FanDuel Sportsbook released odds on rushing yards and props for four running backs who signed with new teams this offseason. Those running backs include Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard. What stood out the most was Pollard’s season rushing yard total was set at just 775.5 yards, after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Running Back Tony Pollard Signs 3-year Deal with the Tennessee Titans
On March 11, 2024, Tony Pollard agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans on a three-year deal worth $24 million. This signing created a major shift in the Tennessee backfield as this all but ended the Derrick Henry era in Tennessee.
Over his last two years in Dallas, Tony Pollard has been a constant playmaker and budding star out of the backfield. In 2023 Pollard was the lead back in Dallas and totaled 1,005 yards and 6 touchdowns for the Cowboys, a season after posting fourth highest running back grade on PFF in 2022. Pollard’s speed and ability to get north and south in the blink of an eye, separated him as one of the most dynamic runners in the NFL.
Signing a 26-year-old running back on a team-friendly deal is a great move for the Titans, but what exactly should expectations be for Pollard? The Titans enter their first season in the Brian Callahan era. Callahan comes from Cincinnati where he led the Bengals high-powered offense to the Super Bowl a couple of years ago. However, he will not have Joe Burrow in Tennessee and will look to develop new talent. The Sportsbooks tell us to expect around 775 yards and five touchdowns which would be a step back for the Pro Bowl running back.
The Emergence of Tennessee Titans Running Back Tyjae Spears
In 2023 the Tennessee Titans drafted running back Tyjae Spears out of Tulane in hopes to give Derrick Henry a change of pace back to rotate in the backfield with. Spears was never more than a change of pace back, but he was very effective in that role and showed flashes that should excite the Titans coaching staff.
Spears made the most of his opportunities averaging 5.5 yards per touch in 2023, and posting a solid 76.8 PFF grade. Spears should see an increased workload in 2024, creating an explosive backfield tandem with Pollard. It is too early to tell what this split will look like, but there is no doubt Spears will get his opportunities.
The Titans starting quarterback is likely to be Will Levis who the Titans drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. When starting a young quarterback it is important to establish a consistent rushing attack, and the Titans will look to do so in 2024.
With the unknown of what the Titans’ offense will look like in 2024 and the emergence of Tyjae Spears, I do not feel comfortable going over either of Pollard’s rushing props for the 2024 season.
More must-reads: