Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Tyjae Spears

Saturday, October 4, 9:34 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has held onto his lead-back role despite some fumbling issues so far, and all signs point to him remaining atop the depth chart once again during Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Stevenson has been nothing special this season, totaling 125 rushing yards and 141 receiving yards while failing to find the end zone through five weeks. He has managed to hold off rookie TreVeyon Henderson for the top role despite losing two fumbles in Week 3. For now, Stevenson is the best Patriots running back to start in fantasy football, and managers should feel good about him this week. He ranks as a mid-to-low RB3 while taking on a Bills defense that has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and 13th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this year.

Saturday, October 4, 4:26 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) has been activated from injured reserve. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Spears will be active for his season debut against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The Titans' offense looks like the worst in the NFL and could desperately use a burst of energy, so Spears' return might be coming at the perfect time. As a rookie in 2023, he saw 70 targets in the passing game while maintaining 4.53 yards per carry on 100 carries. He was headed for similar numbers last year before missing five games due to injury. Now, he has yet another chance to carve out a role on the ground and through the air. Starter Tony Pollard has been nothing special so far, and while he'll likely continue to be the lead back for at least a little while, Spears could actually carve out more fantasy value due to his burst and pass-catching upside. Week 5 is a perfect opportunity for the 24-year-old to contribute as the Titans face the Arizona Cardinals, who have allowed the sixth-most targets and 12th-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025. Now confirmed as active for Sunday's game, Spears has the potential to be a strong flex option, especially in PPR leagues.