Who Should I Start? Tony Pollard or Javonte Williams

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.

Monday, August 11, 11:44 AM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams "continues to see the most reps with the starters" among the team's backfield candidates, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. With Miles Sanders (knee) and Jaydon Blue (ankle/heel) both dealing with injuries, Williams may be a lock to open the season as the lead running back in Dallas. In 17 games for the Denver Broncos last season, Williams rushed for 513 yards and four touchdowns on 139 carries. He profiles as a mid-tier RB4 in fantasy whose upside lies in the potential volume of available touches in the Cowboys' backfield.