Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 16, 2024 1:52 am GMT
As the NFL regular season heads into Week 4, fantasy football enthusiasts are faced with tough decisions about who to start and who to sit. Among those in the spotlight are Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Jameson Williams, both of whom have had contrasting performances recently. With the Lions set to clash against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, let’s break down their prospects and see if they deserve a spot in your lineup.
David Montgomery: A Reliable Fantasy Starter
David Montgomery has established himself as a key player in the Lions’ offense. Coming off a strong performance against the Arizona Cardinals, he rushed for 105 yards on 23 carries and secured a touchdown—marking his third consecutive game with a score. Montgomery’s ability to find the end zone has made him a trusted asset for fantasy owners.
Key statistics from Week 3:
- 23 carries for 105 yards
- 1 rushing touchdown
- 3 receptions for 17 yards
Despite a tough matchup against a Seahawks defense that has posed challenges to various offenses this season, Montgomery is expected to be a focal point again. The absence of star center Frank Ragnow due to a pectoral injury could affect the Lions’ offensive line, yet Montgomery remains in prime position to excel. His consistent performance makes him a must-start.
Jameson Williams: Can He Bounce Back?
In contrast to Montgomery’s heroics, Jameson Williams has struggled to make an impact recently. After two strong outings to start the season, his performance took a downturn in Week 3, where he recorded a mere nine yards on one reception and lost yards on a carry. This underwhelming performance raises questions about his viability as a fantasy starter against the Seahawks.
Analyzing the Matchup
The Seahawks are currently notorious for holding opposing wide receivers to low fantasy points, which poses a tricky challenge for Williams. Here’s a quick overview of the Seahawks’ performance against previous quarterbacks this season:
- Faced rookie Bo Nix
- Faced journeyman Jacoby Brissett
- Faced backup Skylar Thompson
While these matchups may have inflated Seattle’s defensive statistics, Williams represents a significant jump in competition. The Lions’ offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, may offer Williams the chances he needs to perform better. Many analysts believe Williams can improve and advocate for giving him another shot in the starting lineup.
Verdict for Williams: Consider starting him, but keep an eye on any last-minute updates regarding his status.
Choosing Between Montgomery and Anthony Richardson
Another decision fantasy owners face this week is between starting David Montgomery or Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson has been dealing with oblique and abdominal injuries, making his status uncertain for the upcoming week. So far this season, he has struggled with consistency, completing just over half of his passes and throwing six interceptions.
If Richardson is unable to play, veteran Joe Flacco would step in. Flacco’s experience could stabilize the Colts’ offense, but starting him over a solid running back like Montgomery may not be ideal. Thus, with Montgomery’s momentum, many would lean towards him for guaranteed production.
Final Thoughts on Lineup Decisions
As fantasy football managers prepare for their lineups for Week 4, the emphasis remains on performance consistency and current health status. Here’s a recap to guide your decisions:
- David Montgomery: Lock him in as a start due to his recent form and continued role as a featured back.
- Jameson Williams: Monitor his status, as he may bounce back in a tougher matchup.
- Anthony Richardson: Keep an eye on injury updates; if he plays, evaluate matchups closely before deciding.
Football season has its highs and lows, and keeping an eye on how players are doing can help you win your fantasy league. Make sure you check on player updates before game day so you can change your lineup if needed.
