Jaleel McLaughlin vs Tyjae Spears: The Full Breakdown
The gap between Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyjae Spears is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.0 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 PPG with the Denver Broncos across 15 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 Jaleel McLaughlin profiles as a more traditional rusher with 382 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Tyjae Spears carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Jaleel McLaughlin has his bye in Week 14, and Tyjae Spears rests in Week 9. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at running back for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
