Cam Akers is one of the most exciting running backs in the NFL. After missing almost all of the 2021 season due to injury, fans and fantasy football managers are eager to see how he performs in 2022. Known for his speed and power, Akers has the potential to be a game-changer, but the question is: will he live up to the hype this year?
In this article, we will explore Cam Akers’ fantasy outlook for the 2022 season. We will look at his past performances, how his injury might affect him, and whether he is a good pick for your fantasy football team. By the end of this article, you should have a clear idea of whether or not to draft him.
Cam Akers’ Comeback Story
One of the most important things to understand about Cam Akers is that he is coming off a major injury. In July 2021, Akers tore his Achilles tendon, an injury that often takes a long time to heal. Many athletes who suffer this injury struggle to return to their previous level of performance, but Akers surprised everyone by returning to play in the playoffs for the Los Angeles Rams just six months later.
While he showed great determination in coming back early, Akers didn’t look like his usual self during the playoffs. He rushed for just 172 yards on 67 carries, which is only 2.6 yards per carry. That’s a far cry from the explosive performances fans had come to expect from him. The question for 2022 is whether Akers can fully recover and return to the form that made him one of the most promising young running backs in the league.
Akers’ Pre-Injury Performance
Before his injury, Cam Akers showed flashes of brilliance. In his rookie season in 2020, Akers started to take over the Rams’ backfield by Week 13. He finished the season strong, rushing for 340 yards and a touchdown in the final four games. He also contributed in the passing game, catching eight passes for 96 yards.
His performance in the playoffs was even more impressive. Akers rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round, helping lead the Rams to victory. This kind of performance gave fantasy managers high hopes for Akers in 2021, but his injury cut those dreams short.
Now, after a long recovery, Akers is ready to prove himself again in 2022. But the big question remains: will he be the same player, or will the Achilles injury limit his ability?
Cam Akers’ Role in the Rams’ Offense
The Los Angeles Rams are a high-powered offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. While the passing game is the focal point of the offense, the Rams have always relied on a strong running game to keep defenses honest. That’s where Cam Akers comes in.
Akers is expected to be the lead running back for the Rams in 2022, but he won’t be alone. Darrell Henderson, who filled in for Akers last season, will also get some carries. The Rams may also use rookie running back Kyren Williams in certain situations. However, if Akers is fully healthy, he should see the bulk of the carries.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Rams don’t usually use a single running back to carry the entire load. They prefer to rotate their backs to keep them fresh. This could limit Akers’ fantasy upside, especially if Henderson continues to get significant playing time.
Fantasy Football Impact: The Pros
Despite the concerns about his injury and workload, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Cam Akers in 2022. Here are some of the key factors that could make him a great fantasy football pick:
- Explosive Playmaker: Akers has the ability to break big plays, both as a runner and a receiver. He showed this in his rookie season and could return to form in 2022.
- Lead Running Back: If Akers is fully healthy, he is expected to be the primary running back for a high-scoring Rams offense. This gives him plenty of opportunities to rack up yards and touchdowns.
- Goal-Line Work: Akers is likely to get most of the goal-line carries for the Rams, which means he has a good chance to score multiple touchdowns this season. Even if his yardage totals are modest, his ability to find the end zone could make him a valuable fantasy asset.
Fantasy Football Impact: The Cons
While there are many reasons to be excited about Cam Akers, there are also some risks involved in drafting him for your fantasy team. Here are some potential downsides to consider:
- Injury Concerns: The Achilles injury is a serious one, and it’s unclear if Akers will ever be the same player he was before. Some running backs struggle to regain their explosiveness after this type of injury, and there’s a chance Akers could be limited in 2022.
- Competition for Touches: As mentioned earlier, the Rams like to use multiple running backs. Darrell Henderson and Kyren Williams could take away some of Akers’ carries, especially if the team wants to be cautious with his workload.
- Pass-Heavy Offense: The Rams are a pass-first team, and with Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp leading the way, they may not rely on the running game as much as other teams. This could limit Akers’ opportunities to put up big fantasy numbers.
Cam Akers’ ADP and Draft Strategy
Cam Akers is being drafted in the third round of most fantasy football drafts, with an average draft position (ADP) of around 40. This makes him a mid-level RB2 in most leagues, meaning he’s being drafted as a team’s second running back.
At this ADP, Akers represents a bit of a gamble. If he returns to his pre-injury form, he could easily outperform his draft position and become a top-10 fantasy running back. However, if the injury continues to limit him, or if he loses too many touches to Henderson, he could end up being a disappointment.
For fantasy managers who are willing to take some risks, Akers could be a high-upside pick in the third round. However, it’s important to have a backup plan in case he doesn’t return to form. Drafting a reliable running back later in the draft, or picking up Henderson as a handcuff, could help mitigate the risk.
Cam Akers’ 2022 Projection
So, what can we expect from Cam Akers in 2022? Here’s a rough projection for his stats this season:
- Rushing Yards: 850-950
- Rushing Touchdowns: 6-8
- Receptions: 25-30
- Receiving Yards: 200-250
- Receiving Touchdowns: 1-2
These projections assume that Akers stays healthy and plays most of the season. If he misses time due to injury or loses significant touches to Henderson, these numbers could be lower. On the other hand, if Akers returns to his 2020 form, he could easily surpass these projections and finish as a top-12 fantasy running back.
Should You Draft Cam Akers?
Ultimately, whether or not you should draft Cam Akers Fantasy Outlook depends on your risk tolerance. If you believe he can fully recover from his Achilles injury and reclaim his role as the Rams’ lead running back, Akers could be a great value at his current ADP. He has the potential to put up RB1 numbers if everything goes right.
However, if you’re worried about his injury or the possibility of a timeshare in the Rams’ backfield, it might be safer to look for a more reliable option in the third round. There are plenty of other running backs with less risk, but they may not have the same high ceiling as Akers.
Conclusion
Cam Akers Fantasy Outlook is one of the most intriguing players in fantasy football for 2022. His combination of talent, opportunity, and injury risk makes him a polarizing figure in drafts. While he has the potential to be a fantasy star, there are legitimate concerns about his ability to stay healthy and handle a full workload.
If you’re willing to take a gamble, Akers could be a league-winning pick in the third round of your fantasy draft. However, it’s important to have a backup plan in case he doesn’t live up to expectations.
FAQs
Q: What is Cam Akers’ current fantasy football ADP for 2022?
A: Cam Akers’ average draft position (ADP) for 2022 is around the third round, typically around pick 40 in most fantasy drafts.
Q: Is Cam Akers a good pick for fantasy football in 2022?
A: Cam Akers can be a high-upside pick if he returns to form after his Achilles injury, but he comes with some risk due to injury concerns and competition in the Rams’ backfield.
Q: How did Cam Akers Fantasy Outlook perform before his injury?
A: Before his Achilles injury, Cam Akers showed great potential, especially in 2020, when he took control of the Rams’ backfield and delivered strong performances during the playoffs.
Q: Will Cam Akers be the Rams’ lead running back in 2022?
A: Yes, Cam Akers is expected to be the Rams’ lead running back, but he will share some touches with Darrell Henderson and possibly other backs.
