David Montgomery vs De'Von Achane: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. De'Von Achane (Miami Dolphins) averaged 18.1 PPG over 16 games in 2025, outscoring David Montgomery (Houston Texans, 9.1 PPG) by 9.0 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 9.0-PPG gap gives De'Von Achane the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
De'Von Achane is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 67 targets into 488 yards, while David Montgomery profiles as a more traditional rusher with 716 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats De'Von Achane carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: David Montgomery is off Week 14 and De'Von Achane Week 6. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
