Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jahmyr Gibbs

Sunday, January 26, 6:46 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler tallied just 32 all-purpose yards during their loss in the NFC Championship game to the Philadelphia Eagles. Ekeler also lost a fumble. The Commanders were playing from behind throughout most of the contest, putting their rushing attack out of the game plan. However, even when Ekeler was given the ball through the air, he could not perform. He caught five of his seven targets but tallied just 17 yards. His seven targets tied him the second-most on the team, only behind tight end Zach Ertz. Throughout the season, the 29-year-old operated primarily as a change-of-pace option in the Washington backfield. Entering Sunday, Ekeler posted a strong 10.3 yards per catch and a 4.8 yards per carry. Ekeler will likely remain in this role next season as he enters the final year of his contract.

Thursday, June 5, 12:13 PM

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that running back Jahmyr Gibbs has stood out this spring during voluntary organized team activities. This news really shouldn't surprise anyone. Gibbs, who was taken 12th overall in the 2023 NFL draft, has made the Pro Bowl in each of his two NFL seasons and took a step forward in 2024 with 250 rushing attempts, 1,412 rushing yards and a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns, adding 52 receptions for the second straight season, 517 receiving yards and four receiving TDs in 17 regular-season games (four starts). Gibbs' increased production had a lot to do with David Montgomery missing time with a knee injury, but even with a healthy Montgomery stealing touches away from Gibbs in Detroit's backfield, the 23-year-old is so explosive and efficient that he'll remain a high-end RB1 in fantasy.