The Minnesota Vikings have made a surprising move by trading for running back Cam Akers, just two games into the Alexander Mattison era. This unexpected acquisition has left fantasy football players wondering what this means for their teams and how it will impact the Vikings’ backfield moving forward.
Akers, who previously played for the Los Angeles Rams, hasn’t had a standout career thus far, averaging 4.0 yards per carry and scoring only 10 touchdowns in 30 games. However, he is remembered for his impressive performances in the semifinal and championship weeks of last season, where he recorded 118 yards and three touchdowns in Week 16 and 123 rushing yards in Week 17.
On the other hand, Mattison has taken over the starting role in Minnesota after Dalvin Cook’s absence. While he has been targeted 10 times and caught a touchdown, his rushing average sits at just 3.3 yards per carry over the first two games of the season. There is speculation that Mattison could be pushed into a pass-catching role if Akers proves himself as a more efficient runner.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who was Akers’ offensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021, adds an interesting dynamic to this situation. While Minnesota is not likely to move on from Mattison or Ty Chandler right now, they are seeking efficiency, and if Akers can provide that, he will see playing time.
Fantasy expert Brandon Funston believes that Akers’ arrival serves as a wake-up call for Mattison. He predicts that the two backs will compete for playing time in the coming weeks, with the possibility of a clear starter/backup hierarchy or a platoon/hot-hand situation. Funston advises fantasy players who have held onto Akers to see how things unfold now that he’s in Minnesota.
In terms of rest-of-season rankings, Funston places Mattison just outside the top 30 running backs, behind players like Raheem Mostert and Jerome Ford, who are also expected to face competition. Akers, on the other hand, falls just outside the top 40, alongside Dalvin Cook, Joshua Kelley, and Antonio Gibson.
As for roster decisions, Funston suggests that Ty Chandler is the obvious choice to drop. While Mattison should still have a significant role, Akers should be held onto until further notice. Although he may not be started immediately, any running back with a somewhat significant role is valuable given the injuries across the league.
Overall, the addition of Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings’ backfield has created uncertainty for fantasy football players. The competition between Akers and Mattison will likely determine their respective roles moving forward. Fantasy managers who have held onto Akers should monitor the situation closely, while also considering their roster options based on their team’s needs.