The Texans got their first win of the year in Week 5, defeating the Titans by a convincing score of 26-3. The Texans also made headlines by acquiring Marvin Harrison Jr. to bolster their passing game, but an important shift also may have happened in their backfield. David Montgomery left with an injury, allowing second-year running back Woody Marks to post a big game. Can this be the start of a regularly reliable breakout for Marks? Is he one of the top options to look for on the Week 6 Waiver Wire?
Let’s dive in and take a look at the latest on Montgomery’s injury and at Marks’ fantasy football outlook going forward.
David Montgomery Injury Update
Montgomery had a massive debut for the Texans with three touchdowns in Week 1, but the veteran has struggled to produce much since then, not finding much running room. He only managed 78 rushing yards in his last four games on 32 carries. In Week 5, he had 11 rushing yards on five carries and then had to exit the game with a groin injury.
Montgomery was ruled out fairly quickly, and according to coach DeMeco Ryans, Montgomery is week-to-week, which usually indicates that he’ll miss at least one contest.
Woody Marks Fantasy Football Outlook
Marks was already involved in the offense, especially in the red zone, and he had shown more explosive potential than Montgomery in his limited time share. He has a very high ceiling for any games that Montgomery misses, and if the offense gets going, he could get even more chances to score. He should be a workhorse back for the near future and is an excellent pickup if he’s available on the Waiver Wire for week 6. Marks is probably not available if you’re in a deep league, but he’s on the waiver wire in about 50% of standard-sized leagues
Marks played about 50% of snaps even before Montgomery’s injury. In week five, He finished with 62 rushing yards on 15 carries and also caught all four of his targets for 23 receiving yards. Coach DeMeco Ryans described Marks as “Dynamic, [he] will carry the load for us.”
Marks ran for short touchdowns against the Colts and the Cowboys to give the Texans the lead in those two games, before late scores led to losses. He has also had success as a receiver out of the backfield, which gives him plenty of PPR appeal if he’s in an every-down role.
Last year, Marks struggled to score in short-yardage situations, but he has been much better this year on converting chances to score.
Without Montgomery, Marks has the upside to be a top-10 running back in the right matchup, and he should be a regular starter in all leagues. Next week, the Texans have a tough road game in London against the Jaguars before returning to host the Giants in a favorable Week 7 matchup. With a Week 8 bye week, it makes sense for Montgomery to miss those two games and potentially return in Week 9 against the Chargers.
Marks could seize the main part of the workload by then, though, and Montgomery could mix in on a limited basis. Marks excels on third-down and short-yardage situations, but if he can also take the early-down work, he could become the primary option.
The Bottom Line: Add Woody Marks in all Formats as a Short-Term Starter
For as long as Montgomery is out, Marks is an outstanding addition. He should carry the workload and be a top-20 starting option, especially with many teams getting bye weeks in the next two weeks. If he’s on the waiver wire, he’s definitely a top option, and if you need help in the next couple of weeks, it’s even worth trying to add him via trade if he’s buried on someone’s bench. He’s not on the main DFS fantasy football slate this week since he plays in London, but if Montgomery is ruled out, he’ll be a strong option to consider for DFS Showdown contests focused on that game.
