Cam Akers or J.K. Dobbins Week 3 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Fantasy football projections for RBs

Fantasy football managers will need to decide their running backs for their teams and Cam Akers and J.K. Dobbins both provide good options. The former is slated to feature prominently in the team and Joe Mixon was ruled out due to an ankle injury he suffered in the last game and second-on-the-chart Dameon Pierce struggling with a hamstring injury. On the other hand, the Chargers' back has been a valuable asset in their running game as Los Angeles has jumped to a 2-0 record.

It makes choosing between the two tough for fantasy football enthusiasts but here is the lowdown on them.

Is Cam Akers a good pick in Week 3?

As the third-choice running back for the Houston Texans, Cam Akers was not supposed to see the field unless those in front of him could not take to the field for some reason. And that is exactly what happened, as mentioned previously, to the starter Joe Mixon and backup Dameon Pierce.

That allowed him to show his abilities against the Bears in Week 2, albeit for a limited period. But he acquitted himself well, getting 32 yards in seven carries. His average yards per rushing attempt was, therefore, 4.6 yards, which is a decent output. He did not score a touchdown, though, and had a single reception. However, with the entirety of the game now available to him, he could make an appealing option considering his overall experience and performance last week.

The Texans take on the Vikings this week, who have an identical 2-0 record to them. Minnesota is also one of the better run defenses in the league, having allowed just 88 yards per game on the ground. But Cam Akers' freshness and nous should make fantasy football managers sit up and consider him.

Is J.K. Dobbins a good pick in Week 3?

J.K. Dobbins has been ridiculously good over the first two weeks of the 2024 NFL season. He has scored a touchdown in each game and has rushed for 135 and 131 yards in Week 1 and Week 2 respectively. He is averaging 9.9 yards per carry and also has four receptions in two games.

Based on that, it makes him the presumptive favorite for fantasy football managers in pretty much any matchup. However, we must remember that the Chargers are coming up against the Steelers, who have one of the best defensive units in the league. They are particularly good against the run game, having allowed just 76.5 rushing yards per match on average. That is the joint third-best in the NFL.

But given how productive he has been, J.K. Dobbins should appeal to any fantasy football owner. Our analytics seem to support that theory too.

Cam Akers vs J.K. Dobbins: Who should I start in Fantasy Football Week 3?

Sportskeeda's 'Who Should I Start' tool helps you decide for who should start between Cam Akers and J.K. Dobbins.

Cam Akers v J.K. Dobbins - Who Should I Start results from Sportskeeda - Week 3 - 2024 NFL season

Based on his higher overall productivity, the Chargers back is expected to have more rushing yards in total and also has a higher probability of scoring a touchdown because he already has a couple this season. That extends to his receiving production too, with the Texans running back more likely to receive more receptions but acquire fewer yards in the process with a lower chance of recording a touchdown.

Therefore, fantasy football managers should lean towards sitting Cam Akers and starting J.K. Dobbins ahead of their Week 3 matchups.