David Montgomery

David Montgomery is heading into the 2025 fantasy football season with a mix of reliability and uncertainty. In 2024, he solidified his role as a "1B" running back, averaging 16 touches per game and scoring around 16 points in PPR formats. Despite missing a few games and being limited in the playoffs due to injury, Montgomery demonstrated his value in the Lions' offense. His ability to consistently contribute in both running and passing situations makes him a stable choice for fantasy teams.

However, Montgomery's fantasy upside is somewhat capped by his limited explosiveness and the presence of Jahmyr Gibbs, who showed incredible potential when Montgomery was sidelined. Gibbs' explosive speed and ability to score make him a significant threat to Montgomery's consistent usage. As the Lions adjust to a new offense under coordinator John Morton, it remains to be seen how the running back workload will be divided. Despite this, head coach Dan Campbell is likely to maintain Montgomery's involvement, especially in goal-line situations.

In terms of fantasy projections, Montgomery is expected to remain a solid RB2, potentially reaching 1,000 combined yards with double-digit touchdowns. His reliability in short-yardage situations and his past performance suggest he can still be a valuable asset, especially in games where the Lions need to run the clock down. However, his injury history and potential for reduced touches due to Gibbs' emergence make him a bit of a risk. Thus, while he's still a good pick, fantasy owners should be cautious about expecting him to surpass his current projections.

For the 2025 season, Montgomery's biggest challenge will be adapting to the Lions' new offensive strategy and maintaining his role despite the team's increased focus on passing. The Lions' schedule is tougher this year, which could lead to more competitive games and potentially less reliance on Montgomery for scoring opportunities. Despite these challenges, Montgomery's consistent performance over the years makes him a dependable choice for fantasy teams looking for a reliable—but not necessarily explosive—running back option.

Updated 08/23/2025