David Montgomery vs Quinshon Judkins: The Full Breakdown
David Montgomery and Quinshon Judkins 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 Detroit Lions, while Quinshon Judkins posted 11.2 PPG in 14 appearances for the Cleveland Browns.
A 2.1-PPG gap gives Quinshon Judkins 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; Quinshon Judkins posted 827 and 7. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: David Montgomery is off Week 6 and Quinshon Judkins Week 11. 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.
