Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or David Montgomery

Friday, September 12, 1:38 AM

A lack of injury updates on Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) is creating a sense of concern and uncertainty for fantasy managers. The Texans have provided very few updates on Mixon since placing him on the non-football injury list, and general manager Nick Caserio was non-committal on the running back playing this season. That was two weeks ago, though, and a lack of chatter about the veteran ball-carrier puts managers in a difficult position. Roster spots are precious, so managers only want to stash Mixon if they think he's going to return later this year. Even in leagues with IR spots, there's no point in holding Mixon if the Texans don't expect him back. However, with the team declining to provide an update, managers have no choice but to keep him on the back end of their rosters. In the meantime, Nick Chubb will remain the team's primary running back with Dameon Pierce and Woody Marks also getting involved.

Friday, September 12, 1:11 PM

Like most of the Lions offense, David Montgomery had a quiet Week 1. The 28-year-old rushed for 25 yards on 11 carries, adding 18 yards on four receptions out of the backfield. The re-worked interior of Detroit's offensive line struggled last week against the Green Bay Packers, but they have an easier matchup on paper against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. In three career games against Chicago, Montgomery has rushed for 230 yards and a touchdown on 43 carries. In the lone game last season where both Montgomery and fellow Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs were active, Montgomery earned 21 carries while Gibbs recorded just nine. Detroit's shaky offensive line play in Week 1 raises questions about Montgomery's effectiveness in Week 2, likely making him dependent on finding the end zone to be productive in fantasy. He profiles as a low-end RB3/flex option against the Bears.