Who Should I Start? Tyjae Spears or Kaleb Johnson

Tuesday, May 20, 11:27 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) has been taking part in the team's organized team activities this week after sitting out the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Houston Texans at the end of last season. The 23-year-old has obviously recovered from his head injury and will be ready for the start of the 2025 campaign this fall. Tony Pollard was a workhorse back for the team in 2024 in his first year in Tennessee, but head coach Brian Callahan has already been hinting that it might be in the team's best interest to take some of the load off of Pollard in order to keep him healthy. Spears, who is more of a pass-catching back, was only active for 12 games last year and had 84 carries for 312 yards and four TDs on the ground, adding 30 catches for 224 yards and another score. He's elusive with the ball in his hands, so if he can stay healthy, Spears could be a nice sleeper pick late in fantasy drafts.

Monday, May 12, 12:07 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie third-round running back Kaleb Johnson knows he must improve his pass-blocking skills if he wants to earn the coaching staff's trust with the hope of becoming an "every-down back" sooner than later. At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,537), rushing touchdowns (21) and all-purpose yards (1,725) at Iowa in 2024. He's a scheme fit for Pittsburgh's zone-centric offense given his efficient production, writes The Athletic's Mike DeFabo. Even if the 21-year-old doesn't catch a ton of passes, he could stand out in fantasy with his big-play ability. There's opportunity in the Steel City, too, with Najee Harris no longer in town. Johnson is likely going to share touches with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, but he probably has the highest fantasy upside of the trio already.