Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or Kenneth Gainwell

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.

Friday, September 29, 8:13 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell will take on the division-rival Washington Commanders in Week 4 on Sunday. While the 24-year-old was the clear-cut starter in Week 1 against New England, he has since been relegated to backup duties behind D'Andre Swift, who went nuclear in Gainwell's absence in Week 2. The third-year back still has fantasy relevance, especially in matchups where the Eagles are heavily favored. However, he can only max out as a high-end RB3 with Swift active. This week against Washington, Gainwell has a shot to rank inside the top 36. The Commanders did well against Arizona and Denver but allowed Buffalo to run all over them last week. Consider Gainwell a low-tier flex option in Week 4.