It’s impressive Cam Akers is even playing in the Super Bowl after tearing his Achilles tendon in training camp. Akers also suffered a shoulder injury in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers, but he did return to the game — it will be something to keep an eye on as practice reports come out closer to the Super Bowl.
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Since returning to the lineup in Week 18, Akers has averaged only 2.6 yards on 59 carries. It’s no secret that Rams coach Sean McVay prefers to stick with one running back to feature throughout the game; Sony Michel averaged 99 yards per game in the five games before Akers returned to the lineup and looked to be an elite running back at times as he helped the Rams win the NFC West.
But it seems Michel has found the bench again after Akers’ return so it’ll be Akers who gets the spotlight in the Super Bowl against the Bengals run defense. It is worth noting that Darrell Henderson Jr. was activated after missing time, but he’s likely the third back behind Akers and Michel.
Prop lines are updated as of Feb. 13 at 9:15 a.m. ET. Click here for live odds.
Rushing yards: Over 63.5 (-115); Under 63.5 (-115)
Akers hasn’t gone over this total since returning from the injury. Honestly, he’s looked pretty bad and nearly cost the Rams the game against the Buccaneers with two fumbles. McVay does have a bad tendency to try to run the ball when he’s leading, which costs his team and allows their opponent to get back in the game. If you think the Rams blow out the Bengals in this game, perhaps betting the over is the play, but we like the under. Even in a blowout scenario, why run an injured — and recently-returned-from-injury — Akers, when you have the workhorse Michel who can handle the end-game carries?
Most rushing yards: Cam Akers (+100) vs. Joe Mixon (-130)
Similar to the Rams, Cincinnati continues to insist on running the ball to keep the defense honest. Several times during the AFC Championship Game, the Bengals ran the ball on first down in predictable fashion. Neither team is going to entirely give up running the ball in the same way that Kansas City or Buffalo do in key games. Akers hasn’t shown much in his return from his injury so I think there’s good value on picking Mixon here. The line for Mixon’s over/under is set two yards higher than Akers.
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TD props: Anytime +115 First TD +800; Last TD +900
Akers hasn’t scored since his return from injury. Matthew Stafford has both rushing touchdowns for the Rams in the playoffs, which seems odd and we double-checked to make sure it is true. This is a pass from me on all fronts. Stafford at +900 anytime touchdown is a much better value.
More Super Bowl news
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- 2022 Super Bowl props best bets and picks: The Athletic’s model makes its selections for Bengals vs. Rams
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(Photo of Cam Akers: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images; The Athletic may receive an affiliate commission if you open an account with BetMGM through links contained in the above article.)