RB David Montgomery, DET

A year after setting career-highs in all areas in 2020 (1,508 combined yards with 10 touchdowns and 54 catches on 301 touches), Montgomery averaged 20.5 touches the following year with regression in his yards per rush (3.8) and yards per catch (7.2). He gained 20 yards or more on five of his 267 chances. Over his first four games, he gained over 100 rushing yards in two contests (16/108/1 and 23/106/2) before missing four games with a left knee injury. His value in the run game (156/540/4 – 3.5 yards per carry) declined when Montgomery returned over his final nine games. On the positive side, the Bears did get him more chances in the passing game (36/252 on 42 targets).

The Bears had Montgomery on the field for 64.6% of their plays in 2022 while leaving Week 3 (ankle issue) after 17 snaps, costing him the next game. He gained more than 1,000 yards (1,117) for the fourth consecutive season. Chicago gave him 234 touches, leading to six scores and 34 catches. Montgomery rushed for 100 yards in only one game (15/122). His only outcome with more than 20.00 fantasy points came in Week 11 (21.10).

Fantasy Outlook: The move to Detroit should lead to more explosive plays and an increase in scoring chances, but Montgomery isn’t a lock to see more touches. His career resume was much higher than Jamaal Williams, who had a career year with the Lions in 2022 (262/1,066/17). Montgomery ranks 28th at running back in mid-June. I expect him to deliver backend RB2 stats at a minimum in PPR formats. With 225 carries and 30 catches, he should gain 1,100 combined yards with double-digit touchdowns.