Austin Ekeler vs David Montgomery: The Full Breakdown
The gap between Austin Ekeler and David Montgomery is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.1 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Austin Ekeler averaged 9.0 PPG with the Washington Commanders across 14 games, and David Montgomery posted 9.1 with the Detroit Lions in 17.
When two running backs are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Austin Ekeler is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 360 yards, while David Montgomery profiles as a more traditional rusher with 716 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Austin Ekeler carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Austin Ekeler has his bye in Week 14, and David Montgomery rests in Week 6. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at running back for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
