Michael Carter vs Tony Pollard: Who Should You Start?
Michael Carter and Tony Pollard are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Michael Carter averaged 6.3 PPG across 13 games with the Tennessee Titans, while Tony Pollard posted 10.0 PPG in 17 appearances for the Tennessee Titans.
A 3.7-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. Michael Carter ran for 333 yards and 1 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 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.
