Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or David Montgomery

Tuesday, October 7, 11:41 AM

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said the team will have clarity on running back Joe Mixon's (foot/ankle) health status for the "duration of the year" at some point "over the next few weeks." Mixon has not played yet in 2025, and the team has provided little to no information about a possible return timeline. It seems possible, if not likely, that the 29-year-old will miss the entirety of the season. If that's the case, Houston will likely continue splitting backfield work between veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks. Chubb has recorded 58 carries for 249 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. Marks has logged 233 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 42 total touches, and could eventually work his way into the lead role over the course of the season.

Friday, October 10, 5:55 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery logged a season-high 18 carries in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing with 65 rushing yards and a touchdown. The 28-year-old also tossed the second touchdown pass of his career on a trick play. Heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Montgomery should be expected to return to the 1B role in the Lions' backfield alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. Kansas City has been surprisingly subpar against the run so far this season, ranking 24th in rushing touchdowns allowed (six) and 26th in yards per carry allowed (4.8). Montgomery's limited touch ceiling while playing next to Gibbs makes him reliant on touchdowns for fantasy production, but he looks like a decent bet to find the end zone against the Chiefs. In Week 6, Montgomery profiles as a low-end fantasy RB2.