David Montgomery vs Emanuel Wilson: Who Should You Start?
David Montgomery and Emanuel Wilson are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. David Montgomery averaged 9.1 PPG across 17 games with the Houston Texans, while Emanuel Wilson posted 5.1 PPG in 17 appearances for the Seattle Seahawks.
A 4.0-PPG gap gives David Montgomery 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.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. David Montgomery ran for 716 yards and 8 touchdowns; Emanuel Wilson posted 496 and 3. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: David Montgomery sits Week 14 while Emanuel Wilson is off Week 10. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.