Who Should I Start? Tyjae Spears or TreVeyon Henderson

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.

Wednesday, June 18, 12:16 PM

The Athletic's Chad Graff offers skepticism as to whether New England Patriots rookie second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson can be a true bell-cow back in the future, mainly given his injury history. Henderson suffered a broken foot as a sophomore at Ohio State, which required surgery, and then missed more time as a junior with an undisclosed injury. He's also a bit undersized for a RB at 5-foot-10, 202 pounds. But the 22-year-old was a second-rounder because he has blazing speed and big-play ability, which the Patriots have been lacking at the position. Henderson is a true home run threat who can make plays as a receiver and as a runner. His development between the tackles will be something to watch, although most of that work will go to Rhamondre Stevenson in 2025. Henderson will have more value as a high-end RB3 in PPR leagues in his first year in the NFL.