Who Should I Start? Tony Pollard or Isiah Pacheco

Sunday, December 7, 6:09 PM

Tennessee Titans running back had 25 carries, 161 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 14 win over the Cleveland Browns. His touchdowns came on long runs from 32 and 65 yards out, respectively. Pollard's big performance seemed to come out of nowhere. Over the last three weeks, he struggled to amass more than a dozen touches per game, averaged fewer than 4.5 yards per carry, didn't score a touchdown, and essentially split snaps 50/50 with Tyjae Spears. However, that entire dynamic changed this Sunday as Pollard shattered his previous season-high rushing attempt total (20) and posted his best fantasy performance of the season. Pollard played well early in the game, so it seems like Tennessee simply rode the hot hand and kept him in the game as long as he continued to play well. That same trend should continue in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers, and Pollard has the early advantage over Spears given his excellent showing this Sunday. He's back into the RB2 tier for Week 15.

Saturday, December 6, 5:03 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco only handled three carries for 16 yards in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but he should handle more work this week. The 26-year-old returned from his knee injury in Week 13, which explains his light workload, but his playing time should increase against the tough Houston defense in Week 14. The Texans defense has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, making it a tough spot for Pacheco amid a split backfield. Pacheco also popped up on the injury report with a knee injury, but was a full participant in practice all week and is good to go for the weekend. The second-year back was pulling away with the lead role before his injury, so the split could lean in his direction eventually, but it is difficult to say when that might be. Pacheco is ranked RB46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a tough player to start this week.