FFT Express - David Montgomery Traded to Texans! Fantasy Football Impact + Is Jahmyr Gibbs the FIRST PICK in 2026? (03/02 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

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Fantasy Football Today Express (03/02/2026)

Episode Title: David Montgomery Traded to Texans! Fantasy Football Impact + Is Jahmyr Gibbs the FIRST PICK in 2026?
Hosts: Adam Aizer (Host), Jamey Eisenberg, Dave Richard, Heath Cummings
Main Theme: Immediate fantasy football analysis of David Montgomery’s trade to the Houston Texans and the impact on Jahmyr Gibbs’ fantasy draft stock post-trade.

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Episode Overview

This FFT Express episode delivers rapid-fire fantasy insights on the breaking news: David Montgomery’s trade from the Detroit Lions to the Houston Texans. The conversation focuses on the resulting value shifts for Montgomery, the ripple effect on Houston’s running backs (notably Woody Marks), and the sky-high ceiling for Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit for the 2026 fantasy season. The hosts dissect potential threats to Gibbs’ workload and speculate on whether he should be the consensus #1 fantasy pick.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. David Montgomery Traded to the Texans

Timestamp: 00:35–04:25

• Immediate Reactions

  • Jamey Eisenberg gives a jubilant “Whoa!” upon hearing the breaking news of the trade, but upon reflection, tempers expectations.

    • “Whoa.” [00:56, Jamey Eisenberg]

  • Both Jamey and Dave Richard agree on Montgomery's fantasy value in a 12-team PPR league:
    Jamey: “Six or seven.” (referring to round selection) [01:10] Dave: “I’m right there with you and all the pre teenagers of America.” [01:13]

• Montgomery's Outlook in Houston

  • Heath Cummings: Houston hasn't been a haven for short yardage touchdowns, forecasting a low-end RB2/flex role for Montgomery. He's described as a "descending player” with "good opportunities", but unlikely to break ten touchdowns. [01:23]

    “What are the odds he scores 10 touchdowns? I don’t think they’re going to be very high...low end number two touchdown dependent RB.” [01:23, Heath]

  • Jamey Eisenberg points out Montgomery's impressive TD production in Detroit (“33 touchdowns in three years”) and expects more touches in Houston than he had last year, but still regards him as a borderline RB2/flex, expecting a timeshare with Woody Marks.

    “I think you view Montgomery as that borderline RB2 flex type of player, kind of what we were talking about that Marks could be….” [02:32, Jamey]

  • Woody Marks’ Value: Both emphasize that Montgomery's arrival “crushes” Woody Marks' draft capital, but Marks remains a late-round stash with contingent upside due to Montgomery's age (29) and injury history. [02:32–04:25]

• Lions' Perspective

  • Detroit picks up salary relief and draft capital (5th round pick plus an O-lineman), and Montgomery lands in a good spot for potentially “one last hurrah” as a starter. [02:32–04:25]

2. Jahmyr Gibbs: The #1 Overall Fantasy Pick?

Timestamps: 04:54–11:28

• Statistical Case for Gibbs

  • Jamey Gibbs averaged 21.6 PPR points per game last season with Montgomery; without him (over final three regular season games), he surged to 25.4, 26.3, and 46 PPR points, plus 35.5 in a playoff game. (Adam Aizer, [05:08–05:44])

    “Jahmyr Gibbs still averaged 21.7 PPR fantasy points per game.” [05:14, Adam]

  • Gibbs wasn’t even primary at the goal line—Montgomery had 13 carries from the three-yard line or closer versus Gibbs’ 4—but Gibbs still produced elite numbers.

• Who Threatens Gibbs’ Value?

  • Dave Richard:

    “As long as the Lions don’t add a running back like David Montgomery, the answer is yes and it’s obvious that Jameer Gibbs should be the one on one...I think he’ll be in position to get north of 24 PPR points per game.” [06:10]

  • All agree: if the Lions add only a backup, Gibbs is a consensus first pick. If a “Montgomery-type” or notable free agent is signed, his status is threatened.

    • Notable hypothetical: If Tyler Allgeier lands with the Lions, the first pick flips “back to Bijan Robinson.” [07:06]

    “If they go and get Tyler Allgeier to replace David Montgomery, I think we go right back to Bijan Robinson as the 101.” [07:08, Dave]

• Potential Free Agent Landings

  • Possible fantasy spoilers mentioned: Rashad White, Brian Robinson, Kareem Hunt, Najee Harris, Rico Dowdle—any of whom could siphon short yardage/goal line work and limit Gibbs’ ceiling. (Names listed by Heath and Jamey, [09:41–10:19])

    “If it’s someone that’s just going to steal touchdowns, we’ve already seen this for Jameer Gibbs. I’m still taking him first overall.” [10:19, Jamey]

• Lions’ Offensive Line/Team Context

  • The line wasn’t dominant last year (11th run blocking via PFF, 20th via ESPN), but with the addition of O-lineman Juice Scruggs (part of the trade), the offense remains promising. [07:50–10:48]
  • Coach Dan Campbell reportedly wants to reestablish the offensive line, and Detroit needs to give Gibbs a contract extension to lock up happy returns.

