The Detroit Lions backfield is in flux with the injury to David Montgomery. Will that mean more Jahmyr Gibbs or more Craig Reynolds for coach Dan Campbell?
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Jahmyr Gibbs’ Fantasy Outlook This Week
The Lions got their guy in the draft. We all saw the video of the Lions’ war room after they drafted Gibbs at No. 12; it was like Christmas morning for the system that the Lions wanted to install. Gibbs already led the team in targets in Week 2 and will not lose the passing work to anyone in Week 3.
I also think this is the perfect opportunity for Campbell to see if his rookie can handle a three-down role now that he has a whole week of practice to learn the position and protections. Gibbs is an elite talent who will excel against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3.
I see a top-five running back performance as a realistic outcome this week and for the entirety of Montgomery’s injury.
Craig Reynolds’ Fantasy Outlook This Week
Reynolds is an NFL running back, and you are not (most likely; I don’t know who is reading this). This means he likely has more talent than you and I combined.
If you watched Hard Knocks when the Lions were the team in focus, you probably fell in love with Mr. Reynolds’ personality and hustle.
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With all that positivity, it hurts me to say I do not like his prospects in Week 3 vs. the Falcons. Reynolds was put into the lead-back role after Montgomery was injured because he knows the offense and could keep Jared Goff from getting destroyed by a blindside hit.
I do not see the Lions going with the same plan when they have a whole week to game plan. I see Reynolds returning to his zero-rush, zero-catch performance in Week 1.
Which of the Lions Running Backs Should You Start?
Start Gibbs this week and probably every week for the rest of the season, even when Montgomery is healthy, over Reynolds. Don’t get cute and overthink this; the talent will get the playing time and produce.