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

Tuesday, October 21, 1:40 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery had a rough game in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 13 carries for 21 yards and two catches for 18 yards. 15 total touches is a positive sign for Montgomery after he saw just six in Week 6, but the 28-year-old has now been held under 25 rushing yards and out of the end zone in three out of the last four weeks. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs dominated in Week 7, recording 218 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 20 total touches. With Detroit not having as much success in the power-run game as in years past, it appears Montgomery could be sliding into a true RB2 role behind Gibbs. At best, Montgomery profiles as a touchdown-dependent flex option for fantasy managers as the Lions head into their Week 8 bye.

Thursday, October 23, 9:17 AM

Following an excellent start to the 2025 season, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has cooled off as the team heads into its Week 8 bye. The fifth-year back is the No. 16 overall PPR running back, but has now recorded fewer than 50 yards rushing and no touchdowns in three straight games for the Jags, who were thoroughly quieted by the Los Angeles Rams in a 35-7 loss last week. Etienne drew only eight carries and one catch, his fewest number of touches in a game this season. The Jags traded Tank Bigsby to Philadelphia earlier this year, and rookie Bhayshul Tuten has yet to play more than a third of the team's snaps in a game, so Etienne is still the clear top option, but managers should continue to watch his usage in the weeks to come. Jacksonville travels to Las Vegas in Week 9.