• Texans Analysis

  • Houston’s own run blocking was poor (32nd out of 32 per ESPN), raising more doubts about Montgomery’s efficiency prospects. [10:43–11:22]

3. Other Players & Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 11:28–11:56

• Woody Marks: Seen as a deep sleeper/handcuff with Montgomery's age and injury risk.
• No major immediate effect on other Houston or Detroit players beyond RB group.
• The hosts sum up:

  “There’s your David Montgomery to the Texans analysis” [11:37, Adam]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What are the odds he scores 10 touchdowns? I don’t think they’re going to be very high.”
  — Heath Cummings on Montgomery’s ceiling, [01:23]

• “If they go and get Tyler Allgeier to replace David Montgomery, I think we go right back to Bijan Robinson as the 101.”
  — Dave Richard, [07:08]

• “Jahmyr Gibbs still averaged 21.7 PPR fantasy points per game.”
  — Adam Aizer, [05:14]

• “If it’s someone that’s just going to steal touchdowns, we’ve already seen this for Jameer Gibbs. I’m still taking him first overall.”
  — Jamey Eisenberg, [10:19]

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Important Timestamps

• 00:35: Montgomery trade news and instant reaction
• 01:10: Montgomery’s likely PPR draft round (6 or 7)
• 01:23–02:10: Houston RB outlook, Montgomery’s fantasy role
• 02:32–04:25: Impact on Woody Marks, Montgomery’s flex status
• 04:54: Discussion pivots to Jahmyr Gibbs as #1 pick
• 05:08–05:44: Gibbs’ elite production with and without Montgomery
• 06:10–07:08: Gibbs’ 2026 fantasy status—the 1.01 debate
• 09:41–10:19: Free agent RBs who could threaten Gibbs’ top spot
• 10:43–11:22: Offensive line context for both Detroit and Houston
• 11:28–11:56: Marks as a sleeper; episode wrap-up

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Summary

• David Montgomery’s trade to the Texans places him as a borderline RB2/flex with uncertain TD upside and major timeshare risk. Houston’s poor offensive line further dulls his appeal.
• Woody Marks loses significant draft capital but should be considered late for deep leagues due to Montgomery’s age/injury concerns.
• Jahmyr Gibbs is poised for a fantasy mega-breakout with Montgomery gone—potentially the #1 overall pick, especially if Detroit abstains from signing an impact backup. However, all eyes are on the Lions’ next moves in free agency or the draft.
• The hosts deliver actionable, clear advice for drafters, emphasizing draft context and roster construction for each player impacted by the move.

Bottom Line for Listeners:
Montgomery is a risk/reward RB2 in Houston; Gibbs jumps to the very top of 2026 drafts (for now); watch Detroit’s moves for confirmation. Keep Marks on late-round watch lists in deeper formats.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[A]

Think something's up? You tell me. They got thousands of options, found a great car at a great price, and it got delivered the next day. It sounds like Carvana just makes it easy to buy your car, Hank. Yeah, you're right. Case closed.

[B]

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[C]

Delivery fees may apply.

[B]

David Montgomery to the Texans. Let's talk about it right now on Fantasy Football Today Express. You listen to the very end of our NFL combine show. We've got the breaking news and we got Jamie going. Whoa, whoa. Do you want to take back any of those woes? You want to add any more? How do you feel about it now that you've had some time to think about it? Whoa.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

All right. Joey Lawrence. Joey Lawrence over there. Am I right? So let's Jamie give me a round 12 team PPR league. Give me a round for David Montgomery.

[D]

Six or seven.

[E]

Dave, I'm right there with you and all the pre teenagers of America.

[B]

That's not great.

[D]

That's not.

[E]

Well, neither is Montgomery going to Houston, which historically has not been a haven for short yardage touchdowns, where I am pretty sure he will split work. Just like Nick Chubb did, just like Woody Marks did. Just like all the other running backs that they tried to wedge in there who weren't named Joe Mixon did in the tenure of DeMeco Ryan's. D' Amico Ryan's. And it's going to be a good opportunity for the 29 year old running back. But I can't. I view him a little bit more of a descending player who will get good opportunities. What are the odds he scores 10 touchdowns? I don't think they're going to be very high. And that just makes me nervous to trust him as anything more than what we've been trusting him for years, which is low end number two touchdown dependent rb.

