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The Detroit Lions are heading to Arrowhead to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, in what is projected to be the highest-scoring game of Week 1.
The new-look Lions backfield now consists of off-season signing David Montgomery, as well as rookie first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs. This comes after Detroit parted ways with both D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams this offseason.
The landscape of the two backs workloads remains to be seen. It's been recently reported that Montgomery will take over the goal-line duties, while Gibbs will serve as more of a threat in the receiving game. So, should fantasy managers start Montgomery in Week 1 despite the uncertainty in volume between him and Gibbs?
Does David Montgomery Have A Good Matchup In Week 1?
First, let's look at Detroit's success on the ground last year. In 2022, the Lions finished third in the NFL in rushing touchdowns, as well as 11th in rushing yards.
Despite a revamped tandem of starting RBs, Detroit has kept its strong offensive line intact, and potentially improved on last season's group with a now-healthy Halapoulivaati Vaitai.
Now, let's take a look at their opponent in Kansas City. This Chiefs team struggled against fantasy RBs last year, finishing in the bottom 12 of average points allowed to RBs in 2022. Not to mention, they will most likely be without their best defensive player Chris Jones,who's currently holding out.
Should I Start David Montgomery In Week 1 Fantasy Football?
Montgomery's ADP sits at RB31, so it's likely you may have drafted one or two RBs ahead of him on your squad. There are a number of RBs that will have more implied receiving roles in Week 1 than Montgomery, which may be a factor to consider if you're playing in PPR formats.
For those who don't find themselves as deep at the running back position as a result of league size or draft strategies, Montgomery should be locked into your lineup for Week 1. As previously mentioned, this is an extremely favorable matchup for him on the ground, and his touchdown-scoring opportunities put him as a high-end RB2 on the week.
Yes, you should start David Montgomery in Week 1.
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