After signing a three-year deal last offseason, Lions running back David Montgomery split time with former first-round rookie Jahmyr Gibbs.
Despite this and dealing with a few injuries in 2023, the 27-year-old had a career season in his first year with Detroit. Montgomery finished in the top ten in rushing yards and tied in the top five for rushing touchdowns last year, making him their 1b—option in the backfield with Gibbs expanding his role as the 1a.
In one of the best offensive environments in the NFL, he should still see plenty of looks in the red zone and short yardage as their power runner. In his first season with his second team, the former Chicago Bears running back missed three games with two different injuries (leg thigh, and chest rib bruises).
Can Montgomery still be a viable fantasy running back number two for a team in all formats?
David Montgomery 2023 Stats and Production
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Heading into 2023, David Montgomery was an eighth-round pick in PPR and made an impact with his 13 touchdowns. He was the 17th running back in fantasy in PPR but in standard, he was top-10, even ahead of Gibbs according to FantasyPros, while being a top-15 back in half PPR. if the duo can stay healthy, they could potentially repeat as top 15 fantasy running backs.
In 2023, the experienced back had 1,015 yards on the ground with 219 carries, as Gibbs had more utilization as a receiver. While there is some injury risk, both running backs have dealt with setbacks as Gibbs missed a few games with a hamstring in 2023. Injuries to either back could open up more carries and volume in a potent offense that should score plenty in 2024.
David Montgomery 2024 Fantasy Outlook
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While Gibbs is the fourth-ranked running back in PPR, David Montgomery is the 20th-ranked according to FantasyPros, despite having that touchdown equity that young explosive weapon might lack. The age of the veteran is worrisome at that position and might make it an uphill battle to play a full season.
Montgomery does defer some of his past receiving work to the dynamic Gibbs, so he does have the advantage in receptions and total yards. But the second-year back lacks the touchdown equity Montgomery has the way this offense is schemed. His 2024 season does favor his scoring potential if he can stay healthy.
In PPR fantasy drafts, Montgomery is taken after the likes of Kenneth Walker III, Aaron Jones, and Rhamondre Stevenson but ahead of James Conner and D’Andre Swift. He possesses the 23rd-ranked schedule against running backs, according to FantasyPros.
Final Thoughts on David Montgomery
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For 2024, David Montgomery is going about earlier compared to his 2023 ADP, which is around round seven in most formats. In half PPR and standard, this jumps to round six or late round five, as the only thing limiting his ceiling is potential touchdown regression/ usage and capped volume for PPR. Montgomery benefits from being behind one of the better offensive lines in the league.
To keep him fresh, early usage may not be as much heading into 2023, but down the stretch, Montgomery should be their trusted back in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Last year, he had 10 games over double digits and one 30-plus point performance for fantasy.
Montgomery should be considered a solid running back two or high-tier flex option for 2024, as he could be a high floor and decent ceiling with multiple double-digit point weeks.
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