#Cam Akers could play big role in playoffs

Why would anyone ever marginalize such an asset? That’s sort of like a Batman movie in which Commissioner Gordon is the main character, it makes little sense (sorry “Gotham” TV show). You have a superhero in the backfield, you use him like one, right?

But that wasn’t always the case. In his first two seasons, Henry did not reach 200 carries nor 1,000 yards. Under coach Mike Mularkey, he split carries with DeMarco Murray. It wasn’t until Henry’s third season, under current coach Mike Vrabel, that he really broke out. Even then, it took Vrabel a little while to figure it out. In the first 12 games that year, Henry averaged just 11.7 touches and 7.5 PPR fantasy points per game, splitting time with Dion Lewis.

Then came the final four games of that 2018 season, in which Henry belatedly announced his presence with authority. In that stretch, his average touches rose to 19.4, and his average fantasy production increased sharply to 26.4. He was the hero who swooped in just in time, during the fantasy playoffs, to become a league winner for many.

The point being, late-season surges can come from players from whom you don’t expect it. It seems obvious now that Henry is a fantasy stud, but that wasn’t always the case. Who can be this year’s 2018 version of Derrick Henry? Who can be a Derrick Redux?

We want to find a player whose role is increasing, has untapped potential, ideally is on an offense that can move the ball and is available on waivers to boost your push through the fantasy playoffs.

We can identify one specific target: Rams rookie running back Cam Akers. His ascension in the LA backfield was delayed this season by a rib injury. The committee he has been mired in includes a pair of pedestrian hurdles in Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown.

Two weeks ago, Akers split carries with Henderson but had a long TD that gave him a much better stat line. This week, he dominated the workload, getting 21 carries (72 yards and a score) compared to a combined six carries between Henderson and Brown. Henderson had a breakaway 38-yard late TD, but that one wasn’t nearly as impressive as Akers’ 9-yard burst in which he dragged defenders into the end zone.

Assuming his Week 13 workload is the new norm, the Rams’ schedule breaks nicely as well — with vulnerable runs defenses of the Patriots, Jets and Seahawks remaining during the fantasy playoffs. And the best news: Akers is available in roughly 65 percent of leagues at ESPN and NFL.com and nearly half at Yahoo.

Can Akers help your playoff push? Yes he Cam.

Playoff payoffs

Jalen Hurts QB, Eagles

Coach Doug Pederson wouldn’t announce a Week 14 starter, which make us think he will end up benching Carson Wentz. Hurts will be more of a deep QB-league option than in basic one-QB fantasy formats.

J.K. Dobbins RB, Ravens

Can be found in roughly 40 percent of leagues. Anticipate him ascending to the top RB spot, beginning Tuesday night against the Cowboys. If you can grab him before kickoff, do it.

Ty Johnson RB, Jets

He filled in for Frank Gore after the veteran left early in Sunday’s game, and he did so admirably (22-104-1). Don’t be surprised if the younger Johnson gets a longer look the rest of the season.

Cole Kmet TE, Bears

Hit season highs across the board in Week 13. We expect more down the stretch. At a thin position, easily worth a shot to catch a potential playoff breakout.

Something’s off

Kyler Murray QB, Cardinals

He is averaging better than 25 fantasy points per week but has totaled just 24 the past two weeks combined. Giants are next, and they just corralled Russell Wilson. Have an alternative ready.

Miles Sanders RB, Eagles

Has just 16 total touches and is averaging just 2.87 yards per carry the past two games. Next, the Saints’ stingiest fantasy defense vs. RBs in the league. Queue up a backup.

T.Y. Hilton WR, Colts

He is coming off his best game of the season (8-for-110, one TD, 11 targets), but recall he has gotten more than six targets just one other time since Week 2, and now has a grand total of two TDs all season.

Dan Arnold TE, Cardinals

After his two-TD outing Sunday, some might flock his way for TE relief. Don’t be a sucker. He gets fewer than three targets per game.