Bucky Irving vs David Montgomery
Two running backs fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Clear edge · 68% confident
Bucky Irving- Experts agree: consensus rank 54 vs 59
- More points per game: 13.9 vs 9.8
- More opportunity: 62% snap share, 21 red-zone touches
David Montgomery carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Bucky Irving and David Montgomery are a common 2026 draft-day decision at running back. Bucky Irving holds the edge in expert consensus (RB19 to RB21). Bucky Irving typically comes off the board first, around pick 42 (round 4) to David Montgomery's pick 46. The 2026 projections are nearly even: David Montgomery at 206 PPR points (12.1 per game) versus Bucky Irving at 197.
Last season Bucky Irving carried the heavier workload (62% snap share, 208 touches to David Montgomery's 187), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Bucky Irving is the younger option (age 24), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Bucky Irving is the solid pick on stronger expert consensus, an earlier ADP and the bigger workload. David Montgomery carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Irving | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 197 | 206 |
| Points / game | 13.9 | 9.8 |
| Games played | 10 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #54 | #59 |
| ADP | 42 | 46 |
| Positional rank | RB33 | RB27 |
| Snap share | 62% | 37% |
| Red-zone touches | 21 | 35 |
| Age | 24 | 29 |
| Bye week | 10 | 8 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Bucky Irving or David Montgomery.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Bucky Irving or David Montgomery in 2026?
Bucky Irving is a solid pick over David Montgomery for 2026, on stronger expert consensus, an earlier ADP and the bigger workload. David Montgomery carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, Bucky Irving or David Montgomery?
David Montgomery carries the higher 2026 projection at 206 PPR points (12.1 per game), compared with 197 for Bucky Irving.
Where are Bucky Irving and David Montgomery being drafted?
Bucky Irving has an ADP around pick 42 (round 4), while David Montgomery goes closer to pick 46 (round 4).
Who is ranked higher, Bucky Irving or David Montgomery?
Expert consensus ranks Bucky Irving (RB19) ahead of David Montgomery (RB21) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.