Who Should I Start? Tony Pollard or Jahmyr Gibbs

Wednesday, August 6, 1:06 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard is listed as the RB1 on the team's first unofficial preseason depth chart ahead of Tyjae Spears. Meanwhile, Spears is listed as the co-RB2 with rookie Kalel Mullings. Head coach Brian Callahan has envisioned more of an even split in this year's backfield between Pollard and Spears, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said earlier this week that "people I've talked to in Tennessee believe Spears has positioned himself for an uptick" in opportunities after he averaged 9.5 touches per game last year. Assuming everyone is healthy, Pollard is probably the RB1, but the margin figures to shrink between he and Spears in 2025. It puts Pollard more on the RB2/3 borderline, while Spears is a decent RB4/flex target in PPR leagues or as a handcuff to Pollard. In his first year in Tennessee, Pollard had a career-high 1,079 rushing yards and five TDs on 260 carries.

Friday, August 22, 10:58 AM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was "great in the run and pass games" and "looked excellent" in the team's joint practice with the Houston Texans on Thursday, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. In contrast, Pouncy writes that the Lions' power run game behind David Montgomery struggled against Houston. Gibbs gained 1,929 yards from scrimmage and led the NFL with 20 touchdowns in 2024, but he started just four games. Montgomery will play a role in Detroit's offense. Still, it appears the Lions may be shifting the focus of their ground game, particularly with the uncertainty along the interior of their offensive line. The only question mark in Gibbs' fantasy profile is volume of touches. If he can shift into a true lead role in Detroit's backfield this season, Gibbs has RB1 upside.