If you’re hunting for the best running back value in 2025 fantasy football drafts, look no further than Tony Pollard. After Tyjae Spears went down with a high ankle sprain that will sideline him for at least four games, Pollard has become the unquestioned lead back for the Tennessee Titans, and he’s still going in the sixth round of drafts.
Yes, you read that right. A locked-in RB1, who has already shown he can handle 20+ touches per game, is sitting there at pick 60 on Yahoo and near the end of Round 6 on Underdog. That kind of value doesn’t come around often, and it’s exactly why savvy fantasy managers are circling Pollard as their cheat code RB2/FLEX for 2025.
TYJAE SPEARS’ INJURY OPENS THE DOOR
Fantasy managers had been hoping for Spears to make a leap in his third season. After all, Spears closed out 2024 strong, delivering three top-12 fantasy weeks and generating offseason buzz about a bigger opportunity share. But that breakout has been put on hold after Spears landed on IR with a high ankle sprain. He’ll miss at least the first four games of the season, and those early weeks are typically vital to long-term fantasy success.
With Spears sidelined, the Titans’ backfield is all Tony Pollard’s. And while there’s still a possibility of a timeshare once Spears returns, Pollard is staring down a month-long stretch of bellcow usage. In today’s fantasy football landscape, a true three-down role is rare, especially in the fifth or sixth round.
THE NUMBERS BACK IT UP
Pollard has quietly been one of the most consistent running backs in football over the last three years. After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 and 2023, he kept the streak alive in his first year with Tennessee, rushing for 1,079 yards and five touchdowns, while also catching 41 passes for 238 yards.
What makes his 2024 even more impressive is that he produced those numbers while splitting the backfield with Spears for 12 games. But when Spears was out, Pollard absolutely feasted:
Most impressively, he did that while defenses stacked the box against Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. With No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward now in town to revitalize the passing game and the offense as a whole, Pollard should see lighter fronts and far more red-zone opportunities.
NON-EXISTENT COMPETITION
Spears’ injury leaves the Titans’ backfield looking thin. Behind Pollard, the next men up are rookie sixth-round pick Kalel Mullings and journeyman Julius Chestnut, who has done next to nothing. In other words, there is nobody remotely capable of pushing Pollard for touches during the first quarter of the season.
If Pollard stays healthy, he’s locked into a workhorse role, with the potential for fantasy RB1 production to open the season. As seen above, he remains one of the most explosive running backs in the league with 32 explosive plays last season.
TONY POLLARD IS DRIPPING WITH VALUE
Currently, Pollard’s ADP sits at 60.2 on Yahoo, making him a fifth or sixth-round pick depending on your draft format. On Underdog, he’s being scooped up at the tail end of Round 6. That’s RB22 off the board, behind names like Breece Hall (splitting work with Braelon Allen), David Montgomery (RB2 to Jahmyr Gibbs), and rookie RJ Harvey (who hasn’t played a snap yet and will split snaps with JK Dobbins).
Let’s be honest: that’s robbery. Pollard has already proven he can produce RB1 numbers without Spears in the lineup, and now he’s set up for exactly that role. It’s only a matter of time before his ADP climbs before Week 1, where he could be a consensus top-15 RB.
If you’re drafting now, take advantage of the discount.
TONY POLLARD FANTASY OUTLOOK
Pollard brings everything fantasy managers want in a mid-round running back:
- Proven production: Three straight 1,000-yard seasons
- Expanded workload: No Spears for four weeks, minimum
- Improved offense: Cam Ward boosts efficiency and scoring chances; improved offensive line
- Receiving upside: 96 receptions over the last two seasons
The Titans want to run the ball, and they’ve built an offensive line capable of giving Pollard room to operate. The offensive line should be improved after using back-to-back first-round picks on G Peter Skoronski and RT JC Latham, and adding C Lloyd Cushenberry III, LT Dan Moore Jr., and G Kevin Zeitler in free agency.
With a clearer runway than he’s had in years, Pollard has consistent RB1 upside, who could be deployed in the RB2 or Flex spot.
While fantasy managers debated Spears’ breakout potential all offseason, the Titans’ coaching staff has always favored Tony Pollard. Now, with Spears sidelined, there’s no debate left. Pollard is the best running back value in fantasy football right now.
He’s a locked-in RB1 who you can draft as your RB2 in Round 5 or 6. That’s the type of league-winning edge that doesn’t come around often.
Don’t overthink it. Draft Pollard and enjoy the early-season fireworks. By Week 5, Pollard could easily be sitting inside RB1 numbers, and you’ll be laughing all the way to the playoffs.
Oh, and by the way? The Wolf is still snoozing, ranking Pollard at RB24 (-2 vs ECR). Don’t make the same mistake. Draft Tony Pollard, and thank me later.
