Fantasy football managers with Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery on their roster are off to a great start in Week 4 and have gotten a great return on their summer investment through the first month of the season. Can he continue to put up strong fantasy numbers, or is now the time to explore his value in the trade market?
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Should Fantasy Football Managers Trade David Montgomery?
I’m very much interested in testing the waters at this moment in time. Any explosion spot during an island game where the entire nation is watching is worth taking the temperature on, and in this specific instance, I believe you have a good shot at getting more future production via a trade than you do from Montgomery himself.
The Montgomery Sell
Montgomery has scored in all three of his games this season and plays for a strong offense that clearly has a rookie Alvin Kamara-like carry cap (topped out at 12 carries) on their promising rookie in Jahmyr Gibbs.
Why I’m Moving Him
Montgomery averaged four yards per carry once in his career, making the floor a concerning one should the volume dry up. This will be the fourth straight year in which Montgomery hasn’t played a full season, and with 23 carries per game, are we sure he can hold up for the next three months?
David Montgomery has recorded 5 rush TD in 3 games with the Lions this season.
That’s tied for the most rush TD by a player in their first 3 games with a team in NFL history. H/T @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/hSRN4S7D7c
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 29, 2023
The role in the passing game is minimal at best. Despite playing 25 more snaps than Gibbs against the Packers, he ran just two more routes, and if we keep with the Kamara angle from above, that could be the area in which the rookie sees his role expand.
What Should Fantasy Managers Look To Acquire When Trading Montgomery?
This will obviously vary by league type and roster construction. Is it possible that you could convince a struggling team with Saquon Barkley or Austin Ekeler rostered to make a one-for-one deal? I don’t think it’s crazy in the right circumstances.
MORE: Week 4 Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Other challenge trade targets could be, but are not limited to (attached with the way to sell them to your opponent):
- Alvin Kamara: Debuting this week
- James Cook: Productive but lacks scoring equity
- Calvin Ridley: One good drive this season; drops are an issue
- Tee Higgins: Yo-yo nature of his production is here to stay
- Mark Andrews: Maybe this offense isn’t built for him
Montgomery has been great, but if there’s a market out there for any players in this range due to a strong start to the season, I’m very interested!