Our panel of NFL experts predicts Week 13's biggest upsets, fantasy football flops and potential sleepers.
Plus, they evaluate the race for the final playoff spot in the AFC and the future of Cam Newton in Carolina. Newton is out for the season and could be released or traded this offseason with a manageable cap hit for the Panthers.
Quick links:
Schedule | Standings | PickCenter
What should the Panthers do at quarterback in 2020?
Mina Kimes, NFL writer: It's a cop-out, but this is impossible to answer without knowing the state of Newton's health. Kyle Allen has shown real upside, but he also has been inconsistent; I'd bet on him as the starter only if (A) Newton is injured or (B) you can get an extremely attractive trade package.
Jason Reid, The Undefeated, senior writer: Often, relationships grow stale. That's what has happened with the Panthers and Newton. It's time for the Panthers to trade Newton, who probably would benefit from a fresh start in the right situation. As for Kyle Allen, I mean, c'mon. Yeah, he has had some nice moments. He also has been wildly inconsistent. The Panthers' next long-term QB is playing college football.
Aaron Schatz, editor of Football Outsiders: If Newton can be fully healthy, he's a guy you sign long term, but I get the feeling Newton might never be fully healthy again. There's a good chance owner David Tepper is going to clean house after a losing season, and it makes sense for a new GM and new head coach to start a new era with a new quarterback. Trade Newton for picks, draft a franchise quarterback in the first round and let Allen be the caretaker until the youngster is ready.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: The Panthers need to accept that physical stability isn't likely to increase with age. In other words, keeping Newton would be more about sentiment and hope than any cold calculation that he can get and remain healthy. The smartest decision would be to get what they can for Newton and install Allen as at least a short-term starter. Allen has shown enough promise in nine starts to merit a 2020 starting job.
Field Yates, NFL analyst: Keep Newton as the clear No. 1. He's a difference-making quarterback who has become underappreciated. Allen is a rock-solid developmental backup quarterback for the team next season.