Is Cam Akers a Good Fantasy Pick? Let's Dive In!
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Today, we're going to tackle a hot topic: is Cam Akers a good fantasy pick for your 2023 squad? Let's break down this electrifying running back's potential and help you make an informed decision. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and is cam skattebo a good fantasy pick.
Cam Akers: The Backstory
Before we dive into Akers' fantasy prospects, let's quickly recap his journey so far. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Akers burst onto the scene in his rookie year, rushing for 625 yards and two touchdowns. However, a torn Achilles tendon cut his 2021 season short, limiting him to just 144 rushing yards in five games.
The Comeback Kid
Akers made a strong comeback in 2022, proving that he's still a force to be reckoned with. He finished the season with 1,068 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, ranking sixth among all running backs in fantasy points. Not bad for a guy who was coming off a serious injury, right?
Why Akers Could Be a Fantasy Goldmine
Increased Touch Count
In 2022, Akers saw an uptick in touches, carrying the ball 261 times and catching 35 passes. This consistent workload is exactly what fantasy managers look for in a RB1. If Akers can maintain or even improve upon these numbers, he'll be a fantasy powerhouse.
Red Zone Involvement
Akers' 12 touchdowns in 2022 were no fluke. He's a bruising runner with excellent vision and breakaway speed, making him a constant threat in the red zone. With his size (5'10", 217 lbs) and strength, he's a nightmare for defenses to handle near the goal line.
Improving Offense
The Rams offense showed signs of life in 2022, and with a year of continuity under new head coach Sean McVay, Akers could benefit from an improved passing game and more overall scoring opportunities.
The Downside: Injury Concerns
Akers' Achilles injury is a legitimate concern, and it's fair to wonder if he'll be able to maintain his workload without breaking down again. However, Akers has shown no signs of rust since his return, and his injury history is otherwise clean.
So, Is Cam Akers a Good Fantasy Pick?
The answer is a resounding yes! Assuming good health, Akers has the talent, workload, and touchdown upside to be a top-10 fantasy running back in 2023. He's a terrific value pick in the middle to late rounds of your draft.
Draft Strategy: When to Pounce on Akers
Akers' ADP (average draft position) is currently around the RB20 range, making him a fantastic value pick in the middle rounds. Here's a simple strategy to follow:
- 1. Wait it out: Don't reach for Akers in the early rounds. Let other managers draft the elite RBs, and focus on building your team's strength at other positions.
- 2. Pounce when the time is right: When you see Akers' name pop up in the middle rounds (around pick 50-60 in 12-team leagues), don't hesitate to pull the trigger. You'll be getting an RB1 with RB2 ADP.
- 3. Handcuff insurance: If you're feeling extra cautious, consider drafting Akers' backup, Kyren Williams, as a handcuff later in your draft. This will give you some peace of mind in case Akers goes down again.
Final Thoughts
Cam Akers is a dynamic, talented running back with the potential to be a fantasy football game-changer. If you're looking for a high-upside, late-round steal in your 2023 draft, look no further than Cam Akers. He's a fantastic fantasy pick, and we're excited to see what he can do this season.
Stay tuned for more fantasy football insights, and happy drafting!