As the NFL season has progressed, the Dallas Cowboys have continued to use both Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott in a platoon situation in their backfield. Ahead of their Week 15 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, let’s take a look at the Ezekiel Elliott–Tony Pollard fantasy football and DFS rankings and see which one provides more value ahead of Sunday’s slate.
Ezekiel Elliot-Tony Pollard Fantasy Football & DFS Rankings
Per Stokastic’s Week 15 running back rankings, Tony Pollard (No. 15 on the board) ranks above Ezekiel Elliott (No. 27), whereas Pollard projects at 14.04 points compared to Elliott at 12.08 in Stokastic’s free player compare tool. In DFS, Stokastic’s expert projections also have Pollard ($7,100) as a slightly better play than Elliott ($6,200).
There’s little argument that Pollard has been the more impressive option than Elliott all season long. In his contract year, Pollard has 894 yards and nine touchdowns, adding 29 receptions for 279 yards and three touchdowns in the passing attack. Elliott has appeared in 11 games, missing two with injury, and has solid stats as well. While rushing for 719 yards and nine touchdowns, he has just 14 receptions for 73 yards on the year.
“When you got two guys that have their ego in check and do what’s best for the football team, they’re two of our best players on offense,” head coach Mike McCarthy said of his running backs via Star Local Media.
In the Week 14 win over the Houston Texans, it was Elliott who outshined Pollard, running the ball 15 times for 62 yards and a score. But Pollard still played in more offensive snaps (58% to 49%)
Both Elliott and Pollard will have the luxury of facing off against a Jaguars team that ranks No. 22 in the league in fantasy football points allowed to opposing backs, and Jacksonville surrendered 126 yards and three touchdowns rushing in their last three games.
Expect the Cowboys to utilize both Pollard and Elliott plenty on Sunday. But if choosing between the two, Pollard is the better play.
