Cam Akers Fantasy Outlook & Injury Update 2022 (High-Risk, High-Reward Option in Rams Offense)

Expectations were high for running back Cam Akers entering the 2021 NFL season, but an Achilles injury ended his sophomore campaign before it even started. He ended up appearing in one regular season game and making an impact in the playoffs during the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl run.

With that being the case, it's no surprise to see fantasy managers weary of drafting Akers anywhere above the RB2 area. His average draft position (ADP) has him going as the 15th running back off of the board and as an early to mid third round selection.

Cam Akers Fantasy Football Outlook

Akers sticks out as the definition of a high-risk, high-reward option in fantasy football this fall. Let's get the risk out of the way first. Akers is coming off a brutal Achilles injury and it may impact his explosiveness moving forward. After all, the 23-year-old did not top 55 rushing yards or score a touchdown despite seeing 67 carries across four postseason contacts. His 2.31 yards after contact per attempt failed to compare to the 2.91 mark he posted in 2020.

The upside Akers comes with is undeniable, though. Head coach Sean McVay has always been one to rely on a workhorse back and Akers averaged a steady 18.7 touches per game in the playoffs. Keep in mind there isn't much competition on the roster, either. Sony Michel left in free agency and Darrell Henderson returns after hardly playing down the stretch. Akers was able to rack up 748 yards from scrimmage in 2020 across only 13 games (5 starts). Seeing that number double in 2022 is not an unrealistic thought.

It cannot be overlooked that Akers is also a part of a top-five NFL offense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp will make it so Akers doesn't see a stacked box on the other side of the line of scrimmage often. The Rams' ability to score at a high rate is beneficial for Akers, too.

If he stays healthy, Akers' ceiling is high, but is floor is also pretty low.

Cam Akers Injury Update

As mentioned above, Akers is coming off an Achilles injury that kept him out of action for almost an entire season. It's the type of injury that has ended running back's careers in the past. Akers has youth on his side, though, and his quick recovery proves that he will do whatever it takes to play.

The good news is that Akers himself told reporters he is at "100% health" entering training camp and McVay explained that he has seen no signs on lingering effects. "Building my armor up" is what Akers said his next goal is as he looks to lock down the starting RB gig.

Cam Akers Projections

Projections from the NFL odds on FanDuel Sportsbook expect Akers to bounce back with a solid 2022 season. He's 12th to lead the NFL in rushing yards (+2500), which is generous considering he has played only 14 games in his career. The former Florida State standout is also 11th to lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns (+2500). When taking Akers' career averages into account (11.7 touches per game, 4.6-yard average), a 1,000-yard season seems to be Akers' floor. His ceiling is obviously much higher than that.

Is Cam Akers a Good Fantasy Football Pick?

When it comes down to it, is Akers someone to target in the early rounds? Yes, but he doesn't come without risk. He's the No. 17 running back in The Duel's PPR fantasy football rankings, and could be a great option for managers looking to wait at the RB position.

Volume is king in fantasy football and Akers is set to see a majority of touches for a team fresh off a Super Bowl title. Drafting Henderson in case an injury pops up ensures that you will have the Rams' starter all year long. That's a strategy that could pay dividends in the end.

If you've drafted Akers this year, or you're a Rams fan, make sure to check out the best Rams fantasy football team names for your squad.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.