Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Ollie Gordon II

Thursday, December 25, 3:30 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (illness) will be active for Thursday's road bout with the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day, per the team. The veteran appeared on Detroit's practice report on Tuesday, missing the session due to illness. After logging a limited practice on Wednesday, it would seem Montgomery will be able to play anyway, and figures to assume his typical allotment of snaps behind teammate Jahmyr Gibbs as the Lions attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive. Notably, the seventh-year pro has seen his snap count steadily dwindle since Week 11, dropping under 20 plays in each of his last three appearances, compared with just once over the season's first 13 weeks. Correlatively, he'll offer little more than flex appeal with Gibbs dominating time and touches in the backfield.

Saturday, December 27, 7:29 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II has flashed touchdown-dependent upside in his rookie season, but he's battled an ankle injury and fallen down the depth chart in the last few weeks, playing behind Jaylen Wright. Gordon only played three snaps last week against the Bengals, compared to 18 for Wright. He also lost a yard on his only carry. The sixth-round pick has four touchdowns on the season, but in his limited role, he's not a great option to start in Week 17, when his Dolphins host the Buccaneers. In RotoBaller's rankings, Gordon is only the No. 66 RB, making him an option best left on the bench or waiver wire in almost all formats.