Getty Cam Akers dives for the end zone against the Green Bay Packers during the 2021 NFC Divisional round of the playoffs.
At least one veteran media personality believes Cam Akers will “Schein” for the Los Angeles Rams this fall.
Adam Schein, who hosts “Schein on Sports” on Sirius XM and “Time to Schein” on CBS Sports Network, unveiled his list of “Nine NFL bandwagons to hop on in 2021” on June 8, and the second-year running back was the lone Rams player mentioned.
The former Florida State 1,000-yard rusher came in at No. 8 overall on the list, with Schein writing, “I am very high on the Rams this year, believing they will represent the NFC in the L.A. Super Bowl. Akers is a huge part of that. … I think the former second-round pick can become a legit top-10 running back this year for a championship-caliber team.”
Akers’ Playoff Breakout Hints at Big Things to Come
Schein, who is with “Mad Dog Radio” and has been with Sirius since 2004, pinpointed Akers’ Week 14 breakout against the New England Patriots last season as to why he’s sold on Akers’ upside going forward.
“Twenty-nine carries for 171 yards against Bill Belichick’s defense turns heads,” Schein wrote.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
All-22: @Andy_Benoit breaks down how the Rams blocking led to a big night for Cam Akers.
But that’s not the sole reason behind Schein encouraging others to get on the Akers train. That dominating performance against the eight-time Super Bowl champion Belichick became a prerequisite of Akers’ true potential.
“The guy was a stud in L.A.’s two playoff games, piling up 221 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with 51 receiving yards,” Schein reminded.
The 5-foot-10, 217-pounder wore down the Seattle Seahawks in the road upset of the reigning NFC West champions during last season’s NFC Wild Card round. Akers proved again he can handle a 25-plus carry workload, taking 28 handoffs and blistering past the Seahawks for 131 yards and one touchdown in the 30-20 victory, including 122 yards before halftime. He showed his cutback ability on his lone touchdown that day.
Akers also added two receptions for 45 more yards, averaging 22.5 yards a catch, and helped bail the Rams out of a third-and-9 scenario late in the first half.
The Rams upset Seattle 30-20 to advance in the NFC playoffs!
Rookie RB Cam Akers had 176 total yards and a touchdown.
💰LAR +150 (+3) 💰over 42.5
Akers and the Rams’ season ended in Green Bay the following week, but he still managed 90 yards and one score on 18 carries, averaging five yards per carry against a stingy Packers defense that ranked ninth in total yards allowed. Los Angeles even trusted Akers, a former high school quarterback, to handle direct snaps behind center, including on this red zone score.
A couple of days after the Rams were eliminated, Pro Football Focus Fantasy Football revealed Akers had the most yardage after contact in the postseason.
Most rushing yards after contact in playoffs
💥 Cam Akers – 154
💥 Alvin Kamara – 122
💥 Nick Chubb – 112
Schein High on the Rams in 2021
Schein previously predicted the Rams as his NFC representative in the 2022 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium, their home venue with the cross-town Chargers. Back in May, the CBS Sports personality hosted what he called an “extra pumped and extra fired-up” McVay on his radio show, helping fuel his belief in the Rams in 2021.
McVay himself raved about what Akers can bring to the field during the 2021 season, to which Schein confirmed, “He’s clearly excited about what Akers can offer in Year No. 2.”
Overall, Akers is expected to shine bright and become a household name in the NFL running back realm, with CBS Sports projecting the 22-year-old to rack up the sixth-most rushing yards (1,280) and six touchdowns on 275 carries this year.