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The Detroit Lions are rolling out with the same one-two-punch duo they had last year. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery both made their debut in Detroit last season. Together, they combined for a total of 401 carries for 1,960 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. This is widely considered the best backfield duo in the league.
These running backs have very different play styles and are given various opportunities on offense. That being said, Montogmery had 235 total touches, while Gibbs had 234, making it a very tough decision to pick one over the other in fantasy.
So, is Gibbs or Montgomery the fantasy football RB1 for the Lions? Let's jump in and see what we find.
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Who is the Detroit Lions' RB1?
The expectation entering the season is that Montgomery will be listed as the Lions' RB1 on their official depth chart in 2024. He has a good amount of experience over Gibbs, and the 27-year-old carried the ball 219 times for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns. Montgomery also had 16 receptions for 117 receiving yards.
However, this does not mean Gibbs is the second option. Both running backs are on the field for about the same amount of time, just for different situations. Gibbs totaled 192 carries for 945 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. The second-year player also tallied 52 receptions on 71 targets for 316 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
RBs with the most yards per carry after contact in 2023:
Jonathan Taylor - 2.7
Jahmyr Gibbs - 2.5
Najee Harris - 2.4
Jaylen Warren - 2.4
David Montgomery - 2.3 pic.twitter.com/JyTCEfYgLx— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) March 18, 2024
Montgomery gets a majority of the red zone and short-yardage touches. With that being said, Gibbs has proven to be the superior pass-catcher and a more efficient rusher, averaging 5.2 yards per carry to Montgomery's 4.6. Although both backs will likely see a similar amount of touches again, I expect Gibbs to see his touches increase some this season considering his better efficiency and receiving upside.
Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?
Right now, Gibbs is going about 2 rounds ahead of Montgomery in fantasy. Montgomery's touchdowns make him a nice pick in the middle rounds, but I fully expect Gibbs to have a better season. I would also consider Gibbs a safer option, as his receptions make him rely less on touchdowns in PPR leagues.
PSA: Don't be upset if you draft Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery steals his points this season 🙃 (via Yahoo Fantasy Forecast)
More Panic Meter from @MattHarmon_BYB and @SalVetriDFS 👇
APPLE: https://t.co/keVrrdnbD1
SPOTIFY: https://t.co/ca6fHSErqj
YT: https://t.co/RPm8nxXPiD pic.twitter.com/EdENLJ4UCD— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) August 29, 2024
With all things considered, fantasy managers should be looking to target Gibbs at his 12 ADP.
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