The NFL season is quickly approaching, and fantasy drafts are in full swing. At DraftKings, you can play an array of different season-long fantasy contests.
Below, I take a look at the fantasy value of all the players in the Tennessee Titans’ backfield.
Tennessee Titans Backfield
The Titans were the worst team in football last season, which got them the #1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They took Miami quarterback Cam Ward and are hoping that is the key to becoming a winning team again. However, with a rookie starting quarterback, the Titans’ run game will be essential. The two most successful rookie quarterbacks last season were Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix. Great running games helped both quarterbacks transition to the NFL. A strong running game creates a balanced offense so that there is never too much pressure on the young quarterback to force throws and be overly aggressive. Another rookie quarterback last season, Caleb Williams, was often put into obvious passing downs where he was forced to try to make plays, and that is difficult for any rookie quarterback, even with as much talent as Williams.
In order for Cam Ward to thrive right away, a lot of things need to go right, but the running game’s success is a good start. The Titans will be returning the same running back duo as last season, Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Pollard is one of the most underrated running backs in the game. While he doesn’t have a crazy, explosive ceiling, his consistency has been incredible. In six seasons in the NFL, Pollard has played at least 15 games in each of them. The ability to stay on the field at arguably the most injury-prone position in the sport is remarkable. Each of the past three seasons, including his first season with the Titans in 2024-25, Pollard has been a 1,000-yard rusher. If he can continue to provide that level of consistency, he is incredibly reliable for fantasy owners.
Running Back Handcuffs: Tyjae Spears
While Pollard is the consistent down-to-down back, the Titans are hoping this will be a breakout season for Tyjae Spears as the dynamic backup. Spears is a great athlete and possesses quickness and agility that Pollard does not. He has the potential to be a great change of pace back and a receiver out of the backfield. He had 838 rushing + receiving yards in his rookie season. Spears showed potential when given touches, but backing up Derrick Henry didn’t allow him much opportunity. Last season, he got more touches when he was active, but only played 12 games due to injury. He did get more goal-line touches last season. Despite playing four fewer games than Pollard, Spears only scored one less touchdown.
Spears is the clear handcuff choice for Pollard, but unfortunately, the injury issues are already reemerging. Spears suffered an ankle sprain in the Titans’ first preseason game and will be questionable for Week 1. Even if Spears misses the first game or two of the season, he will be the RB2 on this team once he is healthy. However, the recurring injury issues make him a slightly less desirable option. There is a potential out on Tony Pollard’s contract after this season. The Titans might look to give Spears a chance to prove that he is the running back of the future. That does make him a more intriguing option in dynasty leagues. Overall, Spears is the right choice to handcuff with Tony Pollard and could be in for a career-best season if he can stay on the field.
