The Top-10 Upside of David Montgomery: Why the RB Could Surprise in 2025

Despite missing the final three games of the 2024 season, David Montgomery still managed to finish as the RB18 in 0.5-point PPR scoring. His workload and effectiveness when on the field, including a 4.2 yards per carry average, make a strong case for his potential top-10 finish.

Gene Clemons of Fantasy Life predicts Montgomery will be a top-10 fantasy RB in 2025, citing health as a key factor. If Montgomery can stay healthy, he could easily join Jahmyr Gibbs in the top 10. In 2023, Montgomery finished 13th, and with a deep running back draft class and Christian McCaffrey’s return to health, Montgomery will need to prove himself once again.

Why Montgomery Can Finish Top-10:

1. Health: Staying healthy will be crucial for Montgomery to reach his full potential. If he can avoid injuries, he’ll have a better chance of finishing as a top-10 fantasy running back.
2. Workload: Montgomery’s workload and effectiveness when on the field make a strong case for his potential top-10 finish. He’s proven himself to be a reliable and efficient runner, and if he can maintain a significant workload, he’ll be in a good position to finish as a top-10 fantasy running back.
3. Team Dynamics: The Lions’ run-focused system and Montgomery’s role as the “Thunder” to Gibbs’ “Lightning” will continue to provide opportunities for him to produce. Montgomery’s ability to run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a valuable asset in fantasy football.

Concerns and Risks:

1. Touchdown Rate: Montgomery’s touchdown rate has been a concern in the past, and if he can’t find the end zone consistently, it could impact his fantasy value.
2. Age: Montgomery is entering his fifth season in the NFL, and while he’s still relatively young, his age could become a concern in the future.

Overall, while there are some concerns about Montgomery’s touchdown rate and age, his potential top-10 finish in 2025 isn’t entirely far-fetched. If he can stay healthy and maintain a significant workload, he’ll be in a good position to finish as a top-10 fantasy running back.