August 30, 2021

With Malcolm Brown finally out of the way, the Rams' backfield is consolidated to Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson. Obviously, Akers is not going to see 100% of the touches. Henderson will see the field, but if the latter portion of the 2020 season is any indication, this isn't any sort of committee; Akers is the top dog and Henderson is the backup. Since drafting Henderson in 2019, the Rams have given us every indication they have zero interest in using him in a feature role. That is certainly the case entering 2021, but their hands were forced at times last season and could be forced again if something were to happen to Akers. Henderson scored between 19 and 22 fantasy points in Weeks 2, 3, and 5 last season. He has a three-down skillset and remains one of the best handcuffs in all of fantasy football. Henderson will likely be drafted in most redraft leagues, but dropped in September if Akers stays healthy. He'll be someone worth putting on your roster before Rams games if you have the spot just in case Akers gets hurt, but he has no value outside of an Akers injury. 8/26/21 Update: A lot has changed since the above was written. Akers tore his achilles and now the Rams traded for Sony Michel. As we know, Sean McVay has a long, storied history of despising Henderson. Every action the Rams have taken since drafting Henderson supports the conclusion that the team hates him and will do everything in their power to not feature him. The acquisition of Michel is yet another example. With that being said, Henderson is the clear lead back here because he's so far and away the superior talent to the sub-replacement level Michel. However, Michel is going to see 8-10 carries a game and may siphon goal line work. Michel certainly has more value in Los Angeles than he would have in New England. How much of a hit Henderson's value takes depends on where you ranked him prior to Michel's arrival. I never assumed Henderson would be a three-down back so Michel doesn't change much. Henderson remains a solid pick in the late fourth/fifth round, but his upside is definitely capped by Michel's presence.--Jason Katz