Jordan Mason vs Tony Pollard: Who Should You Start?
Jordan Mason and Tony Pollard are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Jordan Mason averaged 7.6 PPG across 16 games with the Minnesota Vikings, while Tony Pollard posted 10.0 PPG in 17 appearances for the Tennessee Titans.
A 2.4-PPG gap gives Tony Pollard 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.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Jordan Mason ran for 758 yards and 6 touchdowns; Tony Pollard posted 1082 and 5. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Jordan Mason sits Week 6 while Tony Pollard is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.