Cam Akers (RB, LAR) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12
Akers #Akers
ROSTERED IN: 27% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Cam Akers has a lot of pros and a lot of cons. Let’s discuss them.
On a positive note, he has led the Rams’ backfield in touches over the last two weeks, rushing 20 times for 83 yards during that span. He also averaged an impressive 4.4 yards per carry in Week 11, showing off solid efficiency. Finally, Matthew Stafford is being evaluated for another concussion, making it very possible that John Wolford or Bryce Perkins quarterbacks the Rams in Week 12. If so, they will likely take a very run-heavy approach, which favors not only Akers but his fellow backfield-mate, too.
Now, for the negatives. Akers doesn’t have a touchdown since Week 3, and he hasn’t caught a pass since Week 2. He lacks upside in the scoring department and receiving game, giving him a low ceiling. Furthermore, the Rams’ backfield is quite messy. Akers logged a mere 17 percent snap share in Week 10, and although that number increased to 39 percent in Week 11, he was still out-snapped by Kyren Williams. There are so many mouths to feed, so it’s hard to trust any one back.
The Rams backfield has become a full blown committee:
Kyren Williams: 55% snaps, 7 carries, 2 targets (44 yards)
Cam Akers: 39% snaps, 14 carries, no targets (61 yards)
Darrell Henderson: 7% snaps, 2 carries, no targets (9 yards)— Regression to the Mean (@RTMFantasy) November 21, 2022
So after reading those cons, why should you feel compelled to add (or at least monitor) Akers? Well, he has the chance to be the No. 1 back in an offense that is looking for playmakers to emerge after Cooper Kupp was placed on injured reserve. Between injuries to Kupp and Stafford, the Rams can no longer be penciled in as a team that will pass the ball all game long. At the running back position, volume is key, and Akers offers just that. Give him a second chance if he’s available in your league and you have a roster spot to spare.