Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or Bijan Robinson

Wednesday, March 13, 4:55 PM

The Minnesota Vikings declined to offer a restricted free-agent tender to running back Cam Akers (Achilles), meaning he is a free agent and can negotiate freely with any team. The former second-round pick was an exciting prospect out of Florida State in 2020 but after two Achilles tears in four years in the NFL, his career has struggled to get off the ground. Akers was traded to the Vikings from the Los Angeles Rams early in the 2023 campaign and rushed 38 times for 138 yards and one touchdown before suffering a major Achilles injury. The 24-year-old might get a chance to play elsewhere, but it'll likely be on a cheap, one-year deal. For now, he remains far from the fantasy radar. The majority of skill players do not recover well from an Achilles tear, never mind two.

Sunday, January 7, 9:22 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson wasn't quite as dominant as many expected heading into his rookie campaign. Despite that, Robinson was still productive and posted a solid outing in the regular season finale against the New Orleans Saints. Robinson struggled on the ground with only 28 yards on 11 carries in the loss. However, he salvaged his fantasy value with seven receptions on eight targets for 103 yards and a touchdown in the receiving game. Robinson will finish his rookie season with 976 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 214 carries. He also added an additional 487 yards with 58 receptions and four touchdowns as a receiver. Robinson has the tools to be an elite back, but head coach Arthur Smith doesn't appear to know how to unlock them. It sounds like Smith will return next season, which makes Robinson a risky RB1 in fantasy leagues.