Should I Pick Up Tyjae Spears? Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8

The Tennessee Titans have stumbled out to a 2-4 record to begin the 2023 season. Offensively, they rank in the bottom half of the league in points per game, passing yards, and rushing yards. It seems evident that this team is continuing to trend towards a rebuild, with news breaking that All-Pro safety Kevin Byard was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on October 23rd.

In seasons where teams are unsure about their future, it is common for younger players to see more opportunities to show what they can do. This allows the organization to evaluate who they can build around and make the moves required to set their franchise up for the future.

Rookie running back Tyjae Spears has shown flashes of dynamic play alongside Derrick Henry this season. Coming off a bye, will we see an increased workload for Spears for the rest of the season?

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What Has Tyjae Spears Done So Far?

In six games, Tyjae Spears has played 51.3% of the Titans' total snaps, which is roughly 4% lower than superstar Derrick Henry's snap share. Spears produced approximately 7.7 touches and 47 scrimmage yards per contest. With his opportunities, he has averaged 5.6 yards per carry and has seen increased efficiency in the receiving game in his last three outings.

TYJAE SPEARS 🤯
pic.twitter.com/YaQXg4b8tL

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) October 15, 2023

Spears' best performance of the season came in week 5 versus the Indianapolis Colts, where he caught 4 passes for 35 yards while rushing for 34 yards and a score.

Tyjae Spears Waiver Wire Outlook for Week 8

It is a common trend in the NFL for rookies to see an increased workload and involvement after the bye week, which gives them more time to become accustomed to the team's playbook and philosophy. The Tennessee Titans sure seem to be a team that will not be making a push for the playoffs this season, which should lead to them giving their young guys more chances to prove themselves.

As long as Derrick Henry is still in Tennessee, Tyjae Spears' upside will be limited. However, as the team continues to struggle, the more likely it becomes that the team looks to trade him for draft picks or younger players to build their future around. For right now, Tyjae Spears is a solid waiver wire option to pick up and stash if possible. In the immediate future, he may not be a solid fantasy contributor, but he should see an increased role in this offense as the season progresses.

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