The Detroit Lions‘ running back tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery has been the best duo in the NFL this season. They are the only pair of running back teammates who both have 1,000 scrimmage yards.
But if you had to start just one in your fantasy lineup, which player would be the right choice?
Let’s break down each player and look at their fantasy football outlook as they prepare for a huge matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.
Should You Start Jahmyr Gibbs or David Montgomery This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say Gibbs is the player to start. His projected 14.5 points include 50 rushing yards and four receptions for 26 receiving yards. That projected stat line outperforms Montgomery’s 10.2 points.
My ranking for these running backs aligns with the consensus. Gibbs’ ascension and big-play ability are just too lucrative to turn down.
Fantasy Outlook for Gibbs This Week
Since late October, Gibbs hasn’t just been the Lions’ best running back, he’s been one of the NFL’s best backs.
Since returning from an injury in Week 7, Gibbs is averaging 6.0 yards per carry and over 100 scrimmage yards per game (104.3). He’s also had 10 total touchdowns over that span, nine coming on the ground.
MORE: PFN’s FREE Playoff Predictor
He has averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry in 12 of his 13 games this season. He also averages nearly six yards per touch (5.8). And while his last four games haven’t exactly been a showcase for Gibbs’ receiving skills — 10 catches for 38 yards combined — these games sure showed his rushing skills.
Over these last four games, Gibbs has averaged nearly seven yards per carry (6.8) and 76.5 rush yards per game to go along with four rushing touchdowns.
Fantasy Outlook for Montgomery This Week
The Lions’ running back situation is unique in that Montgomery leads the team in both rushing yards (910) and touchdowns (11), but it’s been Gibbs who has stolen the spotlight the last month or so.
While so much attention has been placed on Gibbs for his spectacular rookie season, it’s easy to forget that Montgomery is approaching 1,000 rushing yards, has already reached double figures in touchdowns, and, like Gibbs, is in the top 10 among running backs in scrimmage yards per game (85.6).
While Montgomery doesn’t have the versatile skills that Gibbs has, he still is averaging almost five yards every time he touches the ball (4.9).
On top of everything else, the Lions are on the road facing a Cowboys team that is trying to establish itself as a Super Bowl contender. Dallas is also just two weeks removed from giving up a whopping 266 rushing yards against the Buffalo Bills.
The PFN Start/Sit Optimizer projects Montgomery to finish with 40 rushing yards and two receptions for 21 receiving yards.
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!