Josh Jacobs vs Tony Pollard: Who Should You Start?
Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Josh Jacobs averaged 14.6 PPG across 15 games with the Green Bay Packers, while Tony Pollard posted 10.0 PPG in 17 appearances for the Tennessee Titans.
A 4.6-PPG gap gives Josh Jacobs 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. Josh Jacobs ran for 929 yards and 13 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.
One scheduling note: Josh Jacobs is off Week 10 and Tony Pollard Week 5. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.