Who Should I Start? Tony Pollard or Rico Dowdle

Saturday, November 1, 12:56 PM

Running back Tony Pollard is one of the players the Tennessee Titans are "fielding the most calls on" ahead of the NFL's November 4 trade deadline, according to Diana Russini of The Athletic. Pollard has recorded 555 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 127 touches across eight games for the 1-7 Titans so far this season. Tennessee has a younger and cheaper running back option behind Pollard in Tyjae Spears, so it may make sense for the rebuilding Titans to try to maximize Pollard's value. Depending on where he gets moved, a trade could significantly boost Pollard's fantasy value. He's been losing touches to Spears in recent weeks, and the Titans' anemic offense limits the scoring opportunities for both running backs. If Pollard gets traded, Spears would become the unquestioned lead back in Tennessee. Currently, both players profile as high-end flex options heading into their Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Saturday, November 8, 1:25 AM

Rico Dowdle is set for a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. Against running backs over the last four weeks, the Saints gave up 521 rushing yards, which is the fourth-most of all teams, and four rushing touchdowns, which is tied for the third-most. Dowdle was the clear lead back for Carolina in Week 9, playing on 73.6% of snaps. In that game, Dowdle rushed for 130 yards on 25 carries, with two rushing TDs, and he totaled 28.1 PPR fantasy points. In the last five games, Dowdle had three rushing TDs, averaged 6.3 yards per carry, and averaged 22.1 PPR Fantasy Points Per game. He exceeded 28 points three times during that span. With a plus matchup against the Saints in Week 10, fantasy players should start Dowdle as a prime must-start option in all formats.