Week 1 Fantasy RBs: Montgomery and Irving Break Out

The grass in Houston’s end zone still smelled of cut turf and anticipation when David Montgomery crossed it. He carried the ball twenty times, a rhythmic pounding of leather against the earth that left defenders scrambling. Three receptions. A touchdown. The numbers on the stat sheet read like a correction to the preseason narrative. During the draft, Montgomery was picked as a backup, a safety net for those who missed out on the elite. Now, he stands as a potential top-three scorer, his legs driving the Texans’ offense with a force that silenced the skeptics. The split with Tank Bigsby was supposed to be a committee, but Montgomery took the wheel. He caught three passes for nineteen yards and a score, blending the ground game with the air in a way that felt inevitable. The first half saw him on the field for twenty-two snaps against Bigsby’s seventeen, a clear declaration of intent.

In Charlotte, the air was thick with the scent of a battle. Jaylen Wright and Chuba Hubbard shared the load, but Hubbard emerged as the clearer leader. He ran ten times, catching three passes and racing for eighty-seven total yards. Two touchdowns. The Panthers’ defense was invisible, allowing a barrage of points that pushed Hubbard into RB1 territory for the week. Wright, with four carries and a single reception, flashed his speed with a forty-eight-yard catch-and-run, a burst of energy that hinted at his potential. Yet, Hubbard’s consistency and volume gave him the edge. The backfield split, once uncertain, now has a visible center of gravity. For fantasy managers, the choice is no longer a coin flip but a calculated risk favoring the veteran’s steady hand.

Montgomery’s breakout shifts league landscape

Yahoo Sports highlights the shift in power dynamics. Montgomery’s performance was not a fluke but a signal. The Texans’ schedule ahead is favorable, with matchups against Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Tennessee. These games offer a canvas for the run game to thrive. Montgomery’s role has solidified as a primary option, with RB1 upside that mirrors the trajectory of Javonte Williams in Dallas. The veteran’s ability to handle early-down work and contribute in the passing game makes him a cornerstone of the offense. His rest-of-season outlook is bright, potentially making him a league-winner in the 2026 season. The disrespected draft pick has now become a force to be reckoned with.

Carolina’s backfield finds clear hierarchy

The Panthers’ committee system has a leader. Hubbard’s twenty-five snaps in the first half contrasted sharply with Wright’s six, establishing a clear pecking order. The zero defense in North Carolina allowed the offense to breathe, creating space for Hubbard to make plays. His twenty-two fantasy points in a barnburner against the Bears underscore his value. Wright’s five touches, including that explosive catch-and-run, keep him in the conversation, but Hubbard’s volume and scoring make him the safer bet. For PPR formats, Wright offers a risky flex with high upside, but Hubbard is the anchor. The next few weeks bring matchups against Atlanta and Cleveland, providing more opportunities for Hubbard to cement his status as a reliable RB2 or RB3.

Pittsburgh’s split offers limited upside

The Steelers’ backfield remains a source of frustration. Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle shared the workload, but neither produced significant fantasy value. Warren’s ten carries and five receptions for seventy-three yards were solid but unspectacular. Dowdle’s eight carries and two receptions for twenty-one yards left much to be desired. A fumble by Warren in the first half offered Dowdle a prime opportunity, but coach Mike McCarthy stuck with Warren. The ugly win against the Falcons did little to clarify the future. The split is unlikely to change dramatically, leaving both players as low-ceiling options. For fantasy managers, the Steelers’ backfield is a source of anxiety, with neither player offering the consistency or volume to be a primary starter.