Fantasy Football Player Notes

I know what you're thinking..." Hey, this guy told me Pollard was his RB1 overall last year." Yep, I did. I'll own the L here. Tony Pollard was a massive disappointment. I didn't think it was possible for his tackle-breaking ability to go from stellar to putrid, but it happened. The reality is that he had the role that we coveted, though, and he should be considered the lead back for Tennessee entering this season. Last season, he was a volume-eating machine, ranking seventh in carries and 11th in targets among backs. The bright side is that in 2024, he could rebound and look much closer to the player we thought we were getting last year. Last season in Weeks 11-18, among 44 qualifying backs, Pollard ranked 15th in yards after contact per attempt, 21st in explosive run rate, and had the 11th-lowest stuff rate. Unfortunately, if the Bears continue to field a similarly dominant run defense this year as they did in 2023, Pollard could start slow in Week 1. Last year, Chicago had the fifth-highest stuff rate while holding backs to the 11th-lowest yards after contact per attempt and third-lowest explosive run rate.

Spears lines up as a decent flex/RB3 for Week 1. He'll have to rely on his big play ability (which Spears can do), as the matchup is brutal. Last year, he was fifth in explosive run rate and 14th in yards after contact per attempt. He proved that he can be a matchup nightmare in the passing game as well, ranking seventh in target share, 10th in TPRR, and 17th in YPRR. With the rushing matchup looking like nightmare fuel for the Titans' backs, Spears could outscore Pollard in Week 1 if the team leans into his receiving chops. Last year, Chicago had the fifth-highest stuff rate while holding backs to the 11th-lowest yards after contact per attempt and third-lowest explosive run rate. The Bears were abysmal at stopping backs through the air, giving up the highest yards per reception, the second-most receptions, and the most receiving yards.