NBA Postseason Best Bets (5/3)
Alex Christenson
The New England Patriots are reportedly re-signing QB Cam Newton to a one-year deal, according to the Boston Globe’s Jim McBride. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the move does not rule out the Patriots bringing in another quarterback this offseason.
Re: Today's Russell Wilson developments. Too much has gone down with Russ and the Seahawks for them to come back from this. Wilson's not trying to mend fences, and the Seahawks are clearly not trying to make things better. He's getting traded.
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) March 12, 2021
Newton, the first overall pick of the Panthers back in 2011, joined the Patriots last season. He was electric to start the year, sitting as fantasy’s QB3 through two weeks and QB7 through three, but after missing some time due to COVID-19, he struggled the rest of the way. Newton finished the year with 8 touchdowns against 10 interceptions passing (plus 12 rushing scores) and only had two games of 300-plus passing yards on the year. For the year he was fantasy’s QB16.
Fantasy slant: Newton’s first season in New England was rocky, but he proved that he can still be a viable fantasy streamer because of his legs. The magic in his arm is hovering dangerously close to empty as he finished 29th in on-target percentage (74.6%). His role as a rusher for the Patriots still gives him upside weekly. Last season, Josh McDaniels’ offense finished first in the NFL in red zone rushing rate, and Newton was the main beneficiary with 12 rushing scores. Those propelled him to five top-eight weekly fantasy finishes as the quarterback position. Superman’s flight might not be pretty at this stage of his career, but it can still save the day. — Derek Brown
