Fantasy Football Winners Losers Cam Akers Traded Vikings

Fantasy managers who had rostered Akers may benefit from the trade, while others face uncertainty. Mattison's value depends on Minnesota's backfield rotation. Chandler and Rivers may not be worth holding onto. The scarcity of reliable second-tier running backs is a growing concern for managers.

The recent Akers trade in fantasy football has the potential to greatly benefit a select few managers who have invested time and effort into rostering the running back. However, for those managers who are in need of a running back, this trade raises more questions than it provides answers.

One of the main concerns for fantasy managers is whether Alexander Mattison is still worth a spot on their roster. The answer to this question largely depends on how the Minnesota Vikings plan to utilize their backfield rotation. While it may be wise to hold onto Mattison for a couple of weeks, there is a possibility that he could become a waiver-wire candidate in the near future.

On the other hand, Ty Chandler, the backup for the Vikings, is no longer worth considering as a waiver-wire option. He has only seen limited playing time, with just four carries and three targets in the 2023 season. With Akers now in the rotation, it is unlikely that Chandler will have the opportunity to surpass Mattison.

In Los Angeles, the new backup is Rivers. However, he has also seen minimal usage this season, with zero carries and only one target. Instead of dwelling on Chandler, fantasy managers now must decide whether or not to take a chance on Rivers in the upcoming weeks.

Furthermore, fantasy managers must come to terms with the fact that there are not many reliable second-tier running backs available on a weekly basis. While players like Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson are clear choices for starting lineups, the fantasy world is lacking in middle-round running backs who consistently receive enough workload to remain in starting lineups.

Mattison was one of the few remaining running backs who provided a significant volume of touches, averaging 12.5 touches and nearly 10 carries per game. Only 29 players have had more touches this season. Unless Akers becomes an every-down back for the Vikings, fantasy managers will have one less running back option to start in season-long leagues or target as a budget DFS (daily fantasy sports) option.