David Montgomery has been a prominent figure as a fantasy running back since joining the Detroit Lions, consistently ranking among the top performers. However, with the arrival of new offensive coordinator John Morton in 2025, his role in the offense is expected to change significantly. This shift is likely to affect Montgomery’s fantasy value as the Lions adjust their backfield strategy amid evolving coaching dynamics and team personnel changes.
David Montgomery’s Performance and Role Since Joining Detroit
Montgomery began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, delivering standout performances, especially in the 2020 season when he ranked fourth in fantasy points among running backs. Despite his early success, Montgomery shared carries with Khalil Herbert later in Chicago, leading the Bears to part ways with him in free agency. Detroit saw an opportunity to upgrade their backfield by signing Montgomery to replace Jamaal Williams, who had a strong 2022 season with over 1,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
After acquiring Montgomery, Detroit also drafted Jahmyr Gibbs and traded away D’Andre Swift, creating a unique backfield composition where two running backs remained fantasy-relevant each week. Montgomery typically averaged 15 carries per game with a high rate of first-down conversions, though his runs rarely broke long distances. He was a reliable scorer with 13 touchdowns in one season, spreading his scores over most games and rarely going without a touchdown. In 2024, Montgomery’s rushing attempts slightly declined but his involvement in the passing game increased, showcasing his versatility as a receiving back. With 2.24 yards per route run, he led all running backs in receiving efficiency on a per-route basis.
Montgomery’s touchdown rate on rushing attempts has been exceptional, maintaining consistency between 2023 and 2024, and he ranked seventh in rushing fantasy points per game over this period. His role remained stable as Detroit’s primary goal-line back, often starting games and maintaining possession while wearing down defenses to set up Gibbs for later opportunities.
Adjustments to Depth Chart and Playing Time for 2025
The Lions have maintained continuity in their running back depth chart for the 2025 season, with Craig Reynolds positioned as the third option and Sione Vaki serving as the fourth back and special-teams contributor. The rotation strategy had Montgomery and Gibbs sharing workloads in a complementary way, with Montgomery starting more prominently and Gibbs increasing snaps as games progressed. Both backs saw more touches per game earlier this season compared to the previous year, but a recalibration is possible to involve more skill players in the offense under the new coordinator.
Influence of Coaching Changes on Montgomery’s Role
Ben Johnson, Detroit’s former offensive coordinator who supported Montgomery’s consistent role, has left the team to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. His departure marked a major shift for the Lions as John Morton stepped in as the new offensive coordinator, bringing fresh perspectives and strategies. Morton, who has experience managing both feature backs and committee backfields, tends to emphasize explosive plays. This aligns more naturally with Jahmyr Gibbs’s playing style, hinting at a potential reduction in Montgomery’s involvement.
Morton’s previous tenure with the New York Jets in 2017 featured a three-back committee that balanced touches among Bilal Powell, Matt Forte, and Elijah McGuire. His willingness to delegate goal-line duties based on player strengths rather than size could signal fewer touchdown opportunities for Montgomery, despite his role as a goal-line runner in Detroit. Notably, Morton’s strategies with the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos included prioritizing lead backs for goal-line snaps, even when larger backs sat on the bench, which further raises questions about Montgomery’s touchdown consistency going forward.
Detroit’s Offensive Line and Its Impact on Montgomery’s Production
Montgomery has benefited greatly from an elite offensive line that supports the running game effectively. Penei Sewell anchors the right tackle spot as one of the best run blockers, and Frank Ragnow ranks near the top for centers in run blocking. Left tackle Taylor Decker offers both pass and run blocking reliability, adding to the offensive line’s strength. However, the guard positions present some concern following Graham Glasgow’s down year and free agency departure of Kevin Zeitler. The promising rookie Christian Mahogany impressed on a limited number of run blocks last season, including a dominant playoff performance, with expectations high for his second year to determine the overall quality of the line.
Despite these questions, Detroit’s offensive line remains a major factor in Montgomery’s success, enabling strong production despite the running back playing fewer than half of the offensive snaps in many games. Their ability to create running lanes and control defenders is critical to his rushing efficiency and scoring opportunities.
The Potential Downside for Montgomery’s Fantasy Outlook in 2025
If Ben Johnson had stayed on as offensive coordinator, it’s likely Montgomery would have continued as a weekly fantasy starter with limited but steady upside. With John Morton taking over, there is now a clear risk that Montgomery’s role diminishes, turning him into more of a handcuff option behind Jahmyr Gibbs. Morton’s preference for explosive plays and a diversified backfield may cost Montgomery touches and scoring opportunities, putting his fantasy status in jeopardy.
Montgomery’s consistent goal-line usage could see significant reduction given Morton’s differing approach to snap distribution. Fantasy managers who have valued Montgomery as a reliable, touchdown-scoring running back may need to reassess his 2025 potential and consider Gibbs as the preferred fantasy asset in Detroit’s backfield.
What to Expect Moving Forward for David Montgomery with the Lions
The 2025 season promises to be a turning point for David Montgomery’s fantasy outlook, as the Lions navigate coaching changes and adapt their offensive schemes. While Montgomery’s past production attests to his talent and ability to contribute at a high level, the uncertain snap distribution and focus on agility and explosiveness under John Morton may substantially reduce his workload.
Fantasy players should monitor how the Lions employ their backfield early in the year, paying close attention to how Morton balances Montgomery and Gibbs’s snaps and usage near the goal line. Meanwhile, the supporting offensive line will remain a positive factor, but it may not be enough to preserve Montgomery’s fantasy value if plays and opportunities decrease. This evolving situation presents some anxiety for Montgomery’s fantasy owners, who must stay alert to the shifting dynamics within Detroit’s offense.