David Montgomery's Fantasy Football Value Under Scrutiny After Texans Backfield Update

Montgomery's Rising Fantasy Stock at Risk

David Montgomery's fantasy football stock has seen a steady increase since the Houston Texans acquired him from the Detroit Lions. Initially viewed as the likely lead back for the Texans, Montgomery was expected to serve as a stable RB2 with promising touchdown potential in the upcoming season. However, recent reports from Texans training camp suggest that fantasy managers might need to reconsider this outlook.

Texans' Committee Approach

According to NFL Network's Jane Slater, the Texans plan to divide lead-back responsibilities between Montgomery and second-year running back Woody Marks. This shift in strategy raises alarms for Montgomery's fantasy ceiling heading into the season.

Woody Marks, who many anticipated would act primarily as a backup while learning the ropes under Montgomery's mentorship, has impressed the coaching staff with his performance. After finishing his rookie year on a high note in 2025, including showcasing explosiveness and versatility, Marks is now expected to have a substantial role in the Texans' rushing attack from the very start of the season.

Implications for Montgomery's Workload

Despite maintaining an essential spot in Houston's offense, Montgomery's workload may decrease significantly. His physical playing style makes him a strong candidate for short-yardage and goal-line situations, which is crucial for maintaining his value as a productive NFL player. However, with Marks poised to take on a larger share of carries, Montgomery's weekly touch count stands to drop from what many expected following his transfer to Houston.

Instead of averaging 18 to 20 touches per game, Montgomery may find himself sharing the workload much more evenly with Marks. If Marks also steps up as a receiving option out of the backfield, it could diminish Montgomery's potential for consistent high-scoring weeks, particularly in point-per-reception (PPR) formats.

Reevaluation of Draft Strategy

While a committee backfield scenario may not render Montgomery a player to avoid outright, it complicates the justification for his current average draft position (ADP). Early-round running backs typically come with expectations of dominating their teams' workloads. If Montgomery shares significant carries with Marks, his reliability in weekly fantasy performance could wane.

Unless Montgomery's ADP adjusts to align with this reality of a shared backfield, fantasy managers may want to pivot toward other running back options that offer clearer paths to touches and scoring opportunities in the upcoming season.

Positive Outlook for the Texans

From the Texans' perspective, employing a split-carry strategy seems to be a beneficial move. Allowing both Montgomery and Marks to contribute could ensure Montgomery's health throughout the lengthy season while enabling Marks to build on his promising rookie performance.

Should both players fulfill their expected roles effectively, the Texans could assemble one of the NFL's most balanced and efficient rushing units. That presents an exciting scenario for Houston but poses potential challenges for fantasy football managers eyeing Montgomery as a reliable investment this season. Until his draft price reflects the possibility of a true committee, it may be wise for fantasy enthusiasts to explore other avenues in their drafts.