Week 3: Player Upgrades
QB Kirk Cousins, ATL
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With Robert Griffin III now dealing with a dislocated ankle, Cousins will be the Redskins' starting quarterback for a while. He really played well in relief of Griffin against the Jaguars, completing 22 of 33 throws for 250 yards and two TDs, one of which came on his first pass attempt. If Cousins is on your waiver wire, you should be putting in a claim immediately. He seems to fit into head coach Jay Gruden's system much better than Griffin. There might even be a chance that Cousins doesn't relinquish the starting role once Griffin is healthy.
QB Andy Dalton, CAR
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Many were concerned that Dalton would struggle this season without Jay Gruden and with Hue Jackson's run-heavy offense. Turns out, he has played very well despite the loss of a number of key weapons. He's averaging more than 275 yards per game and has yet to throw an interception. He has thrown a touchdown in both games and has accomplished this without A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert for most or all of the season. As the offense gets healthy, Dalton should begin to return to the torrid pace he was on last season. The only thing that could slow him down is if Green is out for an extended period of time due to his foot injury. Regardless of matchup, it looks like Dalton's 2013 showing was not a fluke.
QB Cam Newton, ---
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Guess who's back!? A lot people were hesitant to start Newton on Sunday. But in his first action of the season, he completed 22 of 34 passes for 281 yards and a TD. He moved well and his injured ribs didn't appear to have a significant effect on him. With the Steelers up next, Newton is a must-start. Pittsburgh's defense is a shell of its former self and provides a great matchup for Newton. After the Steelers, he faces the Ravens and Bears, who are not exactly shut-down defenses. The Panthers' franchise QB should be a solid start for the next three weeks. If you have Newton, put him in your lineup and feel confident doing so.
RB Joique Bell, ---
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Bell is starting to look like the running back to own in Detroit. He has 25 carries to Reggie Bush's 15. He also has only one fewer reception than his backfield mate. Bell has one garbage-time touchdown from last week's win over the Giants, but he faced a dominant Panthers defense in Week 2 and still performed well. He totaled 97 yards from scrimmage Sunday while Bush managed only 32 yards. Bell is inching his way from very good flex play to solid RB2. He is effective in both PPR and standard formats.
RB Le'Veon Bell, ---
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There was a lot of negativity surrounding Bell heading in to the season. Aside from the drug possession and DUI charges, Bell owners were very concerned about his role diminishing following the additions of LeGarrette Blount andDri Archer. There were reports that Blount would get as many as 12 carries per game and the goal-line work. Archer was expected to play a significant role in the passing game.
