The age-old fantasy football dilemma: choosing between two seemingly equal running backs. Today, we tackle the David Montgomery Or Derrick Henry debate, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fantasy impact to help you make the right decision for your draft.
David Montgomery and Derrick Henry on the field
Power and Consistency: Derrick Henry’s Dominance
Derrick Henry is a force of nature. His bruising running style, unmatched size, and remarkable consistency make him a fantasy darling. Henry has rushed for over 1,500 yards in three of the last four seasons, cementing himself as a workhorse back capable of single-handedly carrying fantasy teams to victory.
His strength lies in his volume and touchdown upside. Henry consistently ranks among the league leaders in carries and red-zone touches, guaranteeing a high floor for fantasy managers.
However, Henry’s reliance on volume also presents a concern. His heavy workload raises concerns about potential injury and wear and tear. Additionally, his involvement in the passing game remains limited, capping his ceiling in PPR leagues.
Versatility and Opportunity: David Montgomery’s Potential
While not possessing Henry’s raw power, David Montgomery offers a more well-rounded skillset. He excels as both a runner and receiver, making him a valuable asset in PPR leagues. Montgomery showcases impressive vision and agility, consistently finding ways to make defenders miss and generate yards after contact.
Moreover, Montgomery’s situation in the Chicago Bears’ offense presents significant upside. With limited competition for touches, he is poised to handle a significant workload, translating to fantasy production.
The biggest question mark surrounding Montgomery is the Bears’ offensive line. Their inconsistency could limit his rushing efficiency and overall production.
Fantasy football draft board with player rankings
Head-to-Head Comparison: Breaking Down the Stats
Analyzing their recent stats provides further insight into their fantasy potential:
| Category | Derrick Henry | David Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Rushing Yds | 1,679 | 1,070 |
| Avg. Rushing TDs | 15 | 8 |
| Avg. Receptions | 25 | 47 |
| Avg. Rec. Yds | 206 | 365 |
While Henry dominates in rushing yards and touchdowns, Montgomery shines in receptions and receiving yards, highlighting their contrasting strengths.
The Verdict: Tailoring Your Decision to Your League
Ultimately, the decision between David Montgomery or Derrick Henry hinges on your league format and risk tolerance.
Draft Derrick Henry if:
- You prioritize a high floor and guaranteed production.
- Your league heavily favors rushing yards and touchdowns.
- You’re comfortable with his limited involvement in the passing game.
Draft David Montgomery if:
- You’re in a PPR league that values receiving production.
- You seek a more versatile back with potential upside.
- You’re willing to accept some risk for a potentially higher reward.
Making the Right Call
Choosing between these two talented running backs requires careful consideration of your league’s scoring system and your individual fantasy team needs. By weighing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact, you can confidently select the running back best positioned to power your team to fantasy glory.