Cam Akers Could Pull Away From Rams RB Competition

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The LA Rams will have a different looking backfield this season after parting ways with Todd Gurley after five seasons. Gurley was a machine of offensive production, one that many fantasy football fans aren’t taking the time to fully recognize. Even despite “losing a step” in 2019, Gurley still managed to run for 857 yards, which ranked 19th in the NFL along with punching in 14 total touchdowns. Gurley saw 49 targets in 15 games and contributed 207 yards through the air. Compared to his previous seasons, Gurley had regressed, but if the Rams hope to get back to the playoffs this year, they’re going to need to be able to find a suitable replacement.

Currently, the LA Rams are +145 to make the playoffs this season and are projected to win over/under 8.5 games in 2020 according to CashBet Sportsbook.

Todd Gurley Stats

Year	Age	Tm	G	Rush	Yds	TD	1D	Y/A	Y/G	A/G	TAR	Rec	Yds	TD	Ctch%
2015	21	STL	13	229	1106	10	47	4.8	85.1	17.6	26	21	188	0	80.80%
2016	22	LAR	16	278	885	6	49	3.2	55.3	17.4	58	43	327	0	74.10%
2017	23	LAR	15	279	1305	13	69	4.7	87	18.6	87	64	788	6	73.60%
2018	24	LAR	14	256	1251	17	75	4.9	89.4	18.3	81	59	580	4	72.80%
2019	25	LAR	15	223	857	12	51	3.8	57.1	14.9	49	31	207	2	63.30%
Career			73	1265	5404	58	291	4.3	74.8	17.4	301	218	2090	12	3.646

Will The Rookie Steal The Job?

As it appears now, the Rams running back competition is between Darrell Henderson, rookie Cam Akers, Malcolm Brown, and John Kelly. It appeared to be a close race between Henderson and Akers as of late, but unfortunately, Henderson limped off with a leg injury at Saturdays’ practice. Early reports are Henderson is dealing with soft tissue injury, which could open the door for Cam Akers to become the full-time starter this season.

Akers is an exciting player to watch. The former Florida State RB is very elusive and can make excellent jump cuts to avoid tackles. He moves extremely well for someone of his size and has a long history of being able to break tackles for big gains. Akers runs hard and was very productive in 2019 despite playing behind a terrible offensive line at FSU. Akers has the versatility in the passing game that could make him very intriguing for fantasy purposes. He is an excellent pass catcher and even ran routes on a regular basis in college. Akers ended his college career with 69 catches for 486 yards and seven touchdowns. He has the potential to be a three-down back in the NFL with his skillset.

Undervalued Fantasy ADP

All the rookie hype is on Clyde Edwards-Helaire this season. Whether you agree or disagree with his first-round ADP, CEH has landed on the ideal team to succeed. There is no one to compete with and he is on arguably the most explosive offense in the league. Jonathan Taylor’s hype is also running strong on the Colts, a team with an excellent offensive line and playing behind Marlon Mack, a RB who has been good but not great over the last few seasons. These two rookies are both high picks in fantasy drafts and the top two players off the board in a Dynasty rookie redraft. This is allowing Cam Akers to fly under the radar. In my opinion, Akers and his current ADP in the 5th round of PPR leagues is only happening due to the fact we have no preseason. Akers and his landing spot on a team with a very clever young coach should be getting more attention. Akers is a target on mine in every draft I’m in. I will load up on his stock at his current ADP as much as possible. I’m willing to gamble on the notion that Akers fits the Rams offense better than any other RB on the team, I think he could league winner and the perfect RB2 pickup for your team in fantasy drafts.