David Montgomery

David Montgomery is coming to the end of his career and in Detroit he moved from 1a to 1b to 2. A backup role probably suits him better, but he will be asked to start or have the lions share ahead of second year back Woody Marks. Should be solid, but little more.

Montgomery steps in as the main rushing anchor for Houston. The strength of the defense could lead to an increase in rushing output, especially in the second half of games this season. 

Montgomery wasn't overly impressive as a runner last season and is now 29 years old. Still, Houston will give him all the work he can handle, and we're only a full season removed from a then-28-year-old Joe Mixon averaging 20 touches per game and finishing as the RB9 in this role.

Montgomery's production suffered last year in Detroit, because the Lions lost their veteran center to retirement during the summer, and the interior of the line struggled as the season unfolded. 

The Texans revamped their offensive line this offseason. I expect the ground game to improve this year and pass protection to follow by early next. 

Montgomery will should approach 1,200 yards and 10 scores. If Montgomery can't stay healthy, expect a big enough split that Montgomery doesn't reach those totals. If the Texans can't get the passing game going as well as they hoped with Jayden Higgins out for the year, Montgomery could earn 1,500-1,700 yards from scrimmage and 10-12 touchdowns if the OL jels early in the run game.