Why Cowboys' Tony Pollard is no longer an RB1 for fantasy players
After Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard broke out and made his first Pro Bowl last season, many fantasy experts thought he would be a surefire RB1. That hasn't been the case, though.
"It feels cruel to put Pollard in this space nearly three months into the season," wrote NBC Sports' Denny Carter. "He's been a regression candidate for the entire season, and no matter the game script — good, bad, ugly, sideways — Pollard can't get there for one reason or another."
Through nine games, the 26-year-old running back has averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry and only scored two TDs. Per Pro Football Reference, he's on track to finish with 158.4 fantasy points, a considerable dropoff from last season when he recorded 209.8.
"The running game has not been as effective, which can be traced in part to the lack of continuity on the offensive line," wrote ESPN NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer. "Tony Pollard has one 100-yard game."
In a Week 10 victory over the New York Giants, Pollard only rushed for 55 yards on 15 carries, while RB2 Rico Dowdle led the team in rushing with 12 carries for 79 yards and one TD. On Tuesday, Dallas owner Jerry Jones implied Dowdle should get more carries.
"He's a violent runner," Jones told KRLD-FM in Dallas. "He runs with great skill. I'm so proud of him. He's finally put together the RB he can be. He's outstanding. It really just gives us a one-two punch in there."
Pollard is still the clear-cut RB1, but the Cowboys should develop an RB2. He's played on a career-high 70% of offensive snaps this season, possibly wearing him down.
Regardless, fantasy owners must move Pollard to an RB2 or flex role until he regains his mojo.
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