Who Should I Start? Jaylen Warren or Tyjae Spears

Monday, June 16, 3:13 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren recently noted via the team's website that he adjusted his training this offseason in anticipation of handling a larger workload in 2025. "I approached this offseason differently," said Warren. "I did a lot more things for longevity-wise...like they say, the best ability is availability." The Oklahoma State product enters his fourth season with the team and projects as the lead back for the first time in his career with former teammate Najee Harris' departure to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he isn't the only show in town. Warren should play a substantial role in the backfield regarding touches, but rookie Kaleb Johnson projects to eventually fill the role vacated by Harris due to his similar frame. That isn't to say he'll overtake Warren, but it could mean he handles goal-line touches in time. Expect Warren to see an uptick in carries from previous seasons and play a significant role on third downs and passing situations.

Wednesday, June 18, 3:04 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has impressed this offseason, according to team writer Jim Wyatt. "Spears looked explosive on the field this offseason, when he got plenty of work," Wyatt wrote. "While Tony Pollard got the bulk of the work last fall, Spears showed flashes at different times. If he can stay healthy, he seems poised to be a consistent playmaker in 2025." The 2023 third-round pick out of Tulane struggled to stay healthy last season, missing five games due to multiple injuries. Overall, he tallied 84 rushing attempts for 312 yards and four scores to go with 30 receptions for 224 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 12 games. Titans head coach Brian Callahan has hinted at more of a split backfield in 2025, and the team could opt to use the "hot hand" approach. Fantasy managers should not rely on Spears as an RB2, RB3, or flex option to begin next year's campaign, but he's an intriguing handcuff stash and late-round draft dart throw in most formats. If No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward exceeds expectations in Year 1, the Tennessee offense could have more upside than suggested by the cost of the Titans' players in fantasy drafts.