Who Should I Start? Jaylen Warren or Tyjae Spears


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jaylen Warren News

Jaylen Warren Likely to be in Third-Down, Change-of-Pace Role in 2026

Tuesday, March 10, 10:19 AM

The Athletic's Saad Yousuf, Dianna Russini, and Mike DeFabo believe that with the addition of new running back Rico Dowdle in free agency, "there's a good shot" that Dowdle will be in the 1A role, and Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Warren will be the "change-of-pace" back. The 5-foot-8 Warren has been "at his best in a third-down role and out of the shotgun." It means that the 27-year-old will likely take over the pass-catching duties that Kenneth Gainwell had in 2025, when he caught a career-high 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Warren was the RB17 in half-PPR scoring last year, going for a career-high 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground on 211 carries in 16 games, adding 40 catches for 333 yards and two TDs as a pass-catcher. The addition of Dowdle is definitely a big hit to Warren's overall fantasy value going into 2026, but his role as a pass-catcher shouldn't be taken lightly in PPR formats, especially if veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Tyjae Spears News

Tyjae Spears Figures to be in Backup Pass-Catching Role Again in 2026

Sunday, March 15, 9:10 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears had a career-low 283 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 72 carries in 13 games (one start) in 2025 in his third year in the league. Despite the disappointing performance on the ground, Spears did contribute as a pass-catcher, hauling in 45 of his 50 targets for 264 yards through the air. The 24-year-old former third-round pick (81st overall) by the Titans in 2023 out of Tulane was just inside the top-50 RBs in half-PPR scoring, and he ranked 10th among all RBs with his 45 receptions despite playing in only 13 games. The Titans haven't made any additions to their RB room so far this offseason, but Spears remains behind lead back Tony Pollard for early-down touches. Tennessee may address its backfield in the upcoming NFL draft, which could add additional competition for touches. At best, the fourth-year back will continue to be in a third-down, passing-catching role for the Titans, making him a late-round PPR flier for his abilities as a receiver out of the backfield.


Jaylen Warren vs. Tyjae Spears

Still trying to decide between Warren and Spears? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jaylen Warren is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Tyjae Spears is projected to score 0.0 points.