In one of the more surprising results of Week 1, the Los Angeles Rams went to Seattle and completely dominated the Seahawks, 30-13. The team was clicking on all cylinders, as Matthew Stafford threw for 334 yards, while the defense held the Seahawks to 197 yards.
If there was one area of struggle, the Rams could not successfully run the ball. Los Angeles rushed the ball 40 times for 92 total yards, but they were able to score three rushing touchdowns.
Cam Akers (22 carries for 29 yards and one touchdown) and Kyren Williams (15 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns) both saw several carries, and there’s a decision to make on which running back to play in fantasy football.
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Editor’s Note: Fox’s Jay Glazer is reporting that Cam Akers will not be active for the Rams game against the 49ers. According to Glazer, he will be on the trade block.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Rams are making RB Cam Akers deactivated for Week 2 against the #49ers, per @JayGlazer
And coaches believe he's on the trade block and could be traded pic.twitter.com/lyeQ7wt7Is
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 17, 2023
Cam Akers Fantasy Outlook This Week
Akers had a weird 2022 season for the Rams, but if Week 1 is an indicator of the team’s thoughts on him, he’s still a valuable fantasy asset.
The 22 carries were the fourth most Akers has had in a regular-season game for his career. Even though L.A. didn’t run the ball well, the fact they stayed with it is a good sign moving forward.
However, this week will be a tough one running the ball, as the Rams are facing one of the very best defenses in the NFL in the San Francisco 49ers.
Kyren Williams Fantasy Outlook This Week
Williams was a pleasant surprise for the Rams last week. At 5-foot-9, 194 pounds, he’s a very fast running back who can make plays in the open field.
Last week’s 15 carries were a career high. Last season, he only carried the ball 35 times all year.
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For Williams, he’s a solid target out of the passing game as well, which could play a big role in this game. With the 49ers having one of the very best pass rushes and rushing defenses in the NFL, look for the Rams to try and throw some screens and quick passes.
Which of the Rams RBs Should You Start?
There are more favorable matchups for running backs than the 49ers, but we have to make a decision. For this week against San Francisco, Williams is the play. These two running backs are very close in the PFN Consensus Rankings for Week 2, with Williams being RB33 and Akers RB35.
With Williams’ ability to make plays in the passing game and being more explosive, he’s the better matchup for Week 2. However, if you have to count on either of these players, it could be a tough week all in all.