Tony Pollard vs Tyjae Spears: Who to draft in fantasy football?

When the Tennessee Titans signed running back Tony Pollard this offseason, it raised questions over whether he or rising second-year player Tyjae Spears would be the starter and what their projected workload split would be in the backfield. While the signing created a luxury for the Titans and new head coach Brian Callahan, the crowded backfield caused potential headaches for fantasy football managers.

Lets take a look at how this backfield could play out, which of these running backs you should draft for fantasy, and which is a better value at their current average draft position (ADP).

2023 Season

Last season, Pollard came back from a fractured leg and high ankle sprain suffered during the 2022 playoffs to lead the Dallas Cowboys' backfield. The University of Memphis product finished as the RB22 in points per game (11.5 in half PPR format) and RB15 in total points. Pollard averaged career lows in yards per carry (4.0) and yards per reception (5.7), but made up for his efficiency woes with volume by posting career highs in carries (252) and receptions (55).

Spears was the Titans' third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and spent his rookie season backing up Derrick Henry. The Louisiana native managed to finish as the RB43 in points per game (7.5) and RB35 in total points despite his limited role. Spears was highly efficient and looked explosive, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 7.4 yards per reception despite questionable offensive line play in front of him.