Fifth-round rookie RBs don't often help fantasy managers. But despite the presence of starter Tony Pollard and 1B Tyjae Spears, Nicholas Singleton is in a nearly perfect spot.
First, of course, the rookie has to win the #3 RB job. That means finishing strong this preseason and entering Week 1 as a clear understudy to Pollard and Spears. While the former has shown exceptional durability, the latter has missed nine of his team's last 24 contests.
Yet there are deeper reasons why Singleton could break through. Both Pollard and Spears will be free agents after this season. Some might argue this will incentivize Tennessee to run them into the ground, especially if this team has no interest in re-signing them.
But the Titans have been in major rebuilding mode, and while they're not expected to be a playoff team this year, they've built a foundation that could carry them to relevance in 2027.
Consider their options: run Pollard and Spears into the ground and then try to figure out their backfield situation ahead of next season, or give Singleton some run to see what he can do? Option 2 makes more sense. If Singleton flops, the Titans could decide it's worth re-signing Pollard and/or Spears, or they could actively pursue RBs in free agency and the draft.
And if Singleton plays well? Then Tennessee will be able to strategize more effectively ahead of 2027. Their worst-case scenario is not knowing what they'll need. Turning Singleton loose provides answers that benching him simply won't.
So if Singleton locks down the #3 job, and if your league has deep benches, be prepared to stash him for the stretch run.
For a deeper dive into the fantasy outlook of the Titans' backfield, listen to this recent podcast episode.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: How Titans rookie RB Nicholas Singleton could break through in fantasy