Fantasy Football: Ty Montgomery a must-add ahead of championship week
Ty Montgomery is going to win a lot of fantasy championships this week.
Montgomery has turned touches into gold all season long, so it’s no surprise a heavier workload resulted in a breakout performance for the rising star.
Anyone questioning whether Montgomery is a true running back were quickly silenced, as he dominated with 162 yards and two touchdowns against a solid Chicago run defense. Thirty fantasy points later and those that played him advanced, while those against him likely won’t be playing again this season.
Despite all of the signs pointing to a big day in Chicago, Montgomery is only owned in 15.8 percent of NFL.com leagues. That’s insane. If you’re prepping for a fantasy championship and Montgomery is on your waiver wire, do everything you can to get him. Submit your claim. Throw all of your remaining FAAB at him. Whatever it takes.
If you don’t grab Montgomery, there’s a good chance you’ll be playing against him.
Understanding his dominance
The 23-year-old has the speed and elusiveness to make defenders miss, and the strength and power to churn out extra yardage between the tackles.
What’s more impressive is the defense he was up against. The Bears entered this game giving up just 3.8 yards per carry. That number has increased to 4.26 yards per game courtesy of Montgomery and Christine Michael.
Chicago had only allowed two 100-yard rushers on the season. Houston’s Lamar Miller carried 28 times for 106 yards (3.8 yards per carry) in the season opener. Dallas’ rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott rushed 30 times for 140 yards (4.7 YPC). Montgomery’s ridiculous 10.1 yards per carry makes him the most productive rusher against the Bears this term.
Montgomery averaged 4.6 yards per carry against Seattle’s No. 8 ranked run defense. Sunday’s dominance in Chicago was no fluke.
Vikings defense on the ropes
On paper, a matchup with the Minnesota defense causes owners to cringe. But rest assured, the Vikings are leakier against the run than you might think. Yes, they allow the 11th-fewest fantasy points (16.58) to opposing running backs on the season, but this is due to the fact they’ve surrendered only six rushing touchdowns.
Let’s look at the yardage. Minnesota is No. 18 in run defense, allowing 106.3 yards per game. In their past six, they’ve allowed 123.8 yards per game.
Expect to see another heavy dose of Montgomery against a Vikings team in free fall. Their defense is loaded with talent, but they can be run on. If Montgomery is available, go get him.
It’s a move that could make you a champion.
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