Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Cam Akers

Monday, October 2, 7:18 PM

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) is officially inactive for the Monday night game against the Seattle Seahawks. Barkley came into this contest listed as doubtful despite practicing on a limited basis this week. He suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 and will now miss his second straight game, and he won't be a lock to play in Week 5 on the road in Miami against the Dolphins, either. With Barkley out against Seattle to close out Week 4 action, expect the Giants to utilize a backfield committee once again, consisting of Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell and rookie Eric Gray. Breida is the best bet in fantasy lineups, but he will have a low floor and ceiling in what has been a weak Giants offense through their first three games.

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.