The Tennessee Titans are in full rebuild mode after finishing the 2024 season with the worst record in the league, earning them the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With questions surrounding their offensive line, quarterback situation, and overall roster construction, Pro Football & Sports Network (formerly Pro Football Network) recently made a bold prediction regarding running back Tyjae Spears:
Spears will more than double his career rushing totals in Year 3, surpassing 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns.
At first glance, this prediction seems aggressive. But when you take a step back and analyze the current state of the Titans’ offense, the idea of Spears becoming the offense’s focal point is not entirely unrealistic. Let’s break it all down.
Spears’ Performance So Far: Is He Ready for a Bigger Role?
Tyjae Spears has been among the few bright spots on a struggling Titans team. Over his first two seasons, he has amassed 765 rushing yards and six touchdowns, splitting time with Derrick Henry in 2023 and taking on a larger workload in 2024. His efficiency has been notable, particularly in elusiveness, where he ranks among elite companies in PFSN’s custom Elusive Ranking metric, trailing only:
- De’Von Achane
- Christian McCaffrey
- Bucky Irving
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- James Conner
This puts Spears in the same conversation as some of the league’s most dynamic and explosive backs. The question now is whether he can handle a full-time starting role and significantly increase his production in 2025.
The Offensive Line Factor: Will It Be Better in 2025?
One of the biggest concerns regarding Spears’ ability to break out is the Titans’ offensive line—an area that has been a disaster in recent years. PFSN graded Tennessee’s O-line as 28th in 2024, and unless major changes are made, expecting Spears to more than double his production is a massive stretch.
However, the Titans are expected to address their offensive line through free agency and the draft, potentially using their early second-round pick on a top lineman or even trading down from the No. 1 spot to accumulate assets. Any improvement up front will directly impact Spears’ efficiency and allow him to see more consistent running lanes rather than being forced to create yardage on his own.
Related: Titans Select Cam Ward With First Pick in Recent Mock Draft
Who Will Be Under Center? How the QB Situation Impacts Spears’ Role
Another wild card in Spears’ potential breakout is Tennessee’s quarterback situation. The Titans will likely select Cameron Ward (Miami, FL) or Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) with the No. 1 overall pick, meaning a rookie quarterback will lead the offense.
Historically, teams with rookie QBs lean heavily on the run game to ease their young passer into the league. The Commanders’ Brian Robinson Jr. had a similar role in 2024, tallying 799 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while playing alongside rookie QB Jayden Daniels. If the Titans take a similar approach, Spears could easily see a workload of 200+ carries, allowing him to produce career-best numbers.
However, a rookie QB also presents challenges, as defenses could stack the box against Spears, daring the Titans to beat them through the air. If Tennessee fails to add reliable pass-catching weapons, it could lead to Spears struggling against crowded defensive fronts.
Will the Titans’ Scheme Favor Spears in 2025?
PFSN pointed out that Tennessee ranked 27th in pass rate over expectation in 2024, meaning they already leaned heavily on the run game. With an uncertain QB situation and a rebuilding roster, assuming they’ll continue to be run-heavy in 2025 is reasonable.
If the Titans stick to a conservative offensive approach, Spears could become the workhorse back by default, leading to an increase in carries, goal-line opportunities, and receptions out of the backfield.
That said, his durability will be tested. At 5’10 “, 201 lbs, Spears is not built like Derrick Henry, meaning the Titans may use a committee approach rather than turning him into a 300-carry workhorse.
Final Verdict: Is PFSN’s Prediction Realistic?
Why It Could Happen:
Spears is elusive and efficient, ranking among the league’s best in forced missed tackles.
A rookie QB will likely mean a run-heavy approach, giving Spears more carries.
An improved offensive line could help open more running lanes.
The Titans lack established offensive weapons, making Spears a featured playmaker.
Why It Might Not Happen:
The Titans’ offensive line is still a major question mark.
A rookie QB could result in stacked defensive fronts.
Spears has never handled a true workhorse role in the NFL.
The Titans could add another running back via free agency or the draft.
Final Prediction: A Career Year for Spears, But Maybe Not a 1,500-Yard Season
I agree with Pro Football & Sports Network that Tyjae Spears is set up for a career-best season in 2025, but I wouldn’t go as far as predicting he will more than double his previous production.
A more realistic stat line might look like this:
➡ 1,100 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, and 350 receiving yards
That would still be a huge step forward for Spears and prove he can be the lead back for the Titans.
If Tennessee’s offensive line improves, their rookie QB settles in quickly, and Spears stays healthy, then the idea of him approaching 1,500 yards and 12+ touchdowns isn’t completely out of reach.
But I see a strong breakout year for now—just not quite as extreme as PFSN is predicting.
Photo courtesy Getty Images.
Click here to check out PFSN’s early bold predictions for all 32 teams headed into the 2025 season.
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