Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Quinshon Judkins

Saturday, February 14, 7:01 AM

Since signing with the Detroit Lions as a free agent before the 2023 season, running back David Montgomery has been a key cog in the team's offensive resurgence. However, the 28-year-old saw a definitive downturn in his production in 2025, as star Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs took over a true lead role in the Detroit backfield. Across 17 games played, Montgomery recorded 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries. Over his last eight contests of 2025, Montgomery recorded more than eight rush attempts just once. At the conclusion of the regular season, Lions general manager Brad Holmes mentioned the possibility that the team could look to move on from Montgomery. While a change of scenery could help Montgomery's playing time outlook, he may no longer be able to handle a true RB1 workload as he enters his age-29 campaign. If Montgomery remains with the Lions, he likely profiles as a touchdown-dependent running back option with a limited upside for fantasy managers, unless Gibbs suffers an injury.

Thursday, January 29, 6:06 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) got a late start to his rookie season in the NFL due to a legal matter and ended the year on Injured Reserve due to a fractured right fibula and dislocated right ankle, but when he was healthy, he showed why he was so coveted in the 2025 NFL Draft. Judkins quickly took over RB1 duties in Cleveland and ran for 867 yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries over 14 starts. He was the RB26 overall in half-PPR scoring and added 26 catches for 171 yards as a pass-catcher. The 22-year-old Ohio State product has intriguing long-term upside because of his combination of power and speed, and all reports suggest he should make a full recovery from his injuries before the start of the 2026 campaign. Judkins might be a popular Year 2 breakout candidate, although Cleveland's quarterback situation could hold him back.