While these may be opportunities to pass block on third downs, it is a positive report for Woody Marks who is ticketed for a specialized third-down and pass-catching role in 2026 season following the acquisition of veteran David Montgomery. Barrett further commented, “I think the key for Woody is understanding his role, which he does. He’s going to get lots of opportunities. Last year we brought him along slower, which was good to help him kind of learn the game.”
Marks handled a heavy workload as a rookie, logging 196 rush attempts and a 52-percent snap share, but he was inefficient, averaging under 3.6 yards per carry with a long gain of only 23 yards. Marks’ fantasy upside now shifts entirely to the air, where his 22.0-percent college target share at USC suggests he can easily outperform last year’s 24 receptions. He offers both standalone value in negative game script situations as well as massive contingent fantasy football value if Montgomery misses time. Marks is the perfect Zero RB option in the mid to late rounds this summer.
For the first time since 2023, Houston Texans running back ...
The Houston Texans traded for former Detroit Lions running ...
The Houston Texans acquired veteran running back David ...
Recent Houston coaching staff comments signal a reduced role for Woody Marks this season. Texans RB coach and assistant head coach Danny Barrett claimed that Marks’ “role is going to pick up some third downs, special teams.” His elite college target share—highlighted by a 22.0-percent College Target Share and 261 career receptions shows that his pass-catching upside is massive.
Though Marks is developing an all-purpose skillset, the presence of David Montgomery and his $16.5 million contract, has relegated him to satellite back duties in 2026. Recently, Montgomery was labeled “a three-down back” who “can do it all,” by NFL.com’s Kevin Patra.
After 196 rush attempts in 2025, Marks is now more handcuff than fantasy producer. At 25.5 years of age, he has impressive all-purpose contingent upside if Montgomery misses games this season. He is an uncapped late-round option with limited standalone value. Given the limiting dynamic with Montgomery, Marks is more attractive in fantasy football dynasty leagues.
This is music to David Montgomery‘s ears. The Houston Texans dropped their pass rate down to 55.8-percent from Week 13 to Week 18 of 2025, and Caley wants to deploy more multi-tight end sets and heavy personnel packages to extend the offensive line and attack defensive surfaces with creative blocking schemes this season.
Given the Texans feature a top tier defense, a renewed commitment to a heavy, balanced ground attack make perfect strategic sense. Houston’s myriad of WR options also suggests a more diversified wide receiver rotation, lowering the ceiling of Jayden Higgins, Tank Dell, and Jaylin Noel. Though Caley also praised C.J. Stroud for taking a leap this offseason and exuding “a different comfort level,” Montgomery remains best Houston player to target in fantasy football drafts this year.
Brad Holmes said “He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized.” when speaking about running back David Montgomery. Montgomery took on a reduced role this year as fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs took on more of the work out of the backfield.
Montgomery signed with the Lions in March of 2023, it was a three year deal. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in his first season in Detroit, in his second season he didn’t reach 1,000 yards but still scored 12 touchdowns but this year his carries dropped to a career low 158.
Throughout his career Montgomery has proven to be an effective back but Gibbs is an elite duel threat talent, leaving less work for Montgomery. If Montgomery leaves Detroit it would open up even more work for Gibbs and give Montgomery the chance to land with a team that will give him a larger role.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
The New York Jets backfield is shaping up to be a fantasy goldmine in 2025. Breece Hall is going near the 4-5 turn in drafts while 2nd year back Braelon Allen is being drafted at the 11-12 turn.
Drafters can benefit from both backs being a part of their plans, but Allen has hidden value that doesn’t appear to the naked eye. Should Breece Hall get traded between now and the 2025 NFL trade deadline, Allen would be a top-12 weekly running back.
Allen gets comparisons to Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery. The archetype, skillset, and focus on the 1-2 punch rung game offensive philosophy make for an apt comparison. With that thought in mind, Allen goes 4 rounds cheaper than David Montgomery (round 7 ADP). Keep an eye on the Jets backfield as Allen will have weekly value and would take off in a big way to be a league winner should Hall either miss time or get traded to another team.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
“Sonic” and the receivers get all the glory, but what about workhorse “Knuckles?” That’s what Lions running back David Montgomery is feeling.
Montgomery stated he’s entering the 2025 season with a big chip on his shoulder. “This is probably the hungriest that I have been because I feel like a lot of people kind of forget that I’m here in the offense, too,” he said.
Fantasy managers haven’t forgotten. After a successful career in a Bears uniform, he continued his hard-nosed style for the Lions. During his first two seasons with the team, Montgomery has accounted for over 2,200 yards from scrimmage (1,790 rushing), a yards per carry (YPC) average of almost 4.5, and a whopping 25 trips to paydirt on the ground. At just 28 years old, “Knuckles” still has plenty of gas in the tank to remind the detractors (present since high school) that he is still putting up consistent numbers.
Montgomery is currently being drafted on Underdog at the close of the sixth round as RB24. In a rare case of a player being undervalued at ADP, a slight reach for the running back could be handsomely rewarded for fantasy managers. He’s put up over 15 points per game (PPG) in fantasy over the last two seasons, and shows no signs of taking his foot off the gas as one of the most consistent players at the position.
Author: Samwise (@BuyAndSellYou)
