Ty Montgomery

Week 4 vs. Chicago Bears

Ty Montgomery had just 12 carries for 35 yards last week, but that's not why you have him. He had just 15 yards receiving last week, but did it on 8 receptions and continues to be a huge part of the passing game. His value in PPR leagues is obviously higher than it is in yardage or scoring leagues. But his two most productive rushing games came last year against the Bears, as he had 222 yards on the ground against them on just 25 carries, adding 12 receptions for another 68 yards. He's a low-end RB1 in yardage leagues and high-end RB1 in PPR leagues this week, especially if Randall Cobb doesn't play again.

Week 2 at Atlanta Falcons

You had to like Ty Montgomery's touches last week—19 carries for 54 yards and 4 receptions for 39 yards. You'll take 23 touches each week, especially if he produces 90+ yards and a score. This week, he gets an Atlanta defense that gave up 125 yards rushing and a boatload of catches to the Chicago running backs—and that doesn't include some drops from Jordan Howard. Montgomery should produce solid point totals with another 20-touch game. The fact he's getting the ball inside the 10 helps as well. He should produce as a low-end No. 1 back in this juicy matchup.

Fantasy Upside

Ty Mongomery emerged as Green Bay's top running back last season after injuries left him as the only remaining option. The converted wide receiver averaged 5.9 yards per carry and 3.3 yards after contact, both of which led the NFL. As you would expect, he also remained a force in the passing game (catching 44-of-56 targets). He heads into 2017 as the team's most proven runner, especially after a strong playoff run in which he gained 149 yards and scored 2 on the ground in two games. The Packers seem intent on moving forward with Montgomery as their lead back.

Fantasy Downside

While Montgomery's big games were huge—a pair of 10-catch games and a 162-yard, 2-TD rushing game at Chicago—there were a lot of dogs in there as well. After all, he had just seven games with more than six carries. And the Packers invested heavily in young running backs in the draft.

2017 Bottom Line

Montgomery remains the starter in Green Bay, at least for now. But with Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones knocking on the door, his hold on the position is tenuous, at best. That said, even if he's surpassed by one of the rookies, he'll still have a role as a third-down back/slot receiver. Some leagues also will count him at both positions, depending on your rules, which gives you some position flexibility. He's more valuable in PPR leagues than he is straight yardage ones, but in either league, he figures as a decent No. 2 running back.