Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Jahmyr Gibbs

Monday, August 25, 4:11 PM

The Houston Texans announced on Monday that they will officially move running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) from the Active/Non-Football Injury list to the Reserve/NFI list on Tuesday, which means that he will have to miss at least the first four games of the 2025 campaign. The Texans were unable to give an update on Mixon's rehab from ankle/foot injuries that have kept him sidelined for the entire offseason program, training camp and the preseason. The 29-year-old veteran will be eligible to return in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 5, but it remains to be seen if he'll be available. This new is obviously a pretty big hit to Mixon's 2025 fantasy value, and he's down to the RB52 rank at RotoBaller. Most fantasy managers will be avoiding him altogether. With Mixon out to begin the year, Houston is expected to go with a committee RB approach with Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks.

Friday, August 22, 10:58 AM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was "great in the run and pass games" and "looked excellent" in the team's joint practice with the Houston Texans on Thursday, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. In contrast, Pouncy writes that the Lions' power run game behind David Montgomery struggled against Houston. Gibbs gained 1,929 yards from scrimmage and led the NFL with 20 touchdowns in 2024, but he started just four games. Montgomery will play a role in Detroit's offense. Still, it appears the Lions may be shifting the focus of their ground game, particularly with the uncertainty along the interior of their offensive line. The only question mark in Gibbs' fantasy profile is volume of touches. If he can shift into a true lead role in Detroit's backfield this season, Gibbs has RB1 upside.