[D]

Well, I would say prior to last year he was more of a mid number two running back based on the volume that he was still getting at the time and the touchdown. I mean he scored 33 touchdowns in three years in Detroit. Like that's pretty impressive. I, I think he, you're right, he's not gonna score as many touchdowns, but he's gonna get more opportunities to touch the ball certainly than he did in 2025.

[E]

That's fair.

[D]

So while he's. He's most likely sharing still, I would expect given his Pedigree, he's probably the lead running back. I don't think Woody Marksman, we talked about this last week with the sophomore running back. So he didn't do anything really to secure himself as the, the featured guy or the, you know, slam dunk. He's going to be our guy, quote unquote from the Texans perspective. And clearly this, you know, trade does that. You know, it's also very minimal capital to go out and get somebody, you know, to trade a 5th round pick and I believe a alignment along with it, you know, to make this trade happen. So Detroit allows himself to get out of the salary, giving Montgomery a chance to go play somewhere where he's going to get a chance to start. Like this was a as ideal landing spot as you could find, you know, for, for a player of, of his age and, and what he looked like last season. So he gets the chance to, you know, sort of get one last hurrah, maybe gets a contract extension on top of it. I'm sure that's probably going to be discussed. So I think you view Montgomery as that, you know, borderline RB2 flex type of player. Kind of what we were talking about that Marks could be. And now this, you know, somewhat, I think a crushes Woody Mark's draft capital going in, but also somebody you want to invest in with a late round pick. Because again, Montgomery's 29, he's battled injuries the last couple of seasons, you know, missing some time here and there. And that gives Woody Marks the opportunity to sort of do what he did this year, which step in and you know, get a lot of work and, and sometimes look like he can be a potential starter. You talked about this last week also, Adam, that, you know, we, we kind of heard about his past catching ability and it kind of went away as the season went on like that. First couple of, first couple of appearances, certainly that first game against Tennessee that he had, he was hugely involved in the passing game. Then it just sort of just completely disappeared. So I think we get, you know, good late round player to stash on your bench just to see what happens in case Montgomery can't, you know, sort of live up to the billing as their featured guy.

[B]

All right, when we come back, we'll talk about Jameer Gibbs. Is he the number one pick in fantasy right now? We'll talk about that after this on Fantasy Football Today Express.

[C]

It's a season two playoff race with TGL. Presented by SoFi. Sunday at 9:00pm Eastern. Jupiter Links versus Boston Common Golf Monday at 7:00pm Eastern Los Angeles Golf Club versus New York Golf Club, Tuesday at 9:00pm Eastern. The Bay Golf Club versus Jupiter Lynx. Keep up. It's Golf Watch on ESPN, ESPN2 and the ESPN app.

[B]

Jameer Gibbs, is he the number one pick in fantasy right now? We'll talk about that right now on Fantasy Football Today Express.

[D]

So

[B]

yeah, last year in full PPR,

[E]

Gibbs average 21, 21.6 PPR points per game, all with Montgomery on the field

[B]

legitimately in the middle of the set. I was there, Dave. I was right. No, I, not really. He was RB3. Now he played three games at the end of the 2024 season without Montgomery. He scored 25.4, 26.3 and 46 fantasy points. Then he had the playoff game against Washington where Montgomery was I think very limited. I barely played and Jameer Gibbs scored 35.5 fantasy points. So I think it's a pretty compelling case. Here's one more. The Detroit Lions, here's their running back carry or just their carries from the 3 yard line or closer. Last year David Montgomery had 13 and Jameer Gibbs had 4 and Jameer Gibbs still averaged 21.7 PPR fantasy points per game. Now if you make it a five yard line or closer, Montgomery had 16 and Gibbs had 10. But obviously a big obstacle for Gibbs to reach his full fantasy potential. Dave, is Gibbs the number one player in fantasy?

[E]

As long as the Lions don't add a running back like David Montgomery, the answer is yes and it's obvious that Jameer Gibbs should be the one on one. I would venture to say that he would be the consensus across the world if this is the case where the Lions I, I'm sure the Lions are going to add another running back as long as it's not somebody that's just like you look at David Montgomery, you see his body of work, you say to yourself, okay, that guy can score from the goal line, no problem as long as they don't add a guy like that. You should feel great about taking Jameer Gibbs as the first pick in the draft and potentially just breaking fantasy. We've talked about it before. He averaged you you gave the numbers that comes out to over 30 PPR points per game in those three games without David Montgomery. I don't think it'll be that high, but I think he'll be in position to get north of 24 PPR points per game. That's it's impossible to take away in a 1 QB league and redraft.

