The Detroit Lions running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs is as good as there is in the NFL. All offseason, the Lions were consistent with their plan for the two of them. They stuck to their guns and are now benefiting in a big way.
For fantasy football managers, which one of these players should be in your lineup this week? Here is the fantasy outlook for each player.
Should You Start Jahmyr Gibbs or David Montgomery This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say that Gibbs is the player to start. His projected 14.0 points include 48 rushing yards, three catches, and 25 receiving yards. That projected stat line barely outperforms the consensus projections of Montgomery (11.6 points).
I’m with the optimizer on this, as this feels like a potential big week for Gibbs against a struggling Chicago Bears team.
Fantasy Outlook for Gibbs This Week
Gibbs returned in Week 7 from a hamstring injury and has since shown the ability that made him the No. 12 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In his last three games, Gibbs is averaging just under 100 yards per contest, including a 152-yard game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.
Notably, one of the biggest reasons he was drafted so high is because of his versatility. While he’s been good on the ground, he has also averaged 5.7 catches and 43.3 receiving yards a game over that span. In all, Gibbs’ 437 scrimmage yards since Week 7 leads all running backs.
MORE: Soppe’s Week 11 RB Rankings
Not only is he getting yards, but he’s also scoring touchdowns. Gibbs has four on the season, and they’ve all come in the last three games.
Gibbs also has the longest current streak of consecutive games (three) with at least 100 scrimmage yards.
His versatility is such an advantage for fantasy football managers, elevating his ceiling as high as nearly every RB in the league.
Fantasy Outlook for Montgomery This Week
Montgomery played some great football to start the year, but he injured his ribs and was forced to miss three games. Upon his return, though, he picked up right where he left off, as he rushed the ball 12 times for 116 yards and a touchdown.
The score — a 75-yard run — against the Los Angeles Chargers was one of the best plays last weekend. Now, Montgomery’s back and ready to go in a matchup that figures to be personal for him.
Last season, Montgomery was a member of the Bears, rushing for 801 yards and five touchdowns. With that said, Chicago’s defense is second in football against the run, allowing only 76 rushing yards per game.
Both of these guys could have big games, but when deciding between two close players, the ceiling plays a significant role in that choice. If both of these guys play to their potential, Gibbs will put up some incredible numbers.
If you have either one of these two running backs in your lineup, then you should consider yourself to be in a solid position.
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 and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!