David Montgomery fantasy outlook: Should you draft Lions RB in 2024?

David Montgomery had a terrific season last year, but so did his Detroit Lions backfield mate. Running back committees are hard to map out for fantasy purposes, and the secondary option is usually a weaker choice. Montgomery is, for now, the top dog, but that could change. What does that mean for his fantasy outlook?

What is David Montgomery's outlook? (Imagn)

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David Montgomery Fantasy Outlook 2024

David Montgomery came over from the Chicago Bears in 2023 and proceeded to have an excellent year. He rushed for 1,015 yards and tallied the fifth-most touchdowns in the league with 13. He was a force in his first season with the Detroit Lions and a quality fantasy football pickup.

He ended the season as the 32nd overall player and the ninth-best running back in fantasy in 2023-2024. That kind of success at least warrants some consideration for fantasy managers to draft him perhaps even higher this year.

However, that may not be wise. The 10th-best running back and 35th overall fantasy player behind Montgomery was none other than his teammate Jahmyr Gibbs.

Gibbs (945 yards, 10 touchdowns rushing and 316 yards, one TD receiving) didn't see a lot of touches early on and had to work his way into the offense, so it stands to reason that he will get more usage in his sophomore season. That can only spell a downtick in usage for Montgomery, which isn't ideal.

These two players are both good, but it's cause for concern when drafting one of them. That's even more true when you're considering drafting a player who is, by most accounts, less talented.

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Is David Montgomery a good pick in 2024?

It does not look like David Montgomery is going to be a good pick in fantasy football drafts in 2024. If you're considering a Lions back, it is a good idea to take the one with the higher upside in Gibbs. Montgomery may be fine, but you're not drafting a player to be just fine.

Montgomery is still considered the lead back on the depth chart, which bodes well for him. Gibbs is also banged up right now, although there's no huge cause for concern yet. Those two things give Montgomery a little bit of value he otherwise wouldn't have.

However, it likely won't be long until Montgomery cedes the starting role to Gibbs. Gibbs almost took it from him last year en route to a Pro Bowl season, and it's difficult to envision him being held off for another entire season.

These two players, both talented and good for fantasy purposes in 2023, are trending in opposite directions, and that should be enough to consider drafting someone else. Montgomery will be useful and have value at some point, but he probably should be low on the radar.

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Where should you draft the Lions RB?

David Montgomery will eventually become valuable. If everyone heeds the advice and passes on him, he will become a useful selection. Even if he becomes the backup, he will still see plenty of touches and will be useful as a flex or backup.

The star Lions player is being drafted around the 66th pick in fantasy leagues, ending as the 20th running back taken off the board. That's a more appropriate place for him despite him finishing as a top 10 RB last season.

Pick Joe Mixon over David Montgomery in fantasy

Gibbs, for what it's worth, is being selected in the second round often. He just has so much more upside. In that range is also where Joe Mixon is being selected. If deciding between the two, you should take Mixon. Our fantasy analyzer believes he's a better pick.

Mixon was being drafted around pick 80, and if he's going to be better than Montgomery, then that range or lower is where you can safely target the Lions star. Anything higher might be a bit of a reach.