Fantasy football managers are constantly scanning the waiver wire for hidden gems that could provide value down the stretch. Running back depth becomes increasingly crucial as the season progresses and injuries mount across the league.
Finding a handcuff with standalone upside can make or break your playoff push. Here’s a look at whether Titans running back Tyjae Spears deserves a spot on your fantasy football roster heading into Week 8.
Should Tyjae Spears Be a Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Add in Week 8?
Rostered: 30%
Tony Pollard is still clearly the lead back for the Tennessee Titans. But Tyjae Spears’ involvement seems to be increasing each week as he gets reacclimated to playing football after a preseason high ankle sprain.
Over the past two weeks, Spears has exactly five carries and four targets in each game. Nine opportunities are not quite enough to be a weekly starter, but it’s viable if you need someone in a desperate scenario.
Of course, the main reason you roster Spears is because he would be a three-down back if Pollard were to go down. The Titans’ RB2 needs to be on more rosters.
Aggressiveness Rating: 4.5
Titans Backfield: Spears’ Growing Fantasy Football Role
Looking at the current landscape, Spears represents precisely the type of handcuff that competent fantasy managers prioritize during this stage of the season. His consistent nine touches over the past two weeks demonstrate that Tennessee trusts him in meaningful situations, not just garbage time. While those numbers don’t translate to weekly fantasy relevance, they show he’s building chemistry with the offense.
The injury risk for running backs only escalates as we head deeper into the campaign. Pollard has been durable, but the position’s physical demands make every primary back vulnerable. If something happens to the Titans’ lead runner, Spears would immediately become a three-down workhorse with legitimate upside.
Tennessee’s offensive line has shown improvement in recent weeks, creating better running lanes and providing adequate pass protection. This environment would benefit anyone stepping back into an expanded role. Spears’ college production and early NFL flashes suggest he can handle increased volume effectively.
The 30% roster rate indicates many managers are sleeping on this opportunity. Spears should already be stashed in deeper leagues or formats where handcuffs carry premium value. His combination of injury insurance and potential standalone contributions makes him a worthwhile speculative add, especially for Pollard owners who need that security blanket heading into the playoffs.
