Who Should I Start? Tyjae Spears or Bucky Irving

Friday, November 22, 1:43 PM

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) will not play in Week 12 against the division-rival Houston Texans on Sunday after missing practice all week. Spears suffered a concussion in the Week 11 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and was unable to clear the league's concussion protocol in time to play this weekend. His absence means that lead runner Tony Pollard will have some more fantasy upside in a bad matchup against Houston. Meanwhile, Julius Chestnut will have a more substantial role as the change-of-pace option behind Pollard in Tennessee's backfield. It remains to be seen if Spears will be able to clear the concussion protocol next week in time to play the Washington Commanders in Week 13. The 23-year-old has mostly taken a back seat to Pollard in 2024, seeing 43 carries for 161 yards and a TD while catching 17 passes for 88 yards.

Friday, November 22, 4:52 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is coming off a strong performance against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. The rookie back rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts on the ground. Irving continues to play well and has been rewarded with more snaps in the backfield. However, Irving is still stuck in a committee with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, so his fantasy value is limited. Irving does get a plus matchup against the New York Giants this weekend. There are a handful of teams on bye weeks, which could put Irving in the RB2 conversation for this weekend.