Who Should I Start? Tony Pollard or Rico Dowdle

Friday, December 20, 4:10 PM

According to Jim Wyatt of the Titans, running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Pollard was unable to participate in practice all week but the team is leaving the door open for him. However, fantasy managers should begin to find an alternative option as he will likely face an uphill battle to suit up. Pollard has battled a lingering ankle injury over the past few weeks and was even forced out of last weekend's game due to it. If Pollard is unable to suit up, Tyjae Spears would step into the lead role. If Pollard is eventually ruled out, Spears would become a viable RB2 in all formats in a favorable matchup as the Colts have allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing running backs this season.

Saturday, December 21, 12:03 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle will be facing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense on Sunday Night Football in Week 16 that has allowed the fewest half-PPR points to opposing RBs in the last five weeks, which includes just one rushing touchdown given up. However, because of the high volume that Dowdle has been seeing of late as Dallas' clear-cut No. 1 RB, he'll carry high-end RB2 value for fantasy managers still alive in the playoffs. The 26-year-old is coming off a a career-best 149 rushing yards on 25 carries in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers after setting a previous career-best with 131 rushing yards the week prior. In the last four games, Dowdle has really been eating, seeing at least 18 carries per game and averaging 5.69 yards per attempt with a touchdown. Fantasy managers may not want to expect another career performance on Sunday night, but Dowdle is certainly trending up.