If you’re a Detroit Lions fan right now, you are loving the start of the NFL season. The Lions went to the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and beat them in Arrowhead, 21-20. It wasn’t the prettiest game ever unless you’re a Lions fan.
Ford Field will be rocking for the Lions home opener against the Seattle Seahawks, but there is one interesting question developing in Detroit. Who is the No. 1 running back, David Montgomery or Jahmyr Gibbs? Let’s break down which player should be in fantasy football lineups.
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David Montgomery Fantasy Outlook this Week
In what may have been a surprise to some, running back David Montgomery carried the ball 21 times, compared to only seven for Jahmyr Gibbs. Those 21 carries were third among all running backs, with Christian McCaffrey and Cam Akers tied for first above him with 22.
Montgomery is a physical running back who can wear out opponents and is the perfect style back for a Dan Campbell-coached team. While some fans may have been surprised by the split, Campbell and his staff have been telling us this all year.
With Montgomery, you have an experienced running back who has seen everything in the NFL. He does a good job of protecting Goff in passing situations.
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However, the one issue is he doesn’t have that explosive “take over a week” ability like the other Lions running back, Jahmyr Gibbs.
Jahmyr Gibbs Fantasy Outlook This Week
While it was disappointing to see Gibbs get only seven carries, it was to be expected. However, even though he didn’t get the ball a ton, he showed what has people so excited about the rookie out of Alabama.
He finished with seven carries for 42 yards and two catches for 18 yards in the passing game. He showed the explosiveness and speed that had him taken 12th in the 2023 draft. However, he also showed an impressive ability to finish off runs with power as well.
There is no doubt that if the Lions are going to go where they plan on going, Gibbs will be a focal point of the team.
Which of the Lions RBs Should You Start?
Gibbs is currently RB14 and Montgomery RB15 on the PFN Fantasy Consensus Rankings.
While Montgomery out-rushed Gibbs 21-7 last week, expect that number to get closer to 50/50. The Seahawks last week were gashed in the passing game, giving up 334 passing yards to former Lions quarterback Matt Stafford.
The Lions have a more explosive offense against than the Rams, and this is the week the NFL world gets introduced to Gibbs.
Look for Gibbs to have some explosive plays, especially in the passing game.