Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or Brashard Smith

Sunday, September 21, 12:29 AM

According to the team, the Minnesota Vikings have elevated running back Cam Akers and offensive lineman Henry Byrd to the active roster ahead of their Week 3 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Akers joined Minnesota's practice squad a few days ago, with veteran rusher Aaron Jones (hamstring) heading to IR. In an interesting turn of events, the 26-year-old is listed ahead of teammate Zavier Scott on Minnesota's depth chart, and could immediately see work behind lead back Jordan Mason. Over the first two weeks, head coach Kevin O'Connell had deployed a fairly even split between Jones and Mason. That may not be the case with Akers, but he's exceedingly familiar with the system, making him an excellent choice to spell Mason. The Florida State product will be on the radar as a low-end handcuff in deep leagues if he garners decent work this weekend. At least, until Jones returns, that is.

Thursday, September 18, 11:29 AM

ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that with the Kansas City Chiefs' lack of production regarding their rushing attack, it wouldn't be surprising to see running back Brashard Smith see more opportunities. According to Graziano, the Chiefs view the SMU product more in a pass-catching role, and he could begin to see work there. Teammates Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have handled all but one of the backfield carries through two weeks, and have been nearly as inefficient in the receiving game as they've been on the ground. Graziano speculates that once Kansas City trusts Smith to handle the full extent of his responsibilities, he'll become a factor in the offense. Until then, he's difficult to trust for fantasy, but the rookie boasts the highest ceiling of the trio, and the Chiefs were "very impressed" with him in camp.