Last week, the Rams designated Darrell Henderson Jr. (knee) to return from injured reserve (IR). If he suits up for the NFC title game — or for the Super Bowl if the Rams win this weekend — how would his presence impact the fantasy football production of Cam Akers and Sony Michel? Additionally, could Henderson be a viable DFS option?
Darrell Henderson Jr.’s injury and playoff fantasy outlook
For a majority of this season, Henderson was a must-start fantasy RB. Sounds strange now, given how much has changed in LA’s backfield these past few weeks. In the span of a few games, Henderson’s stock tanked due to a quad injury, then getting placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and finally landing on IR with a knee injury.
Before all of this transpired, Henderson was the Rams’ unquestioned bell cow, racking up 593 rushing yards, 23 receptions, 747 total yards, and 8 total touchdowns. He achieved this in 10 games, averaging a terrific 4.7 yards per carry. Michel was nothing more than a handcuff, while Akers’ (Achilles — injured reserve) postseason status remained in doubt.
A former third-round pick, Henderson is the complete package and is fully capable of carrying the load. However, he’s currently the odd man out. It might take another Akers fumble to move Henderson back up the depth chart, and even then, Michel has earned a prominent role. For now, treat Henderson as a long shot for 5+ touches if he returns.
Cam Akers’ playoff fantasy outlook
Had Akers not nearly fumbled away the Rams’ season, he’d be a shoo-in for 18+ touches this weekend against the 49ers. The all-purpose back and former second-round draft pick has been billed as this franchise’s future bell cow. Yet, he now carries higher-than-expected risks into this weekend. A first-half fumble against the Niners could force him to the bench, especially given the Rams’ unusually strong RB backups.
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It should be noted that when asked about Akers’ fumbles last weekend, head coach Sean McVay remarked, “I know he’ll learn from this.” So we should assume Akers once again will be the first man up on Sunday, and his sky-high potential as a rusher and pass catcher make him a worthy start for fantasy managers and bettors. However, his floor is lower than a typical bell cow’s.
Sony Michel’s playoff fantasy outlook
Michel is one Akers misstep away from being a potential fantasy hero. It’s hard to believe the Rams gave up only a fifth- and sixth-round pick in August to wrest him from the Patriots. Granted, New England had no use for him anymore. But with Henderson entrenched as the starter to open the season, Michel’s path to relevance seemed bleak.
The fourth-year pro actually hasn’t run exceptionally well (4.1 yards per carry). Instead, he’s stepped in an area where he’s usually been nearly invisible — the passing game. Entering 2021, he had only 26 catches in the regular season (compared to 535 rushing attempts). This season, he caught 21 balls despite serving in a backup role for much of the year.
As a result, Michel is no longer a TD-dependent back. He can comfortably net 8-12 points even if he doesn’t find the end zone. If the Rams somehow win handily this weekend, or if Akers stumbles, Michel could be in line for 12+ touches, putting him on the fringe fantasy/DFS map. Otherwise, he’ll likely be a 4-6 touch option if Henderson returns, and perhaps a 6-8 touch option if Henderson continues to sit.
