Jahmyr Gibbs vs Tony Pollard: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) averaged 19.3 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans, 10.0 PPG) by 9.3 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 9.3-PPG gap gives Jahmyr Gibbs the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Jahmyr Gibbs is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 77 targets into 616 yards, while Tony Pollard profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1082 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jahmyr Gibbs carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 5 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
