Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Jahmyr Gibbs

Wednesday, January 21, 12:19 PM

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said on Wednesday that running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) had a medical condition that never improved, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. "He didn't jump off a building. He wasn't doing anything irresponsible. It was a freak thing," Caserio said. The Texans were extremely vague with Mixon's injury all year, and he never ended up playing in 2025. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that Mixon's status for the 2026 season is also uncertain due to his injury. Unexpectedly, the Texans struggled for consistent production out of their backfield with a mix of veteran Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. Marks took over halfway through the year and should be heavily involved again next season, even if Mixon returns. Needless to say, a lot of fantasy managers won't want anything to do with Mixon in 2026.

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.