Cam Akers: A Roller Coaster Ride in Fantasy Football

Cam Akers, the once promising running back, has had a tumultuous journey in the NFL. After a promising start to his career with the Los Angeles Rams, injuries and inconsistent performance have plagued his fantasy football value. With his recent trade to the Minnesota Vikings, the question remains: Is Cam Akers a viable fantasy football option in 2024?

Akers’ Early Promise

Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Akers quickly emerged as a key contributor for the Rams. His explosive running style and ability to catch passes out of the backfield made him a valuable asset in both the real and fantasy football worlds. In his rookie season, he rushed for 625 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a future star.

The Injury Bug Strikes

However, Akers’ career took a significant setback in 2021 when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon. This injury sidelined him for most of the season, significantly impacting his fantasy value. Despite returning in 2022, he struggled to regain his pre-injury form, and his fantasy production was underwhelming.

The Trade to the Vikings and 2024 Outlook

In a surprising move, the Rams traded Akers to the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. This trade raised questions about his future role and fantasy potential. The Vikings’ backfield was already crowded with Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, leaving Akers’ role uncertain.

Akers’ Role in the Vikings’ Backfield

Initially, Akers was expected to be the third-string running back behind Cook and Mattison. However, with Cook’s injury, Akers had an opportunity to step up and showcase his skills. He did manage to have some solid performances, but his overall impact was limited.

With Cook returning to the lineup, Akers’ role is likely to revert back to a backup role. This significantly diminishes his fantasy value, as he is unlikely to receive enough carries to be a reliable fantasy starter.

Fantasy Outlook for 2024

Based on his current situation with the Vikings, Cam Akers’ fantasy outlook for 2024 is not promising. He is likely to be a low-end flex option at best, and his value will be heavily dependent on injuries to the players ahead of him on the depth chart.

Factors Affecting Akers’ Fantasy Value

Several factors will impact Akers’ fantasy value in 2024:

Injury to Dalvin Cook: If Cook suffers another injury, Akers could see an increased workload and his fantasy value would rise.

Trading of Dalvin Cook: If the Vikings trade Cook, Akers could become the lead back and his fantasy value would significantly increase.

Offensive Line Performance: A strong offensive line can help Akers’ production, while a weak line can hinder his effectiveness.

Coaching and Play-Calling: The Vikings’ coaching staff and play-calling will also impact Akers’ opportunities and usage.

FAQs

What is Cam Akers’ fantasy outlook for the 2024 season?

Cam Akers started the season with mixed expectations due to team changes and a move to the Houston Texans. Currently, his fantasy outlook is considered somewhat variable, especially as he’s contending with other running backs like Dameon Pierce and Joe Mixon, who influence his role and touches depending on their health status​.

Is Cam Akers a good pickup in fantasy football?

Akers can be a valuable pickup in deeper leagues or as a bench depth option. If Mixon and Pierce are out, Akers is positioned to take on a higher workload, making him a good streaming option for upcoming games. However, his fantasy value may be capped by Houston’s preference to rotate backs​.

Should I start Cam Akers this week?

This decision largely depends on injury updates. If Mixon and Pierce are sidelined, Akers could be a solid RB2 or flex option, especially against teams that are weaker in run defense. In Week 3, he had limited yardage but did manage a receiving touchdown, showing potential when given opportunities​.

What is Cam Akers’ role in the Texans’ offense?

Akers functions as part of a running back rotation and has been used in both running and receiving roles, albeit with modest production. His role might increase depending on injuries to Pierce and Mixon, but consistency remains an issue due to Houston’s evolving backfield dynamics​.

Will Cam Akers get more playing time as the season progresses?

Akers’ playing time will likely increase if injuries continue to affect Pierce and Mixon. However, even when available, his snap counts have fluctuated, making him a risky start in fantasy unless the Texans commit to a more defined role for him in the offense​.

Conclusion 

Cam Akers presents a complex fantasy outlook for 2024, primarily due to his fluctuating role within the Houston Texans’ offense. Initially showing promise in his preseason performances, Akers is still adjusting to the Texans’ offensive style, which heavily involves their talented receiving corps. His fantasy appeal hinges on the availability of other running backs, particularly Pierce and Mixon. If these players continue to deal with injuries, Akers could benefit from an expanded role, as seen in recent games where his snap count increased due to limited options. This potential for increased involvement makes him a viable streaming option, particularly in leagues with flex spots or for teams dealing with bye weeks and injuries.

Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Houston’s injury reports and consider Akers as a mid-tier RB3 or flex play in favorable matchups. Despite these upsides, Akers remains a risky option, and his fantasy production could fluctuate as the Texans adapt their offense throughout the season. In summary, Cam Akers offers a potentially valuable fantasy upside in the right situations but is best approached with caution due to the unpredictability of his workload and the Texans’ evolving backfield hierarchy.

Cam Akers’ fantasy value for 2024 is uncertain and heavily dependent on various factors. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistent performance and injury history make him a risky fantasy option. It is advisable to avoid drafting Akers in your fantasy football leagues unless you are confident in his potential and willing to take a risk.

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