Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Cam Akers

Friday, September 22, 7:19 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (thigh) didn't practice all week and is listed as doubtful to play in Week 3 on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Montgomery was expected to miss some time all along after getting hurt in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, so fantasy managers should have already moved him to their benches for this week. Consider him highly questionable to play on a short week in Week 4 next Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers on the road. With Montgomery out, Craig Reynolds will serve as the backup to rookie first-rounder Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs has underwhelmed in his first two NFL games so far, but he'll have obvious RB1 upside this weekend with Montgomery out of the picture.

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.