Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Tyjae Spears

Friday, July 11, 7:30 PM

The New England Patriots gave running back Rhamondre Stevenson a four-year, $36 million extension last summer, which kicks in for the 2025 season. The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that the extension for Stevenson already looks like a bad move after he had 207 carries for 807 yards (career-low 3.9 yards per carry) last year, although he did score a career-high seven rushing touchdowns. On top of it, the Pats selected rookie TreVeyon Henderson in the second round this year, so New England now have an out to move on from Stevenson if he struggles again in 2025. The biggest drawback to the 27-year-old last year were his seven fumbles. He has nice size and abilities in the passing game, but he won't be guaranteed much under the new coaching staff and will face plenty of competition from Henderson. RotoBaller has Stevenson ranked as the RB35 in fantasy.

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.