the Panthers' roster to finish in the top 15 at his position, the other being tight end Greg Olsen (6th - 114.30 points). Jonathan Stewart (53rd - 61.30 points) missed significant time due to injuries, leaving DeAngelo Williams (23rd - 130.40 points) to lead the team in total running back fantasy points. A backfield committee appears likely for 2013, but Stewart is the runner to target. Steve Smith (19th - 142.10 points) finished as a low-end No. 2 fantasy wideout, but he was inconsistent in the stat sheets.
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QB - Panthers
The Panthers didn't make much noise on the transaction wire. The team added Domenik Hixon, who figures to be used as the No. 3 wide receiver in the pass attack. The veteran won't have a whole lot of value in fantasy land, though. On the defensive side of the football, LB Chase Blackburn and DT Dwan Edwards were among the most prominent moves. The Panthers did make some impact picks in the NFL draft, adding DTs Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short to improve what was a dreadful run defense in 2012.
The Panthers don't have any traditional sleepers, but fantasy owners should keep tabs on their defense. With some new, young additions this unit could end up improving on it's overall value. The one player who you need to be concerned about is Stewart. He's failed to meet his statistical potential at the NFL overall, and the fact that he's coming off surgery on both of his ankles is a cause for at least some concern. In fact, it would be wide to avoid him as anything more than a low-end flex starter this season.
| POS | FIRST | SECOND | THIRD | OTHER |
| QB | Cam Newton | Derek Anderson | Jimmy Clausen | Colby Cameron |
| RB | Jonathan Stewart | DeAngelo Williams | Kenjon Barner | Armond Smith |
| WR | Steve Smith | Brandon LaFell | Domenik Hixon | Ted Ginn |
| TE | Greg Olsen | Ben Hartsock | Nelson Rosario | Brandon Williams |
| K | Graham Gan | Morgan Lineberry | - | - |
( ) Projected Round
| # | Name | Pos. Rank |
| 1 | Cam Newton | 4 |
| 2 | Steve Smith | 20 |
| 3 | Jonathan Stewart | 29 |
| 4 | Greg Olsen | 8 |
| 5 | DeAngelo Williams | 34 |
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