Fantasy football can be downright cruel at times. For instance, you could spend a hefty chunk of your FAAB on a handcuff running back like Dameon Pierce, because it doesn’t seem like the Texans’ usual starter, Joe Mixon, is going to be able to play through an ankle injury he suffered in Week 2. However, it’s worth remembering that Pierce wasn’t even active in that contest against the Bears, as he’s been dealing with his own injury woes — a mild hamstring strain suffered in practice last week.
Well, it doesn’t seem like either is in line to suit up this weekend versus the Vikings, as both have been unable to practice on during both Wednesday and Thursday’s sessions.
If neither is available, it would set up a massive opportunity for Cam Akers to be thrust back into the fantasy spotlight. The former second-round pick of the Rams hasn’t been a featured back since 2022, when he rushed for 786 yards and seven touchdowns on 188 carries in Los Angeles.
It was a shaky debut for Akers with the Texans. The 25-year-old had some juice with 32 rushing yards on just seven carries, but Akers also committed a fumble at the goal line late in the fourth quarter. Still, process over results. I’m simply encouraged by the fact that Akers was the one to get the touch inside the five-yard line. That’s the sort of high-leverage opportunity that gives a RB the change to hit his ceiling output.
Minnesota’s defense has been relatively stout against the run so far this season, ranking inside the top 10 in both opponent rushing yards per contest (88.0) and DraftKings fantasy points surrendered per game to opposing RBs. However, the Vikings also allowed fellow back-up Jordan Mason to rip off 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 attempts last Sunday. They’re not impenetrable by any means and Akers has a massive opportunity to shine in Week 3 based on volume alone.
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All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
