Who Should I Start? Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs

Thursday, July 10, 1:32 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson said that the team has "outlandish goals" for the rushing totals in 2025, even after they lost 20% of their starting offensive line from last year. Robinson was third in the league in rushing in 2024 with 1,456 yards on 304 carries, and he's just one of four RBs with more than 2,400 rushing yards the last two seasons. Tyler Allgeier was 32nd in the NFL with 644 yards on 137 carries last year. If the Falcons' ground game is going to improve, it will primarily need to come through the air, and the coaching staff is optimistic that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make strides in his second year in the league. "As many times as we can get the ball in his hands, we're going to do it," Penix said about Robinson. Saquon Barkley is going to be the first RB drafted in most fantasy leagues, but Robinson should be right behind him as the workhorse for a likely run-first offense in Atlanta.

Tuesday, July 29, 6:30 PM

The Athletic's Colton Pouncy points out that "one thing that's been clear as these practices have unfolded is that Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is usually the first back on the field with the starters." In past years, David Montgomery would often get the bulk of the first carries of the game before we'd see Gibbs. Pouncy cautions that it could be nothing to read into, but there was a clear pecking order that often translated to games. With Montgomery injured last year, Gibbs couldn't be stopped, totaling 487 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in the final three games of the regular season. It's now Year 3 for Gibbs, and the Lions have been open about using more two-back sets with both Gibbs and Monty. In addition to being used out of the backfield, Gibbs has also lined up at receiver with Montgomery on the field. It looks like the Lions want Gibbs on the field as much as possible in 2025.