USATSI_19564208

Dec 4, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (3) runs the ball against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Mike Jackson (30) and defensive end L.J. Collier (91) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60% of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds in .5 PPR format are — QB: 18 fantasy points, RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers), WR: 11 fantasy points, TE: 10 fantasy points.

Cam Akers, Rams 
Starts DFS Matchup Line Total
16% on Yahoo $5,400 on DraftKings vs. LV LV -6 44.5

Speaking candidly, the Rams should be relegated to the XFL in exchange for the San Antonio Brahmas. Without Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford, the reigning Super Bowl champs are virtually worthless, and the curiosity around what a Brahma is exactly would elicit interest. Also, the NFL needs to give Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson additional work. It’s not like he’s busy with the other 21 active projects (roughly) in his life.

So it’s been a rough go for the Rams. Akers’ terrible inconsistency is partially to blame. A coveted early round fantasy pick in early August, it only took a mere 13 weeks for him to deliver anything meaningful. A brief fallout with the organization along with repeated uninspired performances quickly painted him out of the picture. Numbers nerds, like yours truly, couldn’t even add hints of color through advanced analytics. His YAC per attempt (2.72), missed tackle rate (16.8%) and yards created per touch contributions (RB41) only added to the misery.

However, his sudden about-face against Seattle last Sunday has provided a sliver of sunshine. On a season-best 78.3% of the snap share, Akers notched 17 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns in Week 13. More importantly, upstart Kyren Williams, who earned under 10% of the opportunity share, took a clear backseat in playing time.

Another lopsided workload favoring Akers is possible Thursday against Las Vegas. The Raiders are the seventh-friendliest foe to opposing RBs since Week 8. Over that stretch, they’ve given up 131.0 total yards and seven total touchdowns to RBs. Though underutilized as a pass catcher, Akers, with his red-zone dominance, could produce another double-digit output. At an ever-changing position, he’s again viable, at least somewhat, in 12-team leagues. Hey, you need a reason to watch Thursday Night Football, after all.

Fearless Forecast: 16 carries, 56 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 receptions, 6 receiving yards, 13.2 fantasy points

Week 14 Bonus Flames

D’Onta Foreman, Panthers
Starts DFS Matchup Line Total
21% on Yahoo $5,400 on DraftKings at SEA SEA -4 44
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Nov 27, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back D'Onta Foreman (33) makes a cut on a run play against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Peppermint matched with any form of chocolate. That’s a delectable combination. Any running back facing Seattle’s front is equally delicious. See Foreman.

Of late, the Seahawks have rolled out the red carpet for runners. Since Week 9, they’ve surrendered 5.23 yards per carry, 181.0 total yards per game, six total touchdowns and THE most fantasy points to RBs. The Carolina rusher has presented twists and turns on par with The Road to Hana, but, sporadic whiplash aside, he’s provided excellent production when on a straightaway.

Since Week 7, Foreman has topped 100 yards in a game four times. Over that stretch, he also ranks top-13 in missed tackles forced (20) and yards after contact per attempt (3.18). Recharged after the bye and given the premium matchup, he’s a very deployable RB2 in 12-team formats.

Fearless Forecast: 17 carries, 89 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 reception, 11 receiving yards, 16.9 fantasy points

Raheem Mostert, Dolphins
Starts DFS Matchup Line Total
19% on Yahoo $5,400 on DraftKings at LAC MIA -3 52.5
USATSI_19426983

Nov 13, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) runs with the football during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Second fiddles are occasionally out of tune, but if you strum Mostert in Week 13, he’s sure to crank out intoxicating sounds on level with an authentic Stradivarius.

Returning to the lineup after an injury-impacted departure in San Francisco, Mostert found little running room. Last Sunday against the 49ers, he logged just seven carries for 30 yards. Due to Mike McDaniels’ RBBC adherence, he’ll continue to have an occasional fantasy-useful role working alongside Jeff Wilson Jr. This week marks one such opportunity.

To put it bluntly, the Chargers stink in run coverage. On the year, they’ve allowed 5.61 yards per carry, 160.4 total yards per game, 15 total touchdowns and the second-most fantasy points to RBs. Only Houston’s defense has outpaced them in suckiness. On a presumed nine to 11 touches, Mostert does enough to warrant FLEX purposeful numbers.

Fearless Forecast: 9 carries, 44 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 reception, 6 receiving yards, 12.0 fantasy points

Season record: 16-20

Last week: 2-1 (Gus Edwards 1.2, AJ DIllon 19.4, Rachaad White 13.9)

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