Derrick Henry vs Tyjae Spears: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens) averaged 16.0 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Tyjae Spears (Tennessee Titans, 6.9 PPG) by 9.1 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
That 9.1-point weekly advantage for Derrick Henry is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Tyjae Spears is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 264 yards, while Derrick Henry profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1595 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Tyjae Spears carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: Derrick Henry is off Week 14 and Tyjae Spears Week 5. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
