Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or Amon-Ra St. Brown

Monday, January 13, 7:20 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (illness), who was listed as questionable for Monday night's wild-card game in Arizona against the Los Angeles Rams, is active and will be available. Akers popped up on the injury report this week on Saturday due to an illness and did not practice, but he's feeling better on Monday and should serve in his usual role as a change-of-pace option in Minnesota's backfield behind starter Aaron Jones. The 25-year-old will be a touchdown-dependent flex play, at best, against his former team in this one. Akers started the 2024 season with the Houston Texans before being acquired by the Vikings. In his 12 games in Minnesota this year, Akers has averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 5.3 rushing attempts per game, adding 297 rushing yards and three total TDs (two receiving). Unless Jones is hurt mid-game, Akers carries limited fantasy upside as the RB2.

Sunday, January 19, 12:23 AM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight of his 10 targets for 137 yards during Saturday's Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders. The 25-year-old put together an impressive showing, but it wasn't enough to fend off a relentless Washington team. St. Brown and his Lions will fall short of a Super Bowl for the second consecutive season, and preparation for the 2025 season will commence immediately. Those preparations could look a little different, though, if offensive coordinator Ben Johnson accepts a head coaching job elsewhere. A new offensive scheme could throw a learning curve at St. Brown, but he'll likely be able to adapt and remain a mid-to-high WR1 for fantasy purposes. Fantasy managers should anticipate St. Brown being selected in the first round of fantasy drafts next summer.