The upcoming matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions presents a challenging decision for fantasy football managers as they assess the running back situation. The battle between Quinshon Judkins and David Montgomery highlights an interesting contrast between a promising rookie finding his stride and a seasoned veteran navigating team dynamics and tough matchups.
Quinshon Judkins’ rapid rise is a story of talent meeting opportunity. Despite missing significant preseason action, he has quickly become a key asset for the Browns. His performance in Week 3 against a formidable Green Bay defense, where he amassed 94 yards on 18 carries, demonstrates his capability to handle significant workloads effectively. With his conditioning set to improve, Judkins could see even greater usage as Cleveland continues to lean on their running game.
Detroit poses another defensive hurdle, but Judkins’ prior success against top-tier opponents inspires confidence. As the Browns are determined to establish the run, fantasy managers can expect him to maintain a minimum workload of 15 carries. His efficiency of 5.5 yards per carry so far paints a promising picture of his potential.
On the other hand, David Montgomery faces a different narrative. Although he showcased his capabilities with an impressive 6.9 yards per carry, partly thanks to a long run against Baltimore, his role has diminished due to the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery’s situation is further complicated by the formidable Cleveland defense, which has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
The Lions’ offensive scheme now heavily favors Gibbs, relegating Montgomery to a more situational role, primarily in goal-line and short-yardage situations. Against Cleveland’s stout run defense, Montgomery’s fantasy value relies heavily on his ability to score touchdowns.
For fantasy managers deciding between Judkins and Montgomery, the choice ultimately comes down to the balance of opportunity and matchup challenges. Judkins is the safer option, offering more consistent volume in a Browns offense that prioritizes ground control. His swift adaptation to the team’s system underscores both his talent and the coaching staff’s trust in his abilities.
Conversely, Montgomery’s reliance on scoring opportunities and the tough matchup against Cleveland make him a riskier choice. While he may still offer value in specific scoring situations, the overall landscape suggests leaning towards Judkins would be a more prudent strategy. His upward trajectory and consistent usage within the Browns’ game plan make him a more reliable option, especially for managers with adequate roster depth.