Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or Javonte Williams

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.

Friday, September 29, 12:03 AM

Fantasy managers that drafted Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams knew they were going to have to be patient early on. Williams tore multiple ligaments in his knee in Week 4 of 2022, so the Broncos were going to ease him in to begin the 2023 season. He played in 45% of the offensive snaps the first two weeks before playing 42% of the snaps in a 50-point loss to the Dolphins in Week 3. The good news: The 23-year-old has seen double-digit carries in all three games as the lead back. The bad news: Williams has yet to score and is averaging 7.3 half-PPR points in those games. However, he has an excellent opportunity to find the end zone for the first time this year in Week 4 against a Chicago Bears defense that's allowing the second-most half-PPR points per game (32.2) to RBs. Williams has clear RB2 upside in what should be his best showing of the young season.