Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Jake Haener

Sunday, December 22, 12:41 PM

After considering three high-level medical opinions, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) has decided to forego surgery. He will rehab his MCL in hopes of returning to football action in time for the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Montgomery has been a major contributor in Detroit this season, totaling 775 rushing yards, 341 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. The Lions should feel good about their backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way, but getting Montgomery back in January would give them a major boost in their quest to make the Super Bowl.

Saturday, December 14, 5:19 AM

The New Orleans Saints will give quarterback Jake Haener the start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the nomination in comments to the media on Friday. Haener took the reins from Derek Carr (hand, concussion) in Week 14 after Carr injured himself late in the Saints' win over the New York Giants. He only had one dropback in that game, which resulted in a sack for a loss of 10 yards. This will be Haener's first start of the season. During the season, Haener appeared in seven games in 2024, going 14-for-29 for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Saints wide receiver corps has been depleted by injuries, limiting the inexperienced Haener's utility to fantasy managers in two-QB leagues who are desperate for their second option.