Analyze Tyjae Spears's matchup for week 11
Spears is a low-end FLEX in 12-team PPR leagues this week; his locked-in pass-game role (3+ catches every healthy game) pairs well with a likely negative script vs Houston, who have allowed the 4th-most RB receiving yards, giving him a safe 8-12-point floor with limited ceiling.
Tennessee is a 7-point home underdog, setting up a pass-heavy game script that favors Spears over early-down back Tony Pollard. Houston’s defense sits 11th in fantasy points allowed to RBs (20.3 PPR/game) but bleeds receiving production, yielding the fourth-most RB receiving yards. That dichotomy fits Spears’ skill set perfectly—he’s averaged 3.7 receptions on 4.3 targets over his last three healthy games—so even in a crowded backfield the matchup keeps his PPR floor intact.
Since returning from IR in Week 5 Spears has posted 7+ PPR points in four straight, handling at least three catches apiece and averaging 9.3 opportunities (carries + targets) per game while working behind Pollard.
Tyjae Spears’ post-injury usage confirms the Titans still view him as their designated passing-down back, a role that has grown steadier each week. After a quiet 17-snap, 4-touch debut in Week 5, he’s logged 35-45 percent of the offensive snaps and seen exactly three or four targets in every contest, translating to a reliable 3–4 catches that prop up his floor in full-PPR formats. The offensive line struggles have capped rushing efficiency for the entire backfield, but Spears’ 6.3 YAC per reception and 10.1-yard average catch depth show the coaching staff is scheming him into space, mitigating the impact of a sputtering overall attack.
Week 11’s setup tilts heavily toward that receiving usage. With Tennessee projected to trail, Spears should out-snap Pollard on third downs and two-minute drills, and Houston’s LB corps has allowed 44 completions to RBs on 53 targets (83% catch rate). If the Titans fall behind early, a 5-6 target ceiling is realistic, pushing Spears into the 15-touch realm when combined with his usual 8-10 carries. He’s also the preferred GL back in shotgun or spread looks, giving him a 50-50 shot at vulturing a short score even if Pollard handles early-down grunt work.
The downside is volume-based: Tennessee’s 28th-ranked situation-neutral pace limits total plays, and Spears has yet to top 12 touches in a game this year. That keeps his weekly ceiling in the RB3/flex range rather than high-upside RB2. Still, in a week with six byes and a rash of backfield injuries, a locked-in 8-12 PPR floor with ancillary TD equity is startable in 12-team leagues and a godsend in 14-team or deeper formats. Expect 60-70 scrimmage yards and 3-4 receptions as the median, with 15-point upside if one of those touches finds the end zone.