Packers: Predicting Week 1 starters at each position

Running back: Ty Montgomery

The Packers will be without Aaron Jones for the opening two games of the season due to suspension, which leaves two candidates to start Week 1: Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams.

It’s a close call, but I’m giving the edge to Montgomery.

Despite Williams’ very good rookie season, Montgomery is the better fit. Williams played well last year, leading the team in rushing yards with 556. He also found the end zone four times.

But Williams’ best work came when he was the power runner with Brett Hundley in at quarterback. Williams hasn’t been able to make the same impact with Aaron Rodgers starting, although to be fair to him, it’s a small sample size.

Montgomery’s ability to line up just about anywhere, run between the tackles and also catch passes, makes him the best fit Week 1 against the Bears. Williams will certainly have an important role this season, especially in the opening two weeks without Jones, but Montgomery will get the start.

The Packers will want to make a fast start. I expect Rodgers to come out throwing the football a lot, and Montgomery is better suited to a fast-tempo, pass-first offense than Williams.

Montgomery and Williams will both get a big share of the carries Week 1, but Montgomery’s versatility gives him the edge.