Michael Carter vs Tyjae Spears: Who Should You Start?
Michael Carter (6.3 PPG) and Tyjae Spears (6.9 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two running backs are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. Michael Carter played 13 games for the Tennessee Titans; Tyjae Spears suited up 13 times for the Tennessee Titans.
A 0.6-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.
Tyjae Spears is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 264 yards, while Michael Carter profiles as a more traditional rusher with 333 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.
Both share a Week 5 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking running backs this deep on your bench, plan your replacement running back early.
