Kirk Cousins Is Poised for Huge Fantasy Performance in Week 4 vs. Giants

Fantasy owners of injury-prone Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III saw their worst fear realized when the third-year signal-caller went down with an ankle injury early in the team's Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Those lucky enough to replace him with backup Kirk Cousins have already been rewarded.

Through two games, Cousins has been electric:

Week	Opponent	C/Att	Yds	TDs	INTs	Rating	Fantasy Pts
2	Jaguars	22/33	250	2	0	109.4	18
3	Eagles	30/48	427	3	1	103.4	27

Expect that trend to continue in Week 4 against the visiting New York Giants.

With the acquisition of new head coach Jay Gruden, the 2013 version of Cousins—he appeared in five games with a passer rating of just 58.4—is long gone, and in his place is a scheme-friendly, consistent third-year player capable of putting up some serious fantasy points.

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Gruden was instrumental in the development of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton during his time there as an offensive coordinator. Dalton's improvement wasn't only a benefit to the Bengals; it was huge for fantasy owners as well. According to FFToday.com, Dalton finished the 2013 season ranked third among NFL quarterbacks in fantasy points.

NFL analyst Brian Baldinger expressed his feelings about Cousins' recent development under Gruden's tutelage, via Around the NFL:

With a talent like Cousins under center in Washington—and a bevy of playmakers at his disposal—there's no reason to think the Michigan State product won't put up similar numbers to Dalton. In fact, Gruden has been so impressed with Cousins' performances, he's refused to name a starter once Griffin is healthy, via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News:

On Thursday, expect Cousins to make Gruden's decision a little easier by putting up another monster performance against a porous Giants secondary. Through three games, New York has been exposed often, ranking 22nd in the league while allowing an average of 258.3 passing yards per game.

While New York has struggled in that department, the team's pass rush has accumulated seven sacks so far this season—good enough to tie for 11th in the league. However, the Redskins have an answer for that as well. Pro Football Focus tweeted why Washington's offensive line has been a big part of his success:

"

Least pressured QB? Andy Dalton facing it on just 15.1% of dropbacks. 2nd is Kirk Cousins (19.3%) and 3rd Peyton Manning (21.2%)

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 23, 2014"

Those big men up front will surely challenge New York in the trenches. After all, the more time Cousins is given in the pocket, the more likely he is to pick apart the secondary.

Despite some injury scares over the past several weeks, Cousins is expected to have all of his weapons at his disposal.

Pierre Garcon remains healthy, and the wide receiver is very confident with the team's current signal-caller at the helm, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post:

"

It's just the same playbook, so we have to run the same routes, see the ball, catch the ball and run. It's not real big difference. We know Kirk isn't going to run as much as Robert, so that's the only difference in the two QBs. Always got to be ready. Shoot, Robert throws the ball well, Kirk throws the ball well. Just have to be ready no matter who throws it to you.

"

DeSean Jackson suffered a sore shoulder against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, but Liz Clarke of The Washington Post relayed he receiver's comments about suiting up in Week 4:

"

I'm blessed to be able to get through the week last week—to get it better, strengthen it up, range of motion. This week, it's a very quick week. I wish I could have a couple more days. That doesn't present itself. I got to get in there, do everything my training staff asks me to get it back right for Thursday.

"

Aside from that talented duo, Cousins also has the emerging Niles Paul, Andre Roberts and a pass-catching, change-of-pace running back in Roy Helu.

There will be plenty of scoring opportunities available to Cousins on Thursday, as New York is allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, giving up an average of 17.7 per game, according to ESPN.com. Due to Cousins' apparent comfort level with his receivers and Gruden's offense, we should expect him to best that average.

Consider Cousins a must-start, high-end QB1 heading into Week 4. Unless one of his fantasy owners also have the likes of Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Andrew Luck or Matthew Stafford in the fold, starting Washington's quarterback is necessary.