Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jahmyr Gibbs
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Austin Ekeler News
Tuesday, February 10, 9:31 AM
Pending free agent running back Austin Ekeler signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season, but has struggled with injuries since. The 30-year-old back managed fewer than 70 offensive snaps in 2025 before a devastating Achilles injury ended his season in Week 2. While his touchdown numbers have dropped precipitously from his fantasy glory days with the Chargers, he continued to prove himself a valuable part of the Commanders' passing game. With almost a full year of recovery before the start of the 2026 season and a work ethic second to none, it should come as no surprise if he signs a minimal short-term deal when free agency opens in March, potentially carving out a dedicated third-down role. While his RB1 days are clearly behind him, he could represent a next-to-nothing dynasty buy with the occasional spike week still in his future.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Jahmyr Gibbs News
Saturday, April 11, 9:12 PM
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had another spectacular season in 2025, totaling 1,223 rushing yards, 77 catches, 616 receiving yards, and 18 total touchdowns. He scored a career-high 366.9 fantasy points in PPR leagues, but despite this new personal-best mark, he actually dropped in the overall ranking from RB1 in 2024 to RB3 last year. Moving forward, Gibbs is a strong candidate to jump back up to the overall RB1 spot in 2026. The backfield dynamic looks a little different, which has the potential to help his cause. David Montgomery was traded to Houston, leaving behind 908 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. Most -- but perhaps not all -- of that vacated volume will go to Isiah Pacheco, who signed with the Lions in free agency. Pacheco is averaging just 4.25 touchdowns per season throughout his career, though, so we wouldn't be surprised to see some of Montgomery's goal-line volume go to Gibbs. If the 24-year-old can stay healthy for a full 17-game season again, he'll certainly be in the mix to finish as the overall RB1 in 2026 and beyond. Fantasy managers are taking notice, as Gibbs ranks as the RB1 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings. That puts him ahead of Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who has been a top-three fantasy running back in back-to-back seasons.
Austin Ekeler vs. Jahmyr Gibbs
Still trying to decide between Ekeler and Gibbs? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Austin Ekeler is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Jahmyr Gibbs is projected to score 0.0 points.
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