Who Should I Start? Tyjae Spears or Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 23.9 | 0.2 | 2.5 | 16.7 | 0.1 |
Tyjae Spears News
Thursday, June 25, 10:09 AM
Sports Illustrated's Bryce W. Lazenby writes that there haven't been many players who have improved their standing this offseason more than Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Tulane came into the offseason as more of an afterthought, but he has cemented himself "near the top of the RB depth chart" in Tennessee, and head coach Robert Saleh has confirmed as much. Spears has looked explosive with plenty of burst during offseason workouts, and he's hoping to be more involved as a pass-catcher in 2026. Lazenby adds that Spears is looking like he'll be the 1B to Tony Pollard's 1A. The Titans took Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round of this year's NFL draft, but as of right now, it looks like Spears has done enough to stay in the RB2 position to begin the 2026 regular season. Spears played in only 13 games (one start) in 2025 and had 72 carries for 283 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding 45 receptions for 264 yards as a pass-catcher. The Titans' offense could take a step forward under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, with Spears being a late-round consideration for RB depth in PPR fantasy formats.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.3 | 36.6 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 3.5 | 0.0 |
Chris Rodriguez Jr. News
Monday, July 6, 5:07 PM
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen loved running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. when the pair were together at the University of Kentucky, so The Athletic's Jeff Howe says not to be surprised if the "power ball-carrier carves out an important role" in his first year with the team in 2026. The former sixth-rounder in 2023 had 920 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons with the Washington Commanders. It was nothing to write home about, but Howe thinks we should be prepared for C-Rod "to be an important piece of the offense in 2026." Last year's RB1 in Jacksonville, Travis Etienne Jr., left in free agency, so Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten figure to compete for the majority of backfield touches in Duvall this year. Second-year back LeQuint Allen Jr. figures to see most of the pass-catching work in an increased Year 2 role, but Rodriguez could be used often on early downs and in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Tuten is still the better home run hitter/upside back for fantasy managers, but don't be surprised if Rodriguez is in play as an RB3/flex in the right matchups in his first year in Jacksonville. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 42 RB for 2026.
Tyjae Spears vs. Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Still trying to decide between Spears and Rodriguez Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Tyjae Spears is projected to score 8.0 points this week while Chris Rodriguez Jr. is projected to score 6.3 points.
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