At the beginning of the year, coach Dan Campbell said the Detroit Lions would be patient with running back Jahmyr Gibbs. This led to David Montgomery getting the ball a lot early, with Gibbs’ fantasy football managers wondering what was going on. Now, that they are both healthy together for the first time in a long time, what will the usage be for each running back in Week 10?
With that in mind, which one of these Lions running backs should be in your lineup?
Should You Start David Montgomery or Jahmyr Gibbs This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say that Montgomery is the player to start. His projected 11.6 points include 46 rushing yards, three receptions, and 24 receiving yards. That projected stat line slightly outperforms the consensus projections for Gibbs (11.5 points).
When you see 11.6 to 11.5, you know it is going to be very close between the two running backs. However, I am going with Gibbs, as he is coming off the monster game fantasy managers have been hoping for out of the rookie.
Fantasy Outlook for Gibbs This Week
It is not a surprise that these two are expected to be so close this week, as that is honestly how Campbell and the Lions’ staff want it to be. However, after the performance against the Raiders two weeks ago, it is going to be hart to keep Gibbs off the floor.
Gibbs rushed for 152 yards and a touchdown last week vs. the Raiders, while also catching five passes for 37 yards. Over his last two games, Gibbs has averaged 157.5 scrimmage yards per game and scored two touchdowns.
The Lions opponent this week is the Los Angeles Chargers, and that plays a huge role in why you should go Gibbs. The Chargers have been good against the run (89.8 rushing ypg, tied for sixth) but have been absolutely terrible stopping the pass (286 ypg, last).
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That right there makes Gibbs a huge play. While Montgomery is going to come back and get a good share of the rushes, it is the passing game where the Lions will beat the Chargers. Los Angeles has gotten absolutely shredded all year, and the Lions are currently sixth in passing yards (259.3 yards).
Look for Gibbs to still get a decent amount of carries, but he could easily be in the 6-8 catch range. Gibbs should have over 100 total yards of offense, with one of those plays ending up in a touchdown.
Fantasy Outlook for Montgomery This Week
If you are the Lions, this “problem” is absolutely a good dilemma to have. While Gibbs is currently playing great, Montgomery was playing some outstanding football before he got hurt. In the two games before his rib injury in Week 6, Montgomery had topped the century mark in rushing yards in consecutive weeks, including 121 yards and a career-high three rushing touchdowns vs. the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.
Despite playing in only five games this year, Montgomery is still top 25 in rushing yards. He is a strong, physical running back, and he has the ability to wear opponents out. His presence enhances the play-action game of quarterback Jared Goff to another level.
Look, it wouldn’t be a shock at all if Montgomery goes out there and gets 15-18 carries. If he does that, he could still be in line for a solid fantasy day. However, the playmaking and explosiveness of Gibbs is what separates them in Week 10.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!