The Tennessee Titans had an impressive performance on Sunday, as they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 27-3.
The rushing attack of Tennessee was especially impressive, as they rushed 33 times for 173 yards. Derrick Henry had his best game of the season, rushing 22 times for 122 yards and one touchdown. Backup running back Tyjae Spears carried the ball five times for 40 yards.
Spears gives the Titans a player who can make plays running the ball and catching the ball. Should fantasy football managers consider Spears, or is this still a one-man rushing attack with Henry?
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Start/Sit Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
Should Tyjae Spears Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 5?
Henry hasn’t gotten off to a fast start this season, but that is something he has done the past few years as well. Last year, he failed to rush for 100 yards in the first three games, and then he went on to rush for at least 102 yards in nine of the last 13 games.
Spears brings a nice change of pace to the Titans’ offense, but should you look at signing him on the waiver wire?
No, as his role on this Titans team isn’t ever going to be more than third-down back. He is a good change-of-pace back for Henry, but this is still an offense that is going to lean on Henry in a big way.
Since the day Mike Vrabel became the head coach of the Titans, his game plan and how he wants his team to play has stayed the exact same. He is looking to play a physical style of football and complement a physical rushing attack with play-action.
MORE: Fantasy News Tracker
The AFC South is absolutely right there for the taking. It is the most competitive division currently in the NFL, as all four teams are currently 2-2. With this opportunity to go out and win the division, Vrabel is going to stick to his guns and do what he knows best.
Right now, there is some temptation to go after Spears because his snaps are close to Henry. Through four games, Henry has been on the field for 133 snaps, compared to 120 for Spears. Of those 133 snaps, Henry has touched the ball on 78 (58.6%). Spears has touched the ball only 30 times, which is 25%.
As the team goes further in the season and stays in the division race, you will see Henry’s touches continue to increase. With his touches increasing, someone is going to lose some of their opportunities — that will be Spears.