A beginner’s take: Cam Akers’ injury and how it impacts our NFL fantasy drafts

In tragic news for the Los Angeles Rams, top running back Cam Akers was ruled of the NFL 2021 season after he suffered a torn Achilles while training. The team’s leading rusher from 2020 is expected to be back for the 2022 campaign, NFL Network Insider reported.

Akers’ injury blow not only comes as a massive blow to the Rams, whose chances of making the playoffs dropped from 64.6% to 53.9%, but also to the plans of a lot of NFL fantasy managers who were planning to robe in Akers as their lower-end RB1. 

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But one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and the injury to Akers opens a doorway for Darrell Henderson to own a bigger role for the Rams.

Darrell Henderson

Last year, when Akers got hurt in Week 2 and either sat out or barely played in the next five games, Henderson worked as the main running-down guy for the Rams.

In the following six games, Henderson bagged at least 18 PPR points three times and totalled at least 14 touches five times.

His was impressive recording 4.8 yards per carry, 12.1 yards per catch, 15 missed tackles forced and 2.81 yards after contact per carry.

And he also converted six carries inside the 5-yard line into three touchdowns.

Albeit Henderson has the window of opportunity now to cement himself as the starting RB, his passing game when compared to Akers might let him down. Meanwhile, head coach Sean McVay too hasn’t shown much liking for Henderson throughout last year.

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But, for now, Henderson is a solid higher-end RB 2 according to us.

Matthew Stafford

The injury to Akers also brings to the spotlight the Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was drafted to the team this season.   

With their main running back out for the season, McVay could opt to focus on passing a lot, which would aid Matthew Stafford and his fantasy value. He could have plenty of opportunities to boost his stats.