It’s a new era in Tennessee Titans football, as they will have a new coach (Brian Callahan), a new offensive coordinator (Nick Holtz), and, for the first time since 2016, a new leading rusher.
Derrick Henry, the No. 2 all-time leading rusher in franchise history (Eddie George is No. 1), has moved on to the Baltimore Ravens.
Which running back takes command in the Titans’ backfield remains to be seen, but there are a lot of reasons to feel that second-year running back Tyjae Spears could be that player.
Here’s a look at the fantasy outlook for Spears this upcoming season.
Tyjae Spears’ Fantasy Profile for the 2024 NFL Season
As a rookie last season, Tyjae Spears (5’10”, 200 pounds) certainly represented a different look from Henry (6’3″, 247 pounds) when he would enter a game. But after a productive rookie season, more will be expected of Spears in Year 2.
Serving almost exclusively in a backup role (one start last season), Spears managed to rush for over 400 yards (453) at 4.5 yards a carry. And although you don’t come across too many scoring opportunities playing behind the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns, Spears did manage two rushing touchdowns and one touchdown reception in 2023.
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And Spears possibly gave a glimpse to fans and fantasy managers what to expect this season in last season’s regular season finale. Two of Spears’ three touchdowns on the season came against the Jaguars in Week 18 — one rushing, one receiving — in Tennessee’s win over Jacksonville that eliminated the Jaguars from playoff contention.
And it is his pass-catching ability that likely impresses fantasy managers. Spears finished with 52 receptions, third-most on the team and No. 1 on the team among running backs.
Although his total receiving yards didn’t go through the roof (385), Spears did average almost as many yards per reception (7.4) as Henry (7.6).
Two more things that should probably be considered appealing for fantasy managers are the time Spears spent on the field as a rookie and his average yards per touch. In 12 of his 17 games, Spears was on the field for at least 50% of the Titans’ offensive snaps.
And his 838 yards from scrimmage ranked third on the team, trailing only the two biggest offensive stars on the Titans, Henry and wide receiver Deandre Hopkins. In addition, Spears’ 5.5 yards per touch was far higher than that of Henry’s last season (4.5).
Is Spears a Good Fantasy Pick?
Spears comes into this season ranked No. 32 in Pro Football Network’s fantasy running back rankings. And while that isn’t particularly high, consider that is still tops among Titans running backs, ahead of even offseason pickup Tony Pollard (No. 36).
That should say something to fantasy managers about the expectations for Spears this season.
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As one of the Titans’ early signees in the free agency period and as a native of Tennessee, Pollard may have the upper hand initially in terms of playing time in the backfield.
Pollard also possesses pass-catching skills to go along with his running ability, which could mean these two will simply split the time in the backfield this season. That would be a blow for fantasy managers who want to pick up an under-the-radar selection in Spears, with the thought that he could blossom into an every-down back.
It still could happen. But Pollard’s presence will make it difficult at first.