Isiah Pacheco vs Tyjae Spears: Who Should You Start?
The gap between Isiah Pacheco and Tyjae Spears is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.9 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Isiah Pacheco averaged 6.0 PPG with the Detroit Lions across 13 games, and Tyjae Spears posted 6.9 with the Tennessee Titans in 13.
When two running backs are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Tyjae Spears is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 264 yards, while Isiah Pacheco profiles as a more traditional rusher with 462 rushing yards and 1 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Tyjae Spears carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 5 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
