Fantasy Football: Cam Akers To Minnesota
Cam Akers is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Today we’re going to have a chat about what the trade means from a fantasy football perspective and you’re going to like it. Before you get hot and bothered, chill out, you can trust me. After all, we’re off to a pretty hot start with the Matthew Berry challenge.
Okay, I’m done now. Let’s get back to business now. Sorry, I write ten posts a day. Sometimes you have to get creative with the intro. Unlike the rest of the industry, I actually work. They wonder why I’m still here and they kept getting laid off.
Akers, 24, will now head to Minnesota in what will likely become a timeshare with Alexander Mattison. Ty Chandler may also be involved but probably now only in obvious passing situations. Even then, his playing time will likely be sparse. That would be my best guess anyway. Akers is a former five-star recruit. We know he has talent and is more of a complete back than Chandler.
You don’t make this move to have Akers be in the dog house again. Especially considering the fact that Kevin O’Connell used to work for Sean McVay. He knows the player and probably believes in him. There is a trust between those two. McVay might hate Akers but I don’t think he would have sent him to Minnesota out of spite. Trey might do something like that but that’s a story for another day. The point is the relationship between McVay and O’Connell means something.
I think we’re finding out pretty quickly that Alexander Mattison isn’t built to be a workhorse running back. He hasn’t been the same player since being elevated into the starting role. He may have held down the fort for a few weeks when Cook was hurt but not when he’s the guy and Cook is out of the building. Through two games, Mattison is averaging 3.3 yards per carry. He’s also stunk in pass protection but it’s another reason why the trade was made.
With that said, I wouldn’t spend an arm and a leg to go get Akers. I do like his chances but there is one big problem with this landing spot. The Vikings don’t run the ball. Fantasy is all about talent and opportunity. Akers might be talented but it really doesn’t matter if the volume isn’t there. Even if Akers steals the job, what’s the volume going to look like? The Vikings rank dead last in rushing averaging 13 attempts per game. Hell, Tyler Allgeier gets more work than that as the backup in Atlanta. Why am I investing fantasy stock in a team that doesn’t run the ball?
For that reason, I think I’d pass here. If you own Akers and a league member is eager to trade for him, I’d listen to offers. If you own Mattison, I’d panic trade him. It sucks but I’m not sure it matters if he starts if the Vikings aren’t going to run the ball. O’Connell has shown his hand and I don’t think he’s going to change.
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