Who Should I Start? Royce Freeman or Cam Akers

Wednesday, September 18, 1:10 AM

The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Freeman, a seven-year veteran, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in August and now joins the Browns. A third-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, he has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. Last season, Freeman appeared in 14 games with the Rams, accumulating 319 yards and two touchdowns. With Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines sidelined, the Browns have been thin at running back, and as of Tuesday, Pierre Strong Jr. is listed as "week to week" with a hamstring injury. Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman have been handling the majority of the carries. Freeman must establish a significant role before fantasy managers consider adding him to their rosters. He could have an opportunity to contribute as soon as this Sunday against the Giants.

Friday, December 20, 5:48 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers remains strictly a handcuff option for this Sunday's road clash with the Seattle Seahawks. Akers scored a touchdown on ten carries (his most in a game since Week 11), rushing for 24 yards in last weekend's 30-12 rout of the Bears. Still, he picked up most of his work on the Vikings' final few drives and was inefficient with his touches. The 25-year-old hasn't garnered a target since Week 12 and hasn't played more than 32% of snaps since joining the team. With lead-back Aaron Jones dominating backfield touches, the Florida State product will not be a recommended option in Week 16. Akers comes in as RotoBaller's PPR RB48 in this week's rankings.