Look, I’ve covered enough fantasy football seasons to know when lightning strikes, and I see an opportunity with Tony Pollard in year two with the Titans. Sometimes it’s a rookie who explodes onto the scene. Other times, it’s a veteran quarterback finding new life with a different team. But right now, watching Tony Pollard’s situation unfold in Tennessee, I’m getting that familiar tingle that tells me we’re witnessing something special brewing.
The fantasy football community loves to overthink things. We dive deep into target shares, snap counts, and advanced metrics until our eyes bleed. But sometimes, the best plays are hiding in plain sight. Tony Pollard represents exactly that kind of opportunity: a proven commodity whose stock has dipped just enough to make him one of the most compelling fantasy assets of 2025.
The numbers don’t lie about what Pollard can do when given the chance. Last season, he averaged over 20 touches per game during Tennessee’s first eight contests. Those are RB1 numbers, folks. Add in his receiving ability: remember, he hauled in 55 catches back in 2023, and you’re looking at a player who can contribute across multiple categories.
Here’s where things get really interesting. Everyone’s sleeping on what Brian Callahan is building in Tennessee, and that ignorance is about to cost them. This is the same offensive coordinator who made Jake Browning look like a legitimate NFL quarterback and got productive seasons out of Mason Rudolph. The only quarterback who couldn’t succeed in Callahan’s system? Will Levis, who might have set records for taking the worst sacks in NFL history.
Enter Cam Ward, the number one overall pick, who brings a skill set that perfectly complements what Callahan wants to do. Ward doesn’t need to be Patrick Mahomes; he just needs to be competent enough to keep defenses honest. When that happens, watch Tony Pollard’s production soar.
The Titans invested heavily in their offensive line this offseason, adding pieces at left tackle and right guard. That’s not the kind of investment you make unless you’re planning to lean heavily on your ground game. With Pollard now positioned as the primary beneficiary of that improved blocking, we could be looking at a top-15 running back finish.
Let me paint you a picture that should get every fantasy manager’s heart racing. Tyjae Spears, who was supposed to eat into Tony Pollard’s workload this season, is now sidelined with a high ankle sprain. That injury just handed Pollard the keys to Tennessee’s backfield on a silver platter.
We’re talking about a guy who handled nearly 58% of the Titans’ rushing attempts last year while dealing with a committee situation. Now? He’s looking at a clear path to bell-cow status, at least for the early part of the season. That’s the kind of opportunity that transforms fantasy seasons.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Tony Pollard’s 2024 season wasn’t pretty from a raw numbers perspective. But dig deeper, and you’ll find reasons for optimism that most casual observers are missing entirely.
Pollard’s yards after contact per attempt jumped back to elite levels last year, ranking among the top performers in the NFL. This was a significant improvement from his injury-shortened 2023 campaign, suggesting he’s fully recovered from that leg fracture and tightrope surgery that derailed his Dallas tenure.
The really encouraging sign? Pollard was averaging nearly 20 fantasy points per game in Tennessee’s victories last season, commanding a robust 12.8% target share before his late-season ankle injury. That target share ranked him around RB5 levels: exactly the kind of floor you need from a mid-round pick.
For fantasy managers employing the increasingly popular zero-RB strategy, Tony Pollard represents the perfect anchor. You can start your draft loading up on elite wide receivers and tight ends, knowing you have a reliable option waiting in the sixth or seventh round.
Think about it this way, while your league mates are reaching for unproven rookies or hoping for lightning in a bottle with handcuffs, you can secure a proven veteran who’s walked into an ideal situation. Pollard has the experience, the talent, and now the opportunity to deliver consistent fantasy production week after week.
The beauty of targeting Tony Pollard is that he provides both a high floor and legitimate upside. His floor comes from volume; he’s going to touch the ball 18-22 times per game. His upside comes from efficiency and an improved offensive environment that should lead to more scoring opportunities.
Here’s what kills me about the current fantasy football landscape: everyone’s chasing the shiny new toys while ignoring the steady producers. Tony Pollard’s current ADP reflects skepticism about Tennessee’s offense and concerns about his age, but both of those fears are overblown.
At 27 years old, Pollard is entering what should be his prime years. Running backs don’t fall off a cliff at this age, especially ones who’ve maintained their efficiency metrics like Pollard has. The idea that he’s “washed” because of one down year in a dysfunctional offense is lazy analysis.
The competition for touches in Tennessee is laughable when you really break it down. Julius Chestnut has 114 career rushing yards over three seasons. Sixth-round rookie Kalel Mullings never even topped 1,000 yards in college. These aren’t the guys who are going to steal significant work from an established veteran like Pollard.
If you’re convinced that Pollard deserves a spot on your roster, here’s how to make it work strategically. Target him as your RB2 if you went wide receiver heavy early, or as a high-upside RB3 if you managed to snag a couple of running backs in the first four rounds.
The key is pairing the veteran with some high-upside lottery tickets later in the draft. Grab a few handcuffs, some rookie running backs who might break out, or proven veterans in unclear situations. That way, if Pollard delivers on his potential, you’ve got a solid foundation. If he doesn’t, you’ve got other irons in the fire.
Don’t overthink the Tennessee offense concerns. Yes, they struggled last year, but offensive line improvements and competent quarterback play can transform a running game overnight. Pollard is positioned to be the primary beneficiary of those improvements.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!