Tony Pollard will likely be used a lot to begin the season. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
This week, Jordan Love underwent surgery to repair a thumb ligament, but is expected to be ready for Week One; Aaron Rodgers is having issues finding a helmet he likes; and Jets backup QB Tyrod Taylor will miss the rest of the preseason after arthroscopic knee surgery. Other Fantasy football news we’re following…
Tony Pollard Could Outstrip his ADP Early On
When we last checked in on the Tennessee Titans, they were in the midst of a miserable season (3-9) and things didn’t get any better down the stretch as they dropped their final five games. Yuck.
However, after finishing 27th in points last season, the offense should be much improved in 2025 thanks to rookie QB Cam Ward and a revamped offensive line. Having said that, opportunity abounds in the running game after Tyjae Spears suffered an ankle sprain in the preseason opener.
While Spears is expected to be good to go for Week One, there’s a great chance for Tony Pollard to get extra burn early on, making him an intriguing sleeper as an RB2.
He’s had some minor health issues over the years, but is not a high health risk, having suited up in at least 15 games in all six of his seasons, twice appearing in every game.
Although he endured his struggles breaking through with big runs, Pollard is coming off arguably his best season, having set career highs in carries and yards in his first year with the Titans after signing as a free agent. His touchdown total dipped and he fumbled more than ever last season, but it was still a fairly successful debut in Music City. Maybe not Madden-like success, but…
Projected as Tennessee’s starter again, Pollard hasn’t been as efficient since transitioning into the lead role, and we wonder whether he can again finish among the top 25 this season, but at the very least, he could be a very valuable asset (especially as a mid-sixth round pick in your draft) while Spears gets back to full speed (also keep an eye on rookie Kalel Mullings). Do note, however, that the team had planned to more carefully monitor Pollard’s workload this season, so that’s something to watch moving forward.
Still, for a dude whose ceiling coming out of the University of Memphis was that of an average backup, Pollard has greatly exceeded expectations so far.
Take Two for J.J. McCarthy
Man, did the Minnesota Vikings ever recover from a disappointing seven-win effort in 2023, surging to 14 wins last year – their finest effort since going 15-1 in 1998. However, after losing in the Wild Card, this team is still without a playoff win since 2019.
So, notwithstanding the feathers they are ruffling for adding male cheerleaders for the upcoming season (really? Is this seriously a problem?), how will the Vikings fare on the actual gridiron?
With an over/under of 8.5 wins, this team will not be nearly as good, as per the “experts.” Hell, the Vikes are even 2.5-point ‘dogs when they host New England on Saturday afternoon as per FanDuel.
Much of that will be decided by how QB J.J. McCarthy fares in his return this year after missing his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus in his knee. The former Michigan star looked good in his preseason debut, playing just one series, but going 4-for-7 for 30 yards (including completions on his first four passes) while driving Minnesota to a field goal.
It wasn’t a perfect outing for McCarthy, as he did look indecisive at one point, ultimately making a dangerous pass, but that’s all part of the learning process for any young quarterback. At this point, it’s safe to consider him a mid-range QB2 thanks to the Vikings’ system, which skews Fantasy friendly. We value McCarthy slightly higher in a dynasty league, and obviously, there is serious upside potential given his pedigree.
RotoRob Tune of the Day
American jazz fusion guitarist George Washington Benson, better known as George Benson, has been at it since 1964. In 1978 he recorded a live album, Weekend in L.A., and the hit – a cover of the Drifters’ “On Broadway” – earned Benson a Grammy.