Who Should I Start? Jared Goff or Jahmyr Gibbs

Friday, January 17, 1:03 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff remains an appealing fantasy option as he prepares for the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Washington Commanders. The veteran quarterback has never been a very mobile player, but he has been able to maintain high upside thanks to his sharp passing skills and strong group of weapons. Throwing passes to players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs in 2024, Goff was able to rank as the overall QB6. This week, he should crack the top five fantasy quarterbacks as he takes on a suspect Washington Commanders defense. The Commanders have shown real potential, allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this year. However, their defense is typically regarded as mediocre at best, and they just surrendered two passing touchdowns to Baker Mayfield in the Wild Card Round. Furthermore, they failed to pick off Mayfield, despite the Buccaneers' quarterback leading the NFL in interceptions during the regular season. Goff may not post an absurdly high yardage total, but he should still be relied upon for a couple of touchdowns and potentially turnover-free football. He continues to be a top option for fantasy and betting purposes.

Friday, January 17, 1:09 AM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs remains a top option for fantasy managers and bettors ahead of Saturday's Divisional Round contest against the Washington Commanders. Gibbs delivered otherworldly production near the end of the season, picking up 396 rushing yards, 205 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns over a four-game span to end the year. Much of the credit for his productivity can be given to the absence of David Montgomery (knee), who was no longer healthy enough to handle short-yardage situations. However, after four weeks with the backfield all to himself, Gibbs welcomes Montgomery back to the mix for the Divisional Round. Fortunately for Gibbs, he doesn't have to worry too much about opportunities slipping away. Not only did he assert himself as the Lions' undisputed No. 1 running back near the end of the season, but he also gets to face a subpar Commanders defense. In fact, Washington allowed the 12th-most fantasy points, fourth-most rushing yards, and fifth-most rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs last season. Even if he loses some touches to Montgomery, Gibbs remains a top-three fantasy running back ahead of his favorable matchup against the Commanders.