Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or Kimani Vidal

Monday, January 13, 7:20 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (illness), who was listed as questionable for Monday night's wild-card game in Arizona against the Los Angeles Rams, is active and will be available. Akers popped up on the injury report this week on Saturday due to an illness and did not practice, but he's feeling better on Monday and should serve in his usual role as a change-of-pace option in Minnesota's backfield behind starter Aaron Jones. The 25-year-old will be a touchdown-dependent flex play, at best, against his former team in this one. Akers started the 2024 season with the Houston Texans before being acquired by the Vikings. In his 12 games in Minnesota this year, Akers has averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 5.3 rushing attempts per game, adding 297 rushing yards and three total TDs (two receiving). Unless Jones is hurt mid-game, Akers carries limited fantasy upside as the RB2.

Thursday, January 9, 9:28 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal could see his role increase in the Wild Card Round against the Houston Texans. With starting running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) questionable to play and Gus Edwards (ankle) returning from a two-game absence, Vidal could be needed as the next guy up. He showed some positive signs in his rookie year, but struggled to see the field near the end of the season, appearing on 11% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 17 and on only one snap total in Week 18. Still, if Dobbins is unable to suit up, Vidal figures to have a role in the backfield, especially since the presumed starter Edwards is usually a non-factor in the passing game. Vidal would not be worth fantasy consideration if Dobbins plays, however.