David Montgomery Week 3 Fantasy Outlook: Yahoo Sports Preview

Evaluating the Backfield Split in Houston

The Texans brought Montgomery into the fold specifically to inject consistency and physicality into a rushing attack that required reinforcements. According to detailed coverage from the team’s official site, Montgomery posted strong per-touch metrics during his 2025 campaign in Detroit, rushing 158 times for 716 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He also hauled in 24 passes for 192 yards, demonstrating utility that extends beyond a traditional early-down role.

Yet, paying for a guaranteed workhorse workload presents clear risks for managers navigating the current fantasy landscape. Woody Marks remains an established presence in the Houston backfield after handling heavy responsibilities during his rookie season. Records from 2025 indicate Marks played in all 16 games, registering 196 carries for 703 rushing yards and two scores, alongside 24 receptions for 208 yards and three touchdowns through the air. That workload totaled 220 offensive touches during his debut campaign, establishing that the coaching staff trusts him in high-leverage situations.

Training Camp Insights and Projected Workloads

During summer practices and preseason evaluations, the Texans consistently highlighted both runners in their offensive schemes. Training camp coverage from the team’s official site described Montgomery pressing behind pulling linemen and finding space through traffic. Quarterback C.J. Stroud even connected with the veteran running back on a long wheel-route touchdown during camp workouts, signaling that Montgomery will retain a role in the passing game.

At the same time, Marks continued to secure meaningful snaps, including a preseason performance featuring four carries for 37 yards and a touchdown against Las Vegas. While outside projections have speculated about an even 50-50 rushing split, analysts caution against treating unverified camp speculation as an official depth chart mandate. Instead, the underlying evidence points toward a functional committee where Montgomery handles the veteran share of early-down and high-value touches, while Marks retains standalone utility.

For organizations and leagues managing high-stakes rosters, navigating complex personnel shifts requires reliable structural oversight.

Draft Capital and PPR Value

Fantasy managers assessing Montgomery must weigh his touchdown upside against the reality of a shared backfield. If Montgomery secures 14 to 16 carries per game complemented by red-zone opportunities within an offense quarterbacked by C.J. Stroud, he remains a viable weekly RB2 option. However, drafting him at a price that assumes a 300-touch ceiling ignores the established presence of Marks as a capable second option.

Ultimately, Montgomery brings the exact physical traits the Texans sought to upgrade their run game, but the backfield dynamics dictate a measured approach. Recognizing the value of a balanced backfield prevents managers from overpaying for a feature-back workload that the coaching staff has not guaranteed. Success in modern fantasy formats depends on aligning draft capital with actual on-field distribution rather than raw historical reputation.