David Montgomery vs Tyjae Spears: Who Should You Start?
David Montgomery and Tyjae Spears 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 Tyjae Spears posted 6.9 PPG in 13 appearances for the Tennessee Titans.
A 2.2-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.
Tyjae Spears is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 264 yards, while David Montgomery profiles as a more traditional rusher with 716 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Tyjae Spears carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: David Montgomery sits Week 14 while Tyjae Spears is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
