Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Travis Etienne Jr.

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, 11:55 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has thrived over the past three weeks and should continue to succeed in a rematch from Week 14 with the Indianapolis Colts. The whole Jaguars offense is clicking to end the season, and Etienne Jr. has been a primary benefactor of the improved performance. He has been a fiend for the end zone lately, especially in the receiving game, making him a high-upside dual threat out of the backfield. With backup rookie Bhayshul Tuten (finger) potentially out again, Etienne Jr. should dominate touches out of the backfield. In the biggest week of the fantasy season, managers should feel good about starting Etienne Jr. in Week 17 against the Colts.