Should I Drop Cam Akers? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Houston Texans' running back Cam Akers had a chance to showcase himself for the last two games with Joe Mixon sidelined. After struggling against the Vikings, he rebounded with 13 carries for 53 yards against the Jaguars in Week 4.

But it sounds like Mixon could make a return from his ankle injury in Week 5 against the Bills. What should fantasy managers do with Akers?

Let’s take a closer look and assess what you should potentially be doing if Akers is on your fantasy squad.

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Should I Drop Cam Akers in Fantasy Football?

It sure sounds like Mixon will be back when the Texans face the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. What will that mean for Akers?

Mixon has played one full game this season, as he was injured during the Week 2 contest against the Chicago Bears. In the one game that he played in complete, Akers had 30 carries in a win over the Colts, while Dameon Pierce had three carries, and Akers wasn't even active.

Cam Akers showing off why RBs do all those drills.

Good cutback. Efficient hip mobility. High knees and feet. One step transition from perimeter to downhill to avoid containment#Texans pic.twitter.com/5ddBGNqL9F

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) September 30, 2024

It would be fair to conclude that Akers has done enough to earn the backup role over Pierce, considering he is also injured and is coming off a disappointing 2023 season.

However, with a healthy Mixon, that backup role isn't fantasy-relevant. As long as Mixon is good to go, he'll dominate the backfield touches, with Akers coming in only on occasion to spell him.

You can hold on to Akers as a handcuff if you want to, but overall, fantasy managers are mostly safe to drop him.

Who Should I Pickup in Week 5 Fantasy Football?

Looking for a running back to add this week? Check out Phil Clark's top running back pickups for Week 5.

One option to look at, if he's available in your league, is Braelon Allen, who continues to push Breece Hall for touches. His upside is limited because he won't surpass Hall, but he's been able to produce on the touches he's gotten.

Some other names to monitor include Bucky Irving, Chase Brown, Tank Bigsby, and Trey Sermon, who can all help your fantasy lineup in different ways.

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