Fantasy Football Week 3: Should Cam Newton Owners Hit the Panic Button?

After three games Cam Newton has more turnovers (five interceptions, one fumble) than touchdowns (two rushing, two passing).

He is averaging 266.0 passing yards and 27.0 rushing yards per game. His passing total is up from the 253.2 he averaged last year, but he is well off the mark of the 44.1 rushing yards he averaged.

Many of you were counting on Newton as your first- or second-round pick to deliver the goods.

So far he has had one good game and two poor showings.

In leagues that score passing yards at 0.05 points, rushing yards at 0.1 points, passing touchdowns at four points, rushing touchdowns at six points and all turnovers at negative-two points, his weekly average has dropped from 25.44 points per game to 17.67.

The New York Giants played a heck of a game on Thursday. That will happen. The fact that Newton failed to deliver the goods against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is more troublesome.

Sure, he threw for 303 yards, but he only ran for four, and his two interceptions negated his touchdown pass.

Although this week’s game was a disaster, there are some things to take away from it. For starters, by playing the Thursday game, the team will have more time to prepare for next week’s meeting with the Atlanta Falcons.

It will also give Steve Smith and Jonathan Stewart more time to heal, so hopefully they’ll be at full strength at the skill positions.

Another good thing that happened in Thursday’s bloodbath was the emergence of Greg Olsen. Newton repeatedly looked to Olsen (14 targets), who caught seven passes for 98 yards.

It’s nice having that safety net. When Stewart (47 receptions last year) returns, he’ll also help in that regard. Plus, Smith and LaFell give Newton excellent options on the outside.

While Newton has not met expectations thus far, it’s not time to make any drastic moves. No way would you get equal value. You just have to show some patience and hope he turns things around.

If you’re looking to acquire Newton, it’s a good time to send out the feelers in case his owner has become jittery.

Also check out:

• 2012 Week 4 Fantasy QB Rankings
• 2012 Week 4 Fantasy Football Get ‘em or Don’t Sweat ‘em
• 2012 Week 3 Fantasy RB Rankings
• 2012 Week 3 Fantasy WR Rankings
• 2012 Week 3 Fantasy TE Rankings