Fantasy Football: Mixon Out, Akers a Play?
The injury bug continues to plague fantasy football, and this week it's Joe Mixon who's out with a concussion. With Cincinnati facing a tough matchup against the Ravens, managers are scrambling to find a replacement. Enter Cam Akers, who's looking to breakout with Cooper Kupp out for a few weeks. Is he the answer to your woes? Let's break down the situation.
Joe Mixon: Concussion Concerns
Mixon's absence leaves a gaping hole in the Bengals' offense. He was coming off a strong performance against the Browns, showcasing his usual explosive running style. However, his concussion adds a layer of uncertainty to his availability moving forward.
What to do with Mixon: If you have Mixon, it's best to stash him on your IR spot. This will allow you to monitor his progress and see if he can return in Week 10. For now, you'll need to find a suitable replacement.
Cam Akers: Opportunity Knocks
With Kupp out, the Rams are looking to increase Akers' workload. He's shown flashes of his old explosiveness in recent weeks, but the lack of targets has kept him from reaching his full potential. This week, with a higher volume of touches expected, Akers could finally be in line for a breakout performance.
Why Akers could be a good play:
- Increased workload: With Kupp out, the Rams will need to find ways to replace his targets and carries. Akers is the most likely beneficiary of this shift.
- Favorable matchup: The Rams face the Buccaneers in Week 9, who have a relatively weak run defense.
- Potential for touchdowns: With a more consistent workload, Akers will have more opportunities to find the endzone.
However, there are some things to consider:
- Uncertain targets: Even with increased carries, Akers may not see many targets. This could limit his ceiling.
- Competition for touches: Kyren Williams is also in the mix for carries, which could affect Akers' production.
Finding a Mixon Replacement
If you're looking for a Mixon replacement, consider these options:
- Other running backs facing favorable matchups: Look for players with good matchups against teams with weak run defenses.
- Pass-catching backs: If you need someone to fill the void in the passing game, look for running backs who are known for their receiving skills.
Here are some potential options:
- D'Onta Foreman (Carolina Panthers): Faces a weak Saints run defense.
- Rhamondre Stevenson (New England Patriots): Could see increased workload with Damien Harris out.
- James Cook (Buffalo Bills): Faces a weak Jets run defense.
- Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs): Could benefit from Clyde Edwards-Helaire's potential absence.
The Verdict
While Akers' potential is exciting, he comes with some risks. His targets are still uncertain, and he'll need to overcome competition for touches. However, with a higher workload and a favorable matchup, he could be a viable flex play in your lineup.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Analyze the options available to you, consider your specific needs, and make the best decision for your fantasy team. Good luck!
