Cam Akers vs Jerome Ford: The Full Breakdown
Cam Akers and Jerome Ford are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Cam Akers averaged 6.0 PPG across 13 games with the Minnesota Vikings, while Jerome Ford posted 8.4 PPG in 15 appearances for the Cleveland Browns.
A 2.4-PPG gap gives Jerome Ford the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Cam Akers ran for 318 yards and 2 touchdowns; Jerome Ford posted 582 and 3. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Cam Akers sits Week 6 while Jerome Ford is off Week 10. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
