Ladd McConkey
vs David Montgomery

“McConkey played only 45.2% of the snaps last week and saw an 11.1% target share while dealing with a rib injury, which helps explain why we are getting him at just 6.34% pOwn. Add on the Chargers are the NFL’s biggest letdown in 2026, and there is reason for concern. The matchup is the reason to buy the dip, as BUF has allowed the sixth-most yards per target and eighth-most fantasy points per target to slot WRs.”

“Through two games, Ladd McConkey has been underwhelming. Yes, his rib injury is part of the entire equation, but the entire Chargers offense has been a rollercoaster so far. Last week, despite having a 45.2% snap share, he had a 67.7% route share.”

“The reason McConkey was limited to only 18 routes was that he left the game early after getting lit up. His absence tanked the offense. Looking into what really went wrong for the Chargers, and when McConkey went out things fell off a cliff On/Off McConkey splits per @NextGenStats On: 8.9 Yards per pass Off: 3.9 Yards per pass On: 0.12 EPA/Play Off: -0.61 EPA/Play Whole different offense — Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) September 14, 2026 Quentin Johnston corralled two of his six targets for 17 scoreless yards on 27 routes, tying with Tre’ Harris for the team lead in routes.”

“Hampton was Andy’s start of the week, and Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey are must-starts against the Cardinals’ defense.”

“He’s the No. 1 receiver for Justin Herbert , and now Mike McDaniel is the offensive coordinator for the team. Last season, when Keenan Allen wasn’t on the field, Ladd McConkey led the Chargers in target share at 20%.”

“That leaves a sizable hole in the offense, and McConkey should be the biggest beneficiary of those vacated targets.”

“Ladd McConkey is my bet for Herbert’s pass-catcher who will benefit the most from better health along the offensive line.”

“There's no denying Ladd McConkey was a massive fantasy disappointment last season. He saw a drop from 15.1 PPR points per game as a rookie down to 11.3.”

“Through three games, David Montgomery is averaging a whopping 2.7 YPA. He’s seeing about 52% of the touches, nowhere near the workhorse numbers everyone projected in the offseason. Woody Marks looks like the more explosive back of the two, though his numbers aren’t much better.”

“Montgomery has a 4.5% explosive run rate, 1.54 yards after contact per attempt, and a 12% missed tackle rate. If Houston can play with a lead, Montgomery could have a bounceback game this week against Indy’s putrid run defense. Indy has allowed the third-highest explosive run rate, the sixth-highest rushing success rate, the seventh-most yards before contact per attempt, and the fourth-highest missed tackle rate.”

“We have not seen much usage from Woody Marks yet, but David Montgomery should feast and may leave Marks (RB36) with some decent scraps. Blake Corum , RB, Los Angeles Rams The back half of 2025 saw Corum have an increase in workload with significant touches leading into the playoffs. Corum appears to be maintaining a similar workload and is due for a trip to the endzone.”

“On the bright side, Montgomery does still have all four of the Texans’ carries inside the 10-yard line. But goal-line work alone is a recipe for an inconsistent FLEX play, not a viable RB2. The whole thesis behind Montgomery this season was his workhorse volume, and it hasn’t been there through two weeks (he’s also been fairly inefficient, for what it’s worth).”

“David Montgomery will likely operate as the team’s workhorse.”

“David Montgomery (RB – HOU) I’m not buying the offseason narratives that the Texans backfield will be a 50/50 split. David Montgomery will likely operate as the team’s workhorse.”

“Longshot Bet: David Montgomery to Lead the NFL in Rushing Yards (+8000) David Montgomery has bell-cow history.”

“David Montgomery (HOU) At his cost in the middle rounds, Montgomery has the potential to win your league.”

“For all those reasons, David Montgomery is a player I am not leaving any drafts with, especially because this potential top-12 running back can be drafted.” – Adam Dove ( The Fantasy Couriers ) Travis Etienne Jr.”

“Montgomery has played seven seasons in the NFL and has had 201 carries or more in five of them. He fell under that number in the last two seasons (185 in 2024 and 158 in 2025), but that was mostly due to how utterly unstoppable Jahmyr Gibbs is.”