Jahmyr Gibbs

Last year, Jahmyr Gibbs finished as the RB3 in fantasy points per game. After Week 10, his usage got a massive bump as he didn't play less than 68% of the snaps in any game for the rest of the season while averaging 20 touches and 114.9 total yards pre game. This stretch of games from Weeks 11-18 also coincided with Sam LaPorta's absence, which increased Gibbs' passing game usage. In Weeks 1-10, Gibbs had a 12.7% target share, 25.2 receiving yards per game, and an 11.1% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data). In Weeks 11-18, Gibbs saw a huge increase in work through the air without LaPorta, with a 19% target share, 48.6 receiving yards per game, and a 19.6% first-read share. Gibbs led all running backs in those statistical categories in the final eight games of the season. Gibbs is in the running for RB1 overall for 2026, but if the rest of the weapons for Detroit remain healthy all season, it could be tough for him to do so. I still expect him to be a top-three back this season who is insanely efficient with his passing game and early down work. Last year, he ranked ninth in explosive run rate and third in missed tackles forced per attempt. Gibbs will and should be a top 3-5 pick in every fantasy draft this year.

Jahmyr Gibbs had his fifth-year option picked up by the Lions which will keep the star running back in Detroit through the 2027 season.

Fantasy Impact

Gibbs, the 12th overall pick by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, is off to one of the best three-year starts to a career in NFL history. The three-time Pro Bowler has scored the most total touchdowns (49) by any player in his first three seasons in league history. In 2025, Gibbs ran for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 77 catches for 616 yards and five more scores - actually a little down from his 1,929 yards from scrimmage and 20 scores the previous year. With David Montgomery leaving for Houston, Gibbs is poised for an even bigger workload in 2026, even with the addition of Isiah Pacheco from Kansas City. Gibbs should be the first or second running back taken in all fantasy drafts.