Fantasy Football 2021: 3 Sophomores primed for breakout, 3 for bust

Fantasy Football is a phenomenon in the world of sports. With roughly 75 million people participating in fantasy football leagues across the United States it has become a pastime for many football fans. Many play for money, but for most, the monetary reward isn’t the real victory.

No, most of us (yes, I am included in this) play to prove to our friends that we know more about the NFL than they do.  The money usually doesn’t last too long, but if you win, you get a full year of bragging rights!

Anyway, you’re not here to hear me talk about my personal reasons for playing fantasy football.  You came for the sophomore sleepers!  Let’s dive right into it and see which second-year players I (a completely average, but very enthusiastic fantasy football player) believe are poised for breakout seasons or sophomore slumps.

Fantasy Football 2021 Breakout Candidates

1)  Cam Akers RB/ LA Rams

Now, I am going to be upfront about the fact that I graduated from Florida State University as did Cam Akers. However, that love of ‘Noles in the NFL isn’t impacting my decision here.

Cam Akers happens to be the primary back for one Sean McVay, the mastermind behind Todd Gurley’s absolutely dominant run as fantasy football’s premier player.  While his rookie season was quiet for most of the year, over his last four games played Akers averaged 21.5  rushes per game and another two receptions per game for a whopping 23.5 touches per game!

Spread out over a full season that would have put him fourth in the NFL behind only Dalvin Cook, Derrick Henry, and Christian McCaffrey. Add in that the Rams have moved on from Jared Goff and upgraded to Matt Stafford and it is a sign that Akers could be in for a huge year.

The main worry I have for him is McVay and his moodiness when it comes to his backs lately.  Beware, a slow start may lead to a committee. Currently, Akers is going at the 2.03 in redraft leagues, behind guys like Ezekiel Elliot, Jonathan Taylor, and Austin Ekeler. If you don’t end up with one of the elite RB’s, don’t sweat it, Akers will be there for you at the back end of the first, or if you have an early 2nd you should be able to get yourself a potential top-five player at the most important position in fantasy football.

The big worry I have is whether McVay will be patient with him with a rough schedule.