Fantasy Stars and Studs, Week 15: Jalen Hurts has dynasty value

Tony Pollard –- Dallas Cowboys

Pollard got the start at running back against the 49ers in Week 15 with Ezekiel Elliott on the shelf because of a calf injury and the 2019 fourth-round pick took full advantage of his chance, leading all running backs in scoring in PPR leagues.

He had 69 yards on 12 carries, with most of that production coming on a 40-yard touchdown run – his second score of the day – late in the fourth quarter that effectively iced the game for the Cowboys.

Pollard also caught six of his nine targets for 63 yards, taking his tally in PPR scoring to 31.2 points.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Pollard’s performance was that it came against a defense that has remained in the top 10 despite injuries to key players and has performed extremely well against the run throughout the year.

His display lent credence to the idea that Pollard is a superior fit at running back to Elliott, as he demonstrated impressive burst and explosiveness in a performance that provided an indication the Cowboys could move on from their former first-round pick and still have a productive running game.

The prospect of Dallas parting with Elliott may seem an unlikely one for now, but should it come to pass, Pollard will be an obvious trade target in dynasty leagues. For the immediate future, he is worthy of waiver wire consideration for championship teams in season-long leagues that are short at running back.