Week 6 at Minnesota Vikings
Ty Montgomery has taken some practice reps as he tries to come back from fractured ribs, but he could still be at least a week away from playing. Check his status Friday. But have Aaron Jones ready to go. Jones has done enough to warrant use by the Packers even if Montgomery does play. And if Montgomery does play, he might not be worth anything more than a flex play.
Week 5 at Dallas Cowboys
Montgomery was wasted in what looked to be a great matchup last week, leaving in the first half with fractured ribs after getting 28 yards on his first 5 carries. That rib injury could make him a very iffy play this week, as well. He practiced on a limited basis on Thursday. Keep an eye on his Friday practice status but also remember that a good shot on those ribs Sunday could again send him to the sidelines. If you've got a better—or at least more sure—start, you might want to look elsewhere.
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 3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Ty Montgomery put up 110 yards from scrimmage last week (75 receiving and 35 rushing) with a pair of scores last week against Atlanta. He got just 10 carries but 6 six receptions. He remains a little more valuable in PPR leagues than straight yardage, but he's been fine in those, as well. With some of the other pass-catchers hurting this week, his value should be even higher. He has 2 touchdowns in his past three home games and is a good bet to score again this week. He's a solid RB1 option against a struggling Cincinnati team.
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.
Week 1 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Ty Montgomery has a tough matchup as a runner this week against the Seattle Seahawks. But you didn't take Montgomery because he's going to be a 20-carry, 100-yard rusher each week. You took him for his all-around game. And he had one last season against the Seahawks at Lambeau Field, picking up 41 yards on 9 carries and catching 3 passes for another 45 yards. He should get more than 12 touches in this game. Look for Montgomery to get at least 15 touches and produce as a nice No. 2 option, particularly in PPR leagues.
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.
NFC Championship at Atlanta
Montgomery got 11 carries and gained 47 yards (scoring twice) on the ground last week, while also catching six passes for 34 yards. That's value. He's had 11 rushing attempts in each of his postseason games and has nine total receptions. He could see even more work in the passing game this week. Montgomery didn't play because of an illness the first time around against Atlanta earlier this season, so the Falcons haven't seen the multi-use back/WR. That could work in his favor early in this game. He should produce as a solid No. 2 back, especially in PPR leagues, in what should be a shootout.
Divisional Round at Dallas
Ty Montgomery got 11 carries for 27 yards and three receptions for 41 last week against the Giants, and will continue to get the bulk of the work out of the backfield for the Packers. He wasn't a full-time running back when these two teams met earlier this season, getting just three carries for six yards, but he did have 10 receptions for 98 yards in that game. With Jordy Nelson likely out this week, the Packers might have to go to more of a short passing game, which would benefit Montgomery greatly. He should be a solid contributor this week as a No. 2 RB play or high-end flex option.
Wild Card Round vs. New York Giants
Montgomery got eight carries for 44 yards and caught three passes for 17 yards but got a little nicked up last week against the Lions. He's gotten at least eight carries in each of the past four games, so he's not necessarily going to be a high-volume play, but his pass-catching ability makes him more attractive in PPR leagues. He did give way to Aaron Ripkowski a little more than you'd like, but even though Ripkowski had nine carries for 61 yards last week, Montgomery is the more attractive play thanks to his multiple usage. He should get enough work in this game to be a No. 2 back, especially in PPR leagues.
