Expert opinions were pretty evenly divided on whether Auburn's Cam Newton would be a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
Some felt he was the next JaMarcus Russell, while others saw his big arm and athleticism and projected him as no worse than the next Randall Cunningham. Carolina agreed with the latter assessment because they made Newton their No. 1 overall pick. It's still very early, but it appears as though they made the right decision.
All Newton has done through his first two NFL games is put up the two best passing days ever by a rookie quarterback, topping 400 yards in each with a total of three TD passes and two rushing scorres. Suddenly, a guy who many thought would have next to no fantasy value this season outside of keepers/dynasty leagues looks like an immediate fantasy asset.
Newton has thrown four interceptions, but mistakes are expected for any rookie QB, especially for one who didn't have the benefit of a regular offseason. While he obviously won't top 400 yards every week, there's no reason he should remain on any free-agent lists, given what he's shown so far.
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THREE TO SIT
• Donovan McNabb, QB, Vikings (vs. Lions): It may be too early to say he's done, but McNabb has thrown for just 267 yards and one touchdown through two games. He may be a serviceable off-week fill-in later this season, but he deserves zero consideration in Week 3 against the rejuvenated Lions.
• Austin Collie, WR, Colts (vs. Steelers): Without Peyton Manning, Collie, who was the No. 1 receiver in fantasy through the first six weeks of last season, is basically useless. He was blanked in Week 1 and had just three receptions for 24 yards on Sunday.
• DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers (vs. Jaguars): A top 20 running back entering this season, D-Willy has managed just 43 rushing yards through two games, and Jacksonville has already held the Titans' Chris Johnson and the Jets' Shonn Greene in check this season.
Three to start
• Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Bills (vs. Patriots): Seven touchdowns in two weeks for one of the NFL's most unlikely stars. New England has struggled against the pass in each of its first two games, so Fitzpatrick should keep the good times rolling in Week 3.
• Jahvid Best, RB, Lions (at Vikings): Averaging just 3.5 yards-per-carry through the first two weeks of the season, Best has still topped 100 total yards in each game and scored twice in a big win over Kansas City on Sunday. He's a terrific play as a No. 2 running back in this inviting matchup.
• Dustin Keller, TE, Jets (at Raiders): He wasn't considered a starter in standard leagues heading into the season, but the talented Keller has 11 receptions, 162 yards and two touchdowns through the first two weeks. It's reasonable to expect another solid performance Sunday against a shaky Oakland pass defense.
