Tony Pollard (RB, DAL) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard is a handcuff for Ezekiel Elliott who needs to be owned by Elliott-owners in deep leagues.

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 26% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: There's been a rather clear trend in the usage of Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard through four games this year. When the Cowboys have blown out opponents, Pollard has earned ten-plus touches. When the Cowboys have won close but comfortably, Pollard has been used in a small dose and when the team is involved in a tight match, Pollard has disappeared completely.

Pollard is certainly a clear handcuff for Ezekiel Elliott, that much is certain. But he could also have some sneaky value as a flex start in deep leagues against weak opponents going forward - Week 6 against the Jets and Week 9 against the Giants stick out. Pollard earned exactly 13 carries both games in which the Cowboys won by over 10 points. He struggled in the first one, gaining just 24 yards in Week 1 against the Giants, but flourished in the second one, gaining 103 yards and scoring a touchdown in Week 3 against the Dolphins. His most likely scenario in favorable matchups going forward is probably somewhere between those two: 13 carries for about 60 yards with the chance for a score.

Pollard should be added by all Elliott owners in leagues of 12 or more teams. He's also an add candidate for all owners in 14-plus team leagues as both a long-term stash and potential bye week flex fill-in. In shallow leagues of fewer than 12 teams, he can remain on waivers.