2024 NFL Fantasy Football: Tyjae Spears and the Tennessee Titans’ Run Game with Betting Insights

Spears has been an intriguing name for fantasy football managers as they evaluate the Titans’ backfield. Spears saw limited opportunities in Week 1, raising questions about his potential usage moving forward. This column breaks down Spears’ Week 2 outlook, his involvement in the Titans’ offense, and how bettors should approach player props involving the Titans’ run game.

Tyjae Spears’ Limited Involvement: Should We Be Concerned?

In Week 1, Spears had only four carries despite the expectation of a more significant role in Tennessee’s backfield. While there was some buzz that Spears would see a 70/30 split in favor of Tony Pollard, that never materialized, leaving fantasy managers and bettors alike questioning Spears’ potential for the rest of the season.

Spears made the most of his limited touches, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, which signals that he has the talent to produce if given more opportunities. However, the low volume raises concerns about whether Spears will ever get enough work to become a viable fantasy option or a reliable player prop bet in the Titans’ offense.

Betting Insight: Leaning Toward the Under on Spears’ Rushing Total

Spears’ rushing total is set at 23.5 yards, and based on his Week 1 usage, it’s difficult to confidently bet the over. Unless we start seeing a consistent uptick in his carries—somewhere around six to eight carries per game—it’s hard to envision Spears consistently hitting this number. If he’s only getting four carries again, it’s a tough ask for him to surpass 23.5 yards, even with his efficiency.

Betting Recommendation: Until we see more commitment to Spears from the Titans’ coaching staff, betting the under on his rushing total seems like the safer play. If the volume starts to rise, adjusting expectations later in the season could be warranted, but for now, caution is advised.

Tennessee’s Run Game: Can We Trust the Titans?

Despite Spears’ limited role, the Titans remain a run-heavy team, and Pollard continues to be the focal point of their offense. In a close Week 1 contest, it was surprising that Spears wasn’t more involved, especially considering his explosiveness and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. For Week 2, the Titans face another tough test, and their reliance on the run game should remain high, particularly with Will Levis at quarterback and DeAndre Hopkins dealing with injuries.

Will Week 2 See More Usage for Spears?

Week 2 presents another opportunity for the Titans to lean on their running backs, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Will Levis and the passing game. Spears’ ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air makes him a valuable asset, but until Tennessee shows a willingness to give him more touches, fantasy managers will be left in a state of limbo.

If the Titans’ coaching staff recognizes the need for more diversity in the backfield, Spears could easily surpass the four carries he received in Week 1. However, based on the initial game plan, it seems that Pollard will continue to dominate the backfield touches for now.

Betting Insight: If you believe the Titans will lean more heavily on the run game in Week 2, betting on Pollard’s rushing totals might be a safer play than hoping for Spears to break out. However, if you’re looking for a high-risk, high-reward option, Spears could be a fun long shot in prop bets, especially if the Titans start giving him more work near the red zone or in passing situations.

Conclusion: Tyjae Spears’ Fantasy Outlook and Betting Strategy

Spears remains an intriguing prospect in the Titans’ backfield, but his limited usage in Week 1 raises concerns about his fantasy and betting viability. With only four carries in a close game, it’s difficult to trust Spears to hit the over on his rushing total of 23.5 yards in Week 2.

For fantasy managers, Spears is worth holding onto, especially in deeper leagues or PPR formats, but he’s not yet ready to be a regular starter. From a betting perspective, leaning toward the under on his rushing totals until we see more consistent usage is the safer option.

As for the Titans, their run game will continue to be the focal point of the offense, with Pollard leading the charge. Spears’ role will likely evolve as the season progresses, but for now, it’s best to temper expectations and keep an eye on how Tennessee deploys their talented rookie running back moving forward.

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