Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Bucky Irving

Friday, December 19, 11:28 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery enters his Week 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on a hot streak, as he's recorded a rushing touchdown in three straight contests. However, Montgomery's recent usage paints a more worrying picture for his production. The 28-year-old has recorded double-digit touches just once in his last five games, and he's played fewer than 40% of the Lions' offensive snaps in six out of the last seven contests. Montgomery's limited workload makes him highly dependent on touchdowns for fantasy production, which may be hard to come by against Pittsburgh. Entering Week 16, the Steelers defense has allowed just 10 rushing touchdowns on the season, which ranks tied for fifth-fewest in the NFL. Montgomery profiles as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 16.

Wednesday, December 17, 10:13 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving took on the majority of the workload in Week 15, totaling just 71 scrimmage yards on 17 attempts. Since returning from shoulder and foot injuries in Week 13, Irving has totaled 233 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 53 attempts, averaging 13.4 PPR points per game. While he started the season as the primary workhorse in this Buccaneers' offense, Irving has been limited to just 54% of the snaps, while backups Rachaad White (43% and Sean Tucker (14%) have been factors. Irving faces the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. In his only two games against the Panthers in his career, he has had over 185 scrimmage yards in both outings. In a must-win game for the Buccaneers and with his favorable history against Carolina, look for Irving to unleash in Week 16.