Fantasy Football's Hidden Gems: Why David Montgomery and Bucky Irving Shone in Week 1

Unlikely Stars Emerge in Fantasy Football

When the 2026 NFL season kicked off, fantasy football managers were left with a surprising twist: two running backs who were largely overlooked heading into the year ended up being the most productive in Week 1. David Montgomery of the Chicago Bears and Bucky Irving of the Detroit Lions not only outperformed their higher-ranked counterparts but also proved that value doesn't always come with a flashy draft pedigree.

David Montgomery: The Stealthy Workhorse

Montgomery, who was ranked 17th in fantasy points among running backs entering the season, took full advantage of Chicago's offensive scheme. His consistent role as a core part of the Bears' backfield—especially in goal-line situations and short-yardage plays—made him a consistent scoring machine. In Week 1, he ran for 93 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 touches, proving that his efficiency was not just about volume but also smart usage of opportunities.

"Montgomery's performance is a reminder that sometimes the best fantasy value isn't in the names you see on draft boards but in those who quietly do their jobs well," says my colleague Ben Zweiman, who covered the Week 1 action for Yahoo Sports.

What's especially impressive about Montgomery is his ability to play within a system that often doesn't get highlighted. He's not a high-volume runner, but his role in Chicago's offense—particularly in tight spaces—gives him an edge that can't be ignored by fantasy managers looking for consistent production.

Bucky Irving: A Second-String Sensation

Meanwhile, Bucky Irving, who was barely mentioned in fantasy circles, lit up the scoreboard in Detroit. In his first career start, he rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries, showcasing the potential of a back who had been quietly working his way into the rotation. His performance was so strong that it gave Lions head coach Dan Campbell the confidence to increase his playing time.

Irving's story is one of patience and persistence—something that resonates with fantasy managers who have learned to look beyond the top-tier picks. With a new coaching staff in Detroit, Irving was given more freedom to utilize his speed and agility on the field, which translated into high-impact plays in Week 1.

Why These Picks Matter for Fantasy Managers

In fantasy football, particularly in PPR (points per reception) leagues, the value of backs who aren't on everyone's radar can be immense. While top-tier backs like Christian McCaffrey and Nick Chubb continue to dominate headlines, players like Montgomery and Irving show how a more conservative approach to drafting can yield better results.

Montgomery's efficiency, combined with Irving's explosive potential, gives fantasy managers a blueprint for building deeper rosters. These aren't players who are likely to be top-10 picks in most drafts, but they offer the kind of consistency and upside that can make or break a season.

How to Build Your Fantasy Roster Around Disrespected Talent

• Look for backups who get significant playing time: If a team's starting back is injured, look for the backup who gets the call. They're often overlooked in fantasy circles.
• Evaluate systems and roles: Teams that prioritize a run-first approach give more opportunities to backs like Montgomery or Irving.
• Don't ignore the second tier: Sometimes, players ranked 15–20 in fantasy points offer better value than those in the top five.

The Bigger Picture: Fantasy Trends and System Dynamics

This week's performances reflect a broader trend in fantasy football—managers are starting to realize that the most reliable fantasy backs are often the ones who are undervalued by the draft consensus. Teams like Chicago and Detroit have restructured their backfields, giving rise to new roles for players who were previously overlooked.

It also shows how fantasy managers need to be more adaptive when it comes to building rosters. The traditional approach of drafting based on past performance or high-profile names may no longer cut it in a game where even backups can emerge as stars.

"We're seeing a shift in fantasy strategy, and the key is not just watching the headlines but understanding how each team's system actually plays out," says one veteran fantasy manager I spoke with.

What to Expect Moving Forward

For those who are looking to make mid-season adjustments, the performances of Montgomery and Irving serve as a reminder that value often lies in the unheralded. As the season progresses, we're likely to see more players like them rise from obscurity to fantasy stardom.

Whether it's due to coaching changes, system adjustments, or simply being given more opportunities, these backs are proving that a well-timed move in your lineup can be worth more than a top-tier pick who underperforms. For managers who are willing to dig deeper and trust their instincts, the future of fantasy football looks promising—and more unpredictable.

As we look ahead to Week 2, it's clear that some of the most valuable players in fantasy football might just be those who don't get much attention going into the season. Montgomery and Irving are leading by example—showing how to find value in unexpected places.