Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or James Cook

Sunday, October 1, 1:09 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers is making his debut for the team in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, and the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero says that we could see a lot of him on Sunday. Alexander Mattison is still the starter, but the Vikings are going to ride the hot hand in the backfield against the Panthers this weekend, especially if Akers shows something and is able to hold onto the football. Akers was acquired from the Los Angeles Rams before Week 3, but he didn't make his debut last weekend in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Mattison has had a rough start in 2023, carrying the ball 39 times for 155 yards (4.0 yards per carry). Akers wasn't good at all in the season opener with the Rams, but a change of scenery could do him well and raise his fantasy value if Mattison continues to be mediocre.

Monday, October 2, 12:45 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook took 12 carries for 29 yards and a touchdown with a 48-yard catch in Week 4's dominant 48-20 win over the Miami Dolphins. Cook and Josh Allen nearly botched an exchange before the quarterback gave him a push from behind to aid a one-yard touchdown rush, which was Cook's first of the year following a long booth review. Besides a 48-yard reception that facilitated a field-goal drive, the 24-year-old elusive back took a backseat to a sensational Bills passing attack on Sunday. It's worth noting, however, that Cook handled all three of Buffalo's rushing attempts inside the 10-yard line, which bodes extremely well for his future prospects. Though Latavius Murray and Damien Harris remain frustrating presences, Cook is on the rise while on pace for over 1,500 scrimmage yards heading into Week 5's London meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars.