Who Should I Start? Kyren Williams or Tyjae Spears

Tuesday, June 17, 8:34 PM

Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay indicates progress has been made towards a possible extension with running back Kyren Williams. Klein also noted that there has been no update on the situation with defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Williams has been hopeful of a contract for some time now, as he looks for his pay to match his production. The Notre Dame product has new backfield competition with LA's selection of rookie Jarquez Hunter (whom they traded up for). However, it's unlikely he'll lose his stranglehold on the backfield's touches, or even that Hunter will surpass second-year teammate Blake Corum. It's still in the cards that Williams doesn't receive a long-term deal, but he'll be among the best fantasy backs again this season, and well worth an early draft pick.

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.