Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Jahmyr Gibbs

Thursday, January 8, 7:31 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is under contract through the 2027 season, but his future with the team could be up in the air this offseason. "Those are discussions that we're gonna have to have in-depth. We love David Montgomery. He's a good football player. ...He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized," general manager Brad Holmes said when asked if Montgomery will remain with the team. If the Lions cut the 28-year-old in the offseason, they'll save $11.26 million but will also take on $8.6 million in dead money. Monty took a clear back seat to Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit's backfield in 2025. He was still a weekly RB3/flex consideration in fantasy football, though, and finished with a career-low 158 carries for 716 yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 17 games, adding 24 catches for 192 yards. Monty's 2026 fantasy value could look drastically different if he's playing in another city.

Sunday, January 4, 10:19 PM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs laid an egg the last two weeks for fantasy managers, but he was able to finish out the season strong in Sunday's 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Gibbs led the Lions with 19 carries for 80 yards and also caught three of his five targets for 33 yards and his fifth touchdown reception of the year. Overall, the 23-year-old was once again one of the most productive RBs in the NFL in his third year in the league. Gibbs finished with 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, adding a career-best 77 catches for 616 yards and another five scores as a receiver. He was the Lions' clear leading ball-carrier this year over David Montgomery, and Gibbs should profile yet again as a top-five fantasy RB going into 2026 drafts.