Fantasy Football Breakout Quarterbacks

Parkers Pick Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings

For Teddy Bridgewater to break out he would need help from a running game, an improved offensive line, get a healthy tight end and maybe add a deep threat. I think the running game is officially covered with the return of Adrian Peterson. The draft, as well as experience from younger players should improve an offensive line, which featured eight different lineups in Teddy Bridgewaters 13 starts. Mike Wallace fell off from top deep threat in the league status, but a growing Bridgewater could see him becoming the go to deep threat. Playing his first couple of weeks as a back up gave him experience throwing to the back up wide receivers, Jarius Wright and Charles Johnson. It just so happens that Wright is the favorite to win the starting slot job, and Johnson his practice buddy will be opposite of Wallace. Norv Turner the offensive coordinator has historically gotten his tight ends involved, and Kyle Rudolph missed a lot of time due to a sports hernia, but I would expect a bounce back for the 25 year old. Teddy Bridgewater completed 64.4% of his passes in 2014, ranking twelfth in the league. What helped him was that he was a top five quarter back on third and less five or less, and as well as when staring down the blitz. Bridgewater has the looks of a pro quarterback and understands the game. With that he is a rookie with deadly accuracy, and whether it is the second year curse, or disbelief in his skill players, I seem to find people not thinking Bridgewater can progress. Personally I don't see how he doesn't more than likely have a career year in every pass category. I would look to young upside with a high ceiling over the same old news in the 5-10 range of QBs and would look to ride the second year sensation, Teddy B.

Logans Pick: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

To say that Cam Newton is going to breakout this year might be a bit of a stretch since his talent is no secret around the NFL, but I do believe that this year will be Newton’s best statistical season of his career. Last season, Newton led the Panthers in rushing yards per carry with 5.2 compared to Jonathan Stewart’s 4.6 yards per carry. Stewart will see more playing time with DeAngelo William’s departure to Pittsburgh, but I still see Newton being the main rushing threat. I see Newton leading the team in rushing again this year, and I’d even go as far as to say that Newton will also lead the team in rushing touchdowns. Newton’s health will be a main factor in how well he does this season. Staying healthy means not getting hit as much, and an upgrade to the offensive line is exactly what Newton needed.The addition of Michael Oher will surely help Newton’s cause this season. Oher is the giant offensive tackle who was the subject of the film Blindside, who the Panthers acquired this offseason from the Baltimore Ravens. Keeping Newton protected and giving him time to read the defense will be key to the Panther’s potential for success this year. Opposing defenses like to stack the box against Carolina because of Newton’s potential to run, as well as the Panthers’ running backs. Having Oher on the offensive line is a huge boost to the team’s offense and will allow Newton to stand in the pocket longer and make teams pay with deep balls.The loss of Kelvin Benjamin is a huge blow to the team’s offense, but the Panthers have a lot of depth at the wide receiver position. They may not have a solid number two receiver that would be a good fantasy player, but they do have a lot of threats. Carolina drafted wide receiver Devin Funchess out of Michigan to add some talent to their offense. Ted Ginn Jr. brings some extra speed to the offense while Jerricho Cotchery adds experience and consistency. Newton’s favorite target may be Greg Olsen. The athletic tight end from the University of Miami (emphasis on the U), has been the safety valve for Newton more times than the Panthers would like. Hopefully, a better offensive line and added receiving weapons will make Olsen a fantasy stud along with Newton instead of being a check-down option or a relief from a potential sack.Cam Newton’s new contract is worth $103.8 million over five years with $60 million guaranteed. Newton is definitely at his best whenever his confidence level is high. Nothing should be able to make him as confident as $100 million. I think the relief of a new contract will bring a sense of tranquility to Newton since he will no longer have the added pressure of worrying about getting a new contract extension. Barring injuries or early struggles, I see a strong season for Newton and another post-season appearance for the Panthers.