FanDuel Studs to Target in Week 4

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

FanDuel Price: $8,300
numberFire Projected Points: 22.56

Earlier this week, our own JZ Maslish discussed why it makes sense to be bullish on Cam Newton in season-long leagues. But for daily fantasy football purposes, Newton makes for a solid FanDuel play this week as well.

With 31 rushes this season, and a clean bill of health, the Panthers staff seems committed to letting Newton fly around the field like the gazelle he is. And as JZ mentioned, Newton's Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) of 10.74 is the second highest in the league across all positions. So not only is Newton getting the opportunities with his feet, he's back to doing work with them. Quarterback rushing yards help prop up any potential low-upside should expected passing touchdowns not materialize.

But there isn't too much risk of low-upside Cam rearing its ugly head. First, Newton's history going up against the Buccaneers is encouraging, having accounted for 16 total touchdowns compared to 4 interceptions against the team in 6 career matchups. Second, the Bucs currently stand as the 18th-ranked team defending the run and the 24th-ranked team defending the pass according to our schedule-adjusted Defensive NEP metrics. So even discounting Newton's sterling performance against the team historically, the current matchup is tasty.

With 22 points predicted for the Panthers (based on Vegas lines), you can expect the team to score around 3 touchdowns. To date, the Panthers' offense has scored seven touchdowns, and Newton has been in some way responsible for all seven, having tossed five and run for two.

Newton's usually a good tournament option, but for this one, given his usage to date and the juicy matchup, I'd feel fine using him in cash games as well.