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Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers is missing Week 6 for what was originally listed as “personal” reasons but was later clarified to be “football-related.” He has problems with head coach Sean McVay and how he is running the team. The Rams are taking phone calls about possible trades.
What is Cam Akers' fantasy value going forward? Let's take a look.
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What Happened With Cam Akers?
Akers was widely expected to be the lead running back for what looked like an explosive Rams offense in his third season. Neither of those expectations came to fruition. Akers is just averaging 10.2 carries a game, 52% of the volume, and the Rams rank 29th in scoring and 32nd in rushing plays.
The signs have been there since the preseason that there was something wrong. McVay signaled that he felt the team had two starting running backs. In Week 1, Akers got just three carries, suggesting he was in McVay’s doghouse. McVay said after the game, “We want to see just an increased level of urgency and accountability snap in and snap out from him.”
The former second-round draft pick did lead the team in carries for most of the next few weeks, but he was not used as a receiving back and was never on the field for more than 50% of the snaps in a game.
How Has Cam Akers Done This Season?
Akers is mostly only on the field for running plays on first and second downs. He hasn’t been very productive when he has been on the field. He is averaging 3.0 yards per carry and has only surpassed 3.0 yards per carry on a per-game basis once.
He has scored a single touchdown and has gone four games without catching a single pass. He is tied with Falcons backup Tyler Allgeier as the RB57 in PPR, one spot ahead of Las Vegas backup Brandon Bolden and 13 spots behind his teammate Darrell Henderson Jr.
There are almost certainly running backs on your waiver wire who have already been scoring more points than Akers. But don’t cut him just yet! He might be traded to a team where he could have a larger role.
Where Could Cam Akers Be Traded?
Teams that are in need of a running back include the Denver Broncos (due to injury), the Miami Dolphins (poor performance), the Buffalo Bills (poor performance), and the Kansas City Chiefs (lack of depth).
The Carolina Panthers have also been thrown out as a possibility since they are rebuilding and might want to deal Christian McCaffrey for capital. (The Rams do still have first-round picks in 2024 and beyond they could send.)
The New York Giants have been the subject of rumors on account of the fact that Saquon Barkley is in his contract year, but they may have convinced themselves they are contenders this year at 4-1.
The Washington Commanders are not utilizing Antonio Gibson, so he could be an option for the Rams, though it is less clear what the Commanders would want in Akers if they are already satisfied with what they are getting from J.D. McKissic and Brian Robinson and wouldn’t want to deal with added drama from a disgruntled wanna-be bellcow.
Some of these teams (like Carolina or Buffalo) could be a possible upgrade for Akers. He would likely get more carries if he ends up as a lead back on any other team, as every other team in the league runs the ball more than the Rams do. But if he ends up as a depth piece or a supporting cast member on a team with a muddled backfield, he could be even less valuable than he already is.
Should I Drop Cam Akers in Fantasy Football?
If you have held onto Akers until now, it may be worth holding him two more weeks until the NFL’s trade deadline on November 1st. While there is no guarantee, it is entirely possible that Akers ends up someplace where his fantasy value would increase.
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