Who Should I Start? Tony Pollard or Rico Dowdle

Saturday, December 6, 2:31 PM

Across 12 games this season, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard has recorded 753 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 177 touches. The 28-year-old has earned double-digit touches in every contest, but has not seen more than 15 in any game since Week 5. Since Tennessee's Week 10 bye, Pollard has played 95 offensive snaps while fellow Titans back Tyjae Spears has played 92. Given the nearly dead-even playing time split and the overall struggles of the Tennessee offense, Pollard's production upside has a firm ceiling. Additionally, the Titans have a tough matchup in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. Entering the week, Cleveland ranks second among all NFL defenses in yards per carry allowed (3.7). Pollard profiles as a deep-league flex option at best for fantasy managers in Week 14.

Wednesday, December 3, 1:59 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was outproduced by Chuba Hubbard in last week's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, as Hubbard finished with 17 carries for 83 yards while also catching two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had 18 rushing attempts for 58 yards and added two receptions for 21 yards. It was the first time the Panthers had two RBs each record at least 75 scrimmage yards in a game since Dec. 24 of 2022. "And for Rico, you know, giving him the lion's share of some of those first and second down, those early series and all that is a great way to just get him the ball," head coach Dave Canales said. With Hubbard getting his legs back under him after missing some time with injury, the Panthers appear to be reaching a more effective, balanced approach between the two RBs, with Dowdle becoming the early-down back, and Hubbard working more on passing downs.