Running Back 27 – Cam Akers LAR
Cam Akers is one of the most intriguing fantasy players, not just running backs (RB), of 2023. Last year was an interesting one for Akers as well. He set career highs for games started (9), rushing yards (786), receptions (13), and touchdowns (7). His effort was also under question, and he seemed to have more than one issue with Head Coach Sean McVay. He has had a rather quiet off-season and the experts seemed torn about his 2023 season. His ADP currently sits between 50-60, and some say that it is a bargain, and some say he’s overpriced. So what info can help us decipher if Akers is worth his ADP?
He is listed as the starter on the LA Rams current depth chart, and the four RBs behind him; Williams, Evans, Rivers, and Freeman are virtually unproven. The Rams were unable to make many moves in the off-season due mortgaging their future for their Superbowl runs, and one RB they grabbed retired shortly after signing. Yet they still have playmakers Kupp, Higbee, Jefferson, and Stafford. If the other playmakers stay healthy it should keep opposing defenses from stacking the box against Akers. Without question this should be Akers career year, and possibly land him a nice contract. However, it’s also just as possible that he falters and the Rams play with several negative play scripts. Akers is a gamble either way you look at it, but he is there (depending on your RB philosophy) at the correct price.

Linebacker 27 – Dre Greenlaw SF
Dre Greenlaw just signed a nice 2 year contract extension, and is a cornerstone piece to the San Fransisco 49ers defense. He had an excellent 2022 season and it showed up in the stat books. 15 games started, 127 combined tackles, 82 solo tackles, 6 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 touchdown were all career highs. He had three spike weeks with over 25 points and finished as linebacker (LB) 28 in FF7s last year. There could be high volume for the 49ers defense, particularly early in the year, as the 49ers look to sort out their quarterback situation.
The 49ers also have a new Defensive Coordinator in Steve Wilks, but it shouldn’t change Greenlaw’s assignments or how he’s utilized. Although Greenlaw is arguably the 3rd or 4th best IDP on his team, do not let it detour you from grabbing him in the mid-to-late rounds. He is a reliable LB with better than average coverage skills, and he won’t be the main focus of most opposing Offensive Coordinators. He should be able to replicate or improve on his numbers from last year.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for RB & LB #26.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

*Stats come from FantasyPros, Pro Football Reference, Sleeper, and NFL/Next Gen.
*Rankings are based on .5 PPR format and FF7s.