[D]

Don't sign Tyler Algier there Right.

[E]

Bang. Perfect. If they go and get Tyler Algier to replace David Montgomery, I think we go right back to Bijan. Robinson is the 101.

[B]

I mean, I think right now, if I were drafting, I would take Gibbs with the first overall pick. First of all, I mean, he's, he's a slam dunk first rounder anyway. It's not a huge reach. Take him.

[D]

He's two, right?

[B]

Well, he's two.

[D]

He was two before this trade, right?

[B]

Jameer Gibbs was RB two or two.

[D]

He was my number two.

[E]

He was my number two, too.

[B]

Oh, really? Okay. So, yeah, not, not a big stretch, but I guess I just question if they will legitimately turn him into a 17 carry per game kind of guy

[D]

or if there's gonna be somebody else. There's already a report Tom Pellissero just, just posted on X that Dan Campbell wants to get back to playing their brand of football. And that starts with reestablishing a domino offensive line. So they got Juice Scruggs as part of the trade from Houston, you know, to get another offensive lineman in the mix there. When you hear their brand of football, he loved Dan Campbell, loved Dave Montgomery, absolutely loved Montgomery. He clearly loves Jameer Gibbs. They're gonna have to pay Jameer Gibbs. That's the next part of this, you know, transaction, I'm sure, is that they're going to give Gibbs a contract extension so they don't have to go into the offseason next year with him unhappy about his deal. So I think what comes from the next part of this is, as Dave was alluding to, like, who's the partner, who's the, the physical running back, that if Gibbs needs a brief breather, if they want to use somebody else at the goal line, if they want to just, you know, have someone that's more Dan Campbell's mindset, mind frame, you know, always going for a fourth down and they don't want to, you know, use Gibbs for that entire in. In its entirety, then that's the, the biggest question, you know, so it would be kind of ironic if we're excited about Bijan Robinson losing Tyler Algier. And that's the type of player that goes and joins Jameer Gibbs. So there's going to be somebody else. You know, I mean, that most likely, given their, their salary cap situation and moving on from Montgomery and the fact that he's 29, it's probably somebody younger. So day two, day three of the draft, that's what we're looking at here. And that's the most ideal situation for Gibbs. If it's somebody who's established and they go out and they get somebody, that could be frustrating, you know. So could it be Aaron Jones if he's let go? I'm not worried about that. For Jir Gibbs. Could it be.

[E]

Well, let me give you some, can I give you some other names?

[D]

I'm just saying, like, you know, if they get, you know, Mike Washington, for example, I hate that. For Jameer Gibbs.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

Here's some free agents. Rashad White, he's been a short yardage guy before. Brian Robinson. Kareem Robinson would be.

[B]

That would be interesting.

[E]

Yeah. Kareem Hunt. If they wanted just a one year band aid. Naji. If they wanted somebody who coming off of an injury, but they don't ask him to do anything more than, you know, short yardage and change of pace and all that stuff. Rico Dowdle. I know we don't look at him as one of those physical, grinding guys. He had a 75 success rate on carries inside the five last year. Aaron Jones was at 66.7%.

[D]

Yeah, I think if it's, if it's not necessarily somebody who's just. If it's somebody that's just going to steal touchdowns. We've already seen this for Jameer Gibbs. I'm still taking him first overall. Okay.

[B]

Yeah, it's. You didn't even have that good of an offensive line last year. I mean, PFF graded them 11th best run blocking. ESPN had them 20th.

[D]

So like if it's, if it's Travis etn, like that's disgusting. You know, like something along those lines.

[B]

Oh yeah, that'd be bad. Yeah, but why would they do that? You know, just turn Gibbs loose. Obviously he's a phenomenal, incredible player and yeah, this is exciting for him and maybe exciting for Montgomery. It's interesting that the Texans traded Juice Scruggs. They, they just, they were 32nd out of 32 teams in run block win rate per ESPN. They were 21st in run blocking for PFF. So better on in the PFF gradings, but Montgomery, 29 years old, behind a worse offensive line.

[E]

Yeah, they've traded too long in the last 24 hours.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay, so there's your analysis. I don't think there's much else to say. Anyone else affected by this?

[D]

Marks. We touched it.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Okay. Well, thank you to Dave and Jamie. This is FFT Express and there's your David Montgomery to the Texans analysis. And we'll talk to you on Wednesday with a fresh edition of fft.

[D]

Paramount podcasts.