Should I Pickup Cam Akers? Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers has finally settled into his new home. After being traded from the Los Angeles Rams to Minnesota earlier this year, Akers continues to contribute on the field.

The 24-year-old running back scored his first touchdown with the Vikings in the team's 24-10 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. Akers has his role carved out already in his short time in Minnesota and has taken snaps away from starter Alexander Mattison. 

So, should I pick up Akers in fantasy? What did he do in Week 8? Let's dive in. 

What Did Cam Akers Do In Week 8? 

Both Minnesota running backs didn't do much in the Week 8 win. But Akers was able to secure the team's first rushing touchdown of the year. His six-yard score was the longest run of the day for the Vikings.

But outside of that, Akers was held in check for the most part. He only had nine carries for 19 yards and one catch for six yards in the contest. He also saw his snap share decrease on Sunday after playing a season-high 39% of the Vikings snaps in Week 7. Last week, he played just 17-of-72 snaps (24%). 

Akers continues to have a role in Minnesota's offense, but his snap share has consistently gone up and down since he arrived. Week 8 was another instance of that. He also hasn't been efficient with his carries over the past two games, rushing 19 times for just 50 yards. 

Cam Akers Waiver Wire Outlook for Week 9

Akers has not really been fantasy-relevant since he arrived with the Vikings. He has failed to reach double-digit fantasy points in half-PPR formats in all games this season and hasn't finished as a top-20 running back in any week. His best fantasy finish was in Week 8 (RB21), thanks to a touchdown. 

With Kirk Cousins (Achilles) out for the year, the Vikings could lean on the run more which could help Akers' fantasy value. Minnesota currently ranks 31st in the NFL in run percentage this year at just 33.13%. That number is expected to jump up without Cousins under center. 

However, Akers should not necessarily be a waiver wire pickup heading into Week 9. He is the clear backup to Mattison, and he can't be trusted even in a flex spot moving forward. 

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