Cam Newton's Fantasy Trade Value, Updated Outlook After Week 3

Cam Newton's fantasy football owners should feel better after his performance against the New York Giants.

The Carolina Panthers eviscerated the Giants on Sunday afternoon, but the defense deserves a large portion of the praise for swarming Eli Manning in the pocket. Newton assembled a quality fantasy outing but still displayed some of his shortcomings as a passer.

The dynamic third-year quarterback collected three passing touchdowns and his first rushing score of the year in a blowout. He even stuck the needle further with a 47-yard touchdown pass to Ted Ginn with the game already out of hand.

After two subpar weeks, can worried Newton owners relax? 

While his outing on Sunday will appease owners in the short term, it won't whip anybody else into a frenzy. Those who own Newton should not try to shop him, and those interested in his services should only seek him out at a discounted rate.

Not broaching 300 yards in any of his first three games is concerning enough evidence that he won't finish as a top-five quarterback, but his rushing prowess keeps him relevant as a useful starter.

Perhaps the biggest positive of Newton's afternoon was his willingness to run. After gaining 53 yards through the first two games, Newton has compiled 45 rushing yards, including a score where he carried defenders into the end zone with him.

With 23 rushing touchdowns through 35 games, Newton's rushing scores are anything but a fluke. The 6'5", 245-pound quarterback will continue to bulldoze his way past the pylon.