Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or C.J. Stroud

Tuesday, October 22, 10:07 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers was traded from the Houston Texans last week. He was active for last week's game against the Detroit Lions but didn't handle any carries in the backfield. However, Akers could see some action with lead back Aaron Jones (hamstring) on the injury report ahead of Thursday's Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The absence of Jones would likely mean that Ty Chandler takes over as the lead back. Akers figures to be the primary backup to Chandler and would probably see at least a handful of carries. Akers might be worth a stash in deep leagues, but it's hard to imagine him having much value as the third string.

Wednesday, October 30, 4:30 PM

Bad luck and bad timing make Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud tough to start in one-QB formats on Thursday against the New York Jets. Despite the Jets being dysfunctional, even for them, they rank second in the NFL in yards after catch allowed and tied for third with six passing touchdowns surrendered in eight games. New York boasts two excellent coverage corners in Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, and Houston will face them when top wide receivers Nico Collins (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (knee) are on injured reserve. Backup wide receivers, a short week, and a bad matchup is a lot to dislike, so fantasy managers should strongly consider their other options in Week 9.