Who Should I Start? Tony Pollard or Chuba Hubbard

Tuesday, May 20, 2:34 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) said his rehab and recovery efforts from a late-season sprained ankle have gone "great," and it has allowed him to prepare better this offseason compared to last. The former Dallas Cowboy enjoyed a relatively productive season in his first year with Tennessee, considering the poor offensive environment he played in. Overall, Pollard rushed 260 times for 1,079 yards and five touchdowns. He added 41 receptions for 238 yards through the air. While he should be penciled in as the team's RB1 again in 2025, he could split more time with Tyjae Spears if the former Tulane back can stay healthy. Additionally, sixth-round rookie running back Kalel Mullings, a 230-pound bruiser, could mix in near the goal line. Pollard continues to have RB2 upside and starting appeal in favorable matchups, but he might not operate as a workhorse next season.

Tuesday, July 1, 9:19 PM

The Charlotte Observer's Alex Zietlow writes that Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard "will still get the overwhelming majority of the touches" this year. Hubbard was the team's bell-cow back in 2024 with 712 snaps. He carried the ball 250 times, which ranked 11th in the NFL and second among all RBs who played 15 games or fewer. Zietlow thinks that number will drop a bit this year as the Panthers look to keep Hubbard fresh, with Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne splitting change-of-pace carries. The 26-year-old had his first 1,000-yard rushing season with a career-high 10 touchdowns in 15 starts, adding a carer-high 43 catches for 171 yards and a score through the air. There's a good chance 2024 ends up being Hubbard's career year, as Dowdle should be much more effective than Miles Sanders was behind Hubbard last year. Fantasy managers should target Hubbard as an RB2.