Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Jahmyr Gibbs

Monday, December 29, 1:56 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) will not return this season, league sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. The expectation all along has been that Mixon would not return at all in 2025, but now it's official. The Texans haven't released many details on the nature of Mixon's foot/ankle injury, but we know that he hasn't played since back in the spring. The 29-year-old remains on the Non-Football Injury list. At this point, it's fair to wonder if he'll be effective at all if he's able to make it back and play in 2026. The Texans will continue to move forward with rookie Woody Marks as their primary ball-carrier, with veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Jawhar Jordan backing him up heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts.

Wednesday, December 24, 8:29 PM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been inconsistent as a rusher in recent weeks, as he's been held to 3.6 yards per carry or less in five out of his last six games. The 23-year-old was able to save his Week 16 production with his work as a receiver, recording 10 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gibbs has been heavily involved in the Lions' passing game since Detroit placed tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. Across six games without LaPorta, Gibbs has hauled in 40 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns on 51 targets. Gibbs' receiving work may need to continue carrying his production in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings enter the week ranked 12th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1). Gibbs had his least productive game of the season in his first matchup of the year against Minnesota, racking up just 28 scrimmage yards on 12 touches in Week 9. However, he may see a few more touches this time around, as Lions back David Montgomery (illness) is officially listed as questionable to play on Thursday. Gibbs remains a must-start fantasy running back, but fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations in Week 17.