David Montgomery vs. Aaron Jones - Who Should I Draft In 2024 Fantasy Football?

Two longtime NFC North running backs, on their second team in the division, are being selected next to each other in the fantasy football drafts.

David Montgomery and Aaron Jones live in this year's "RB Dead Zone," a group of mid-round running backs that begin the season with red flags and bust potential. Both have an ADP in the fifth round, according to Yahoo! data.

The similarities between the two are causing fantasy managers to wonder which they should draft. Let's settle the debate.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

David Montgomery 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

David Montgomery is coming off his most successful season in the league. In 14 games, Montgomery hit career-best marks in touchdowns (13), yards per carry (4.6), and rushing yards per game (72.5). He was the RB15 in points per game (14.8).

Through the air, however, the 27-year-old was virtually a non-factor, snagging a career-low 16 receptions and 117 receiving yards. That role went to then-rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, who is expected to take more of a workload in the ground game this season should he be healthy when the season starts.

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) expected to return to practice next weekhttps://t.co/ZiF60eWP79 pic.twitter.com/ErYY1UDmF6

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 20, 2024

If Montgomery is the 1B to Gibbs, there are still plenty of opportunities. The pair run behind one of the best offensive lines in football, and Dan Campbell historically leans on one running back inside the five-yard line. That role will be for Montgomery. If Gibbs isn't ready to go for Week 1 or beyond, the sky is the limit for the veteran.

Aaron Jones 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Aaron Jones appears to also be in a split backfield, although it's lower profile than the one in Detroit. Ty Chandler ended last year as Minnesota's starting running back and has the confidence of the Vikings' coaching staff.

What if - and stop me if I sound crazy here - the Vikings are not a top-10 pass rate team with Sam Darnold.

And then what if Ty Chandler plays full drives to "run the same offense with both guys" as KOC says here.

Sounds a lot like the Blake Corum thesis with an older starter. https://t.co/nkvUAvz8Ro

— Ryan Heath (@RyanJ_Heath) August 20, 2024

Our lasting memory of Jones is of him running rampant over Dallas and San Francisco in the postseason, but his fantasy season was littered with missed time. That's not uncommon for a soon-to-be 30-year-old who has a lengthy injury history.

The change from Green Bay to Minnesota is an offensive downgrade. Two-time starting quarterback failure Sam Darnold will be the starter for the season, with rookie J.J. McCarthy on injured reserve. That may lead to more opportunities for the running game but fewer scoring chances. T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison are currently injured, which could push the Vikings to utilize Jones more in the passing game.

Who Should I Draft?

The range of Jones, Montgomery, Rhamondre Stevenson, James Conner, Zamir White, and D'Andre Swift is filled with bust potential, except for Montgomery. Trust that he'll put up RB2 numbers for another season on the elite Detroit offense. His stock is boosted in non-PPR formats.

However, in full-PPR formats, Jones can be the preferred option. He should get off to a quick start to the season. Just make sure you have a solid backup plan if Jones misses time.

More Fantasy Football Analysis