David Montgomery Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Montgomery played 14 games and finished as RB18 in total PPR fantasy points (221.7) and RB16 in points per game (15.8).

He totaled 775 rushing yards (27th) and 12 rushing TDs (8th), adding 36 catches for 341 yards (16th) on 38 targets.

He produced five top-10 weekly finishes, with only two non-RB2 weeks, making him a steady weekly play.

Usage & Role

Montgomery split work nearly evenly with Jahmyr Gibbs over the first 13 games, averaging:

• 13.8 carries per game (42.6% share)
• 2.6 targets per game (8.7% share)
• 17 inside-the-5 carries (vs. 12 for Gibbs)

He led all RBs with 11.3 expected rushing TDs through Week 14, operating as Detroit’s go-to goal-line back, though Gibbs was mixed in at times.

Efficiency Metrics

Montgomery delivered strong but not elite rushing efficiency:

• 4.2 yards per carry (28th)
• 3.12 yards after contact per attempt (19th)
• 0.18 missed tackles forced per attempt (21st)
• -0.02 rush yards over expected per attempt (30th)

As a receiver, he was surprisingly elite:

• 91.0 PFF receiving grade (1st among RBs)
• 2.24 yards per route (tied for 1st)

Gibbs’ PFF receiving grade was only a 74.4, while his yards per route checked in at 1.67.

Montgomery could get more receiving work based on these metrics.

Offensive Context

Detroit’s offense ranked first in total plays and remained one of the most run-heavy in the league (27th in pass rate, 24th in red-zone pass rate).

Behind a solid offensive line (16th in ESPN run blocking success), Montgomery handled 50% of the team’s inside-the-five carries, making him a central figure in one of the NFL’s most productive red-zone offenses.

Injury History

Montgomery sustained a shoulder injury in Week 12, causing him to leave that game early.

He also sprained his MCL in Week 15, which cost him the rest of the season.

He has missed at least one game in each of the past five seasons.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Montgomery returns as Detroit’s co-starter.

Gibbs will continue to siphon high-value touches and explosive plays, but Montgomery should maintain 12-15 carries per game, red-zone usage, and some receiving work.

He has posted double-digit rushing TDs in both seasons with the Lions and is a good bet to do so again in 2025.

The Lions did not add anyone else to the backfield. They return veteran Craig Reynolds and second-year RB Sione Vaki.

Supporting Cast

The Lions return one of the league’s most complete offensive units.

QB Jared Goff returns after one of his best seasons ever.

The OL returns four of five starters after finishing 16th in ESPN run blocking success (72%) and 12th in pass blocking success (64%) last year. OTs Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell lock down the edges while Christian Mahogany returns on the interior. The Lions will need to replace All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow, who recently retired.

The Lions drafted OG Tate Ratledge in the second round. He’s expected to fill in at either Center or RG immediately.

The Lions still have plenty of receiving weapons, as well, with WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams along with TE Sam LaPorta.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Ben Johnson’s offense ranked first in total plays and top-10 in run-blocking, while ranking 25th in red-zone pass rate, creating elite ground-game opportunity.

Even in a backfield split, Johnson schemed enough high-value touches (red-zone and targets) to support two fantasy-relevant backs.

Unfortunately, Johnson has moved on to coach the Bears.

New OC John Morton was a senior offensive assistant under Johnson in 2022. Over the last two years, he was the passing game assistant for the Denver Broncos.

Morton vowed he would keep the offensive scheme intact, stating: “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? I mean, it’s working, right?”

If the scheme stays the same, Montgomery should continue to benefit from a strong offensive attack.