Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or Dameon Pierce

Friday, September 22, 2:40 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said it's too soon for running back Cam Akers to make his team debut in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday after the team just acquired him in a trade from the Los Angeles Rams earlier this week. Akers will likely be inactive with an eye toward playing in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. Akers' fantasy value could be salvaged this year as a complement to Alexander Mattison after wearing out his welcome with the Rams, but fantasy managers must remember that the 24-year-old now has to learn a completely new offense in short order. Mattison will continue to operate as Minnesota's clear lead back this Sunday, with Ty Chandler serving as a change-of-pace option in the backfield.

Thursday, September 21, 7:51 PM

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce is certainly not a must-start in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The second-year back has struggled with his opportunities in the early going, only rushing 26 times for 69 yards through two weeks. He has also played less than 50% of the team snaps in both games this year. Pierce isn't being utilized in the way we all imagined before the season, and finds himself a part of a three-back committee in Houston. He scored less than seven PPR fantasy points in both weeks and faces a Jaguars defense that has allowed just 83 rush yards per game this season. Pierce is a low-end flex play in Week 3.