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The Los Angeles Rams will seemingly enter the 2023 season with Cam Akers atop the running back depth chart. With Akers expected to lead the charge to begin the upcoming season, he’s a player worth discussing for fantasy football purposes.
Running backs that have a clear-cut role in Sean McVay’s offense have typically fared well in fantasy. Akers should get the nod in Week 1, but is he worth taking a flier on at his current ADP (average draft position)?
Amid all of the fantasy drafts taking place at this point in the offseason, Akers is currently being taken as RB22, according to FantasyPros. That puts Akers in the same range as Miles Sanders, Dalvin Cook, D’Andre Swift, and Rachaad White.
The fourth-year running back for the Rams produced career-best marks in rushing attempts (188), rushing yards (786), and rushing touchdowns (7) in 2022. Following a strong finish to last season, Akers concluded the year as RB33 overall and tied for RB36 in points per game in half-PPR (points per reception) formats.
The strong finish mentioned above came in Weeks 13 through 18 where he was RB4 in total points and RB6 in points per game. Given how Akers looked to end the 2022 campaign, some believe he is a fantastic value at his current ADP.
Throughout his career, Akers has lacked the ability to create explosive plays (averages 4.2 yards per attempt and 4.6 yards per touch in his career). And with the majority of fantasy leagues rewarding running backs who are utilized in the passing game, Akers has never recorded more than 13 receptions in a season.
During this offseason, the Rams have reunited with veteran Sony Michel and they traded up to take Zach Evans in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Michel could be deployed in short-yardage situations and aid in pass protection, while Evans flashed plenty of big-play ability in college.
There’s a chance he could surrender snaps to Michel, Evans, or Kyren Williams at some point if he falters at any point during the season. Expecting Akers to produce like he did to finish last season seems a bit overzealous considering how he’s performed in his career.
In standard or half-PPR leagues, Akers could be a fine selection due to his touchdown upside behind what is expected to be an improved offensive line. But in full PPR leagues, Akers is likely better avoided for running backs that see more usage through the air.
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