Los Angeles Rams Trade Cam Akers to Minnesota Vikings to Boost Rushing Attack
Posted on: September 21, 2023, 11:16h. Last updated on: September 21, 2023, 11:16h.
The Los Angeles Rams have made a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, sending running back Cam Akers to the Vikings in exchange for pick swaps in the 2026 NFL Draft and conditional draft picks.
The Vikings currently have the worst rushing attack in the NFL, averaging just 69 rushing yards per game through the first two weeks of the season. The addition of Akers aims to strengthen their underperforming rushing game and provide depth behind starter Alexander Mattison.
Akers, selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, showed promise as a rookie with 748 yards from scrimmage and an average of 4.3 yards per carry. Despite a preseason Achilles injury in 2021, Akers returned in time for the playoffs and helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI.
With Akers joining the Vikings, they hope to improve their rushing attack and overcome Mattison’s struggles in his first season as a starter. The Vikings have relied heavily on their pass-heavy offense, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, but have failed to generate a strong ground game. They had only 23 rushing attempts in the first two games of the season, resulting in their worst rushing performance in the league.
The departure of former starting running back Dalvin Cook, who signed with the New York Jets in the preseason, left the Vikings searching for a replacement. While Mattison has excelled in previous seasons when Cook was injured, he has struggled to find his rhythm as the starter in 2023. So far, he has only rushed for 62 yards on 19 attempts, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry with no touchdowns.
The Vikings’ lackluster rushing attack has contributed to their two losses at the start of the season. They managed to gain only 41 rushing yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 and just 28 rushing yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2.
The trade gives Akers a second chance with the Vikings, as he aims to prove himself and contribute to their rushing game. Akers had a turbulent relationship with Rams head coach Sean McVay, which resulted in him being left off the active roster in Week 2. However, he reunites with two former coaches, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, who were both with the Rams during Akers’ time there.
There have been rumors of a potential trade involving Kirk Cousins, the Vikings’ quarterback. With Cousins’ contract expiring and the Jets in need of a quarterback after Aaron Rodgers’ injury, speculations have arisen about a possible move. However, the focus for the Vikings remains on improving their rushing attack and turning their season around.
The Vikings face a crucial game against the winless Chargers in Week 3 as they seek their first victory of the season. A win in this game could significantly increase their chances of making the playoffs. Despite their slow start, history has shown that teams can still turn their season around after an 0-2 start. The Vikings won 13 games last season but were eliminated early in the playoffs, highlighting the need for improvement.
Betting on the Vikings
The Vikings’ slow start has affected their betting odds. Oddsmakers initially set their win total at 8.5 over/under before the season began, but it has since been adjusted to 7.5 o/u. Their odds to make the playoffs are currently at +260, while their odds to miss the postseason stand at -340.
After the trade, the Vikings’ odds of winning the NFC North have decreased. The Detroit Lions are now the betting favorites at -105, followed by the Green Bay Packers at +200, and the Vikings at +500.
Despite their rough start, the Vikings still have a chance to turn their season around, starting with a crucial matchup against the Chargers. The betting line for this game has fluctuated throughout the week, but the Vikings are currently favored by 1 point.