Just how good is the Houston Texans’ backfield entering 2026?
Well, one publication believes that thanks to an offseason addition and subtraction, the AFC South favorites might have the most underrated tandem in the sport.
Bleacher Report recently revealed its top 32 running back tandems for the upcoming season. Naturally, teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions were considered among the favorites since their lead backs have All-Pro potential.
But the Texans weren’t that far off from being near that upper-echelon territory. This offseason, Houston traded for David Montgomery from Detroit as the apparent replacement for Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. Last season, Woody Marks eventually went from being a fourth-round rookie to an influential part of the ground game en route to a 12-win finish and wild-card round victory.
Since Montgomery still has something left in the tank, the publication ruled that Houston features a top 10 running back tandem and is primed for a season to remember down off NRG Drive.
“Before David Montgomery signed with the Detroit Lions in 2023, he averaged a little more than 900 rushing yards per season as the Chicago Bears’ lead ball-carrier,” the publication wrote.
“Keep that in mind because Montgomery could produce similar rushing numbers in a featured role with the Houston Texans in the upcoming campaign.
The Texans acquired Montgomery from the Lions. He’ll bring a physical component to their ground game. Also, the downhill ball-carrier has been a scoring machine with 33 rushing touchdowns since 2023.
Woody Marks must be more efficient to maintain a decent workload. He rushed for 703 yards and two touchdowns, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry last year.
With Montgomery in the backfield, Marks should see more opportunities as a receiver, a role he excelled in on the college level at Mississippi State and USC.”
Montgomery did post one 1,000-yard season with the Lions, but eventually was relegated to a No. 2 role behind All-Pro Jahmyr Gibbs. In Houston, he plans on being the focal back like Gibbs, with Marks taking on over as the permanent No. 2.
That’s the role best suited for Marks, who started his college career as a receiver before taking over at running back. After averaging less than 4.0 yards per carry, Marks is expected to be a vital weapon in the passing attack while also adding value in short-yardage situations at midfield.
To read Bleacher Report’s full list, click here.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: A top 10 unit? Bleacher Report sold on Texans being an underrated RB room for 2026
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
