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Kelvin Benjamin, Greg Olsen's Fantasy Outlook After Cam Newton's Injury

Fantasy Football
October 8, 2016

With Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton officially out for Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the fantasy football fate of wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen rests in the hands of backup Derek Anderson. 

According to Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, Newton will not suit up Monday night after the reigning NFL MVP left Carolina’s Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons with a concussion.

Both Benjamin and Olsen are elite-level fantasy options, as evidenced by the big-time numbers they have put up through the first month of the 2016 campaign:

While being without Newton isn’t ideal for either player, history suggests they should continue to produce even with Anderson under center.


Kelvin Benjamin

Since blazing out of the gates with 13 grabs for 199 yards and three touchdowns in his first two games of 2016, Benjamin has cooled off a bit with just three receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown in the two contests since.

The 25-year-old wideout remains a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses due to his 6’5″ size and leaping ability, and the offense should use him often against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that ranks 27th in the NFL with nine passing touchdowns allowed this season.

Anderson and Benjamin have enjoyed success as a pairing before against the Bucs, as Anderson started two games in 2014 against Tampa. 

Benjamin racked up 14 receptions for 196 yards and one touchdown in those games, which suggests he has a strong rapport with Anderson.


Greg Olsen

The tight end position hasn’t been a beacon of production in fantasy football so far this season, but Olsen is the exception with at least five receptions and 64 yards in all four contests.

Olsen caught a touchdown from Anderson when he relieved Newton last week, and the tight end also has a track record of success with the backup QB dating back to 2014.

In the aforementioned 2014 clashes with Tampa, Olsen totaled 18 catches for 193 yards and one touchdown.

Although the Bucs defense has changed in the two years since then, Olsen is matchup-proof and a must-start regardless of the situation.


Fantasy Analysis

Anderson is no Newton, but he is a capable backup and did make the Pro Bowl once during his tenure with the Cleveland Browns.

The veteran signal-caller has proved to have a strong connection with both Benjamin and Olsen and figures to lean on them against the Buccaneers.

Head coach Ron Rivera seemingly has no reservations about letting Anderson air the ball out, and that means Benjamin and Olsen should have plenty of opportunities.

Fantasy owners should start Benjamin and Olsen in all leagues across all formats this week with Anderson at the controls. Even if Newton’s injury keeps him out for more than one week, they will continue to be top options moving forward.

    

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.

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