Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Rashid Shaheed

Friday, September 5, 4:38 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is expected to cede touches this year to some degree to his superstar backfield mate, Jahmyr Gibbs. However, history suggests that Montgomery could see a workhorse role in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. In four games against the Packers since joining the Lions in 2022, Montgomery has averaged 22 touches, 98 yards from scrimmage, and 1.25 touchdowns per game. Those numbers are even better at Lambeau Field, where he's logged 49 carries for 194 yards and three scores in his last two games. The Packers recently made their pass-rush significantly better by acquiring star edge rusher Micah Parsons (back), who is questionable for Week 1 with a back injury but expected to play. If the Lions want to win the physical battle in the trenches and run the ball between the tackles, they will likely rely on Montgomery. The 28-year-old projects as a low-end fantasy RB2/high-end flex in Week 1.

Saturday, September 6, 10:59 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is starting his first regular-season game since a season-ending meniscus tear in October 2024. Over his first three seasons, he's averaged 16.6 yards per reception but only 47.2 yards per game with a 62.7% catch rate. With second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler under center, Shaheed remains volatile, though he's always one explosive play away from taking the top off a defense. Against the stingy Cardinals, he profiles as a boom-or-bust WR4 worth a flier in deeper leagues thanks to his 4.3 speed, but he's unreliable as a week-to-week starter.