4 reasons Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is the next Fantasy Football breakout star

The sport of football sees an uptick in popularity seemingly every day. In turn, the game centered around the NFL, fantasy football, is beginning to seep into the casual portion of the fan base. From die-hards to casuals to my own mother, nearly everyone has a fantasy team these days. Here is why Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs should be a target in the early rounds of your fantasy football draft.

The Lions surprised many by selecting the Alabama star early in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. On a recent episode of “Inside the Den” Detroit general manager Brad Holmes said the team would have been comfortable taking Gibbs as early as six — their original draft position. After a trade down with the Cardinals, the front office held its breath and waited for No. 12 to roll around.

To the joy of Holmes and Co., nobody sniped Gibbs, paving the way for the Lions to welcome a new face to the backfield. Gibbs’ arrival to the franchise coincided with the exit of former second-rounder D’Andre Swift. The same is true with veteran Jamaal Williams, who inked a deal with the Saints earlier in the offseason.

That leaves several touches for the rookie ball carrier and the recently-acquired David Montgomery. As productive as Montgomery was in Chicago, he lacks the overall explosiveness and game-breaking ability that Gibbs possesses in droves. “Monty” might vulture some touchdowns on the year, but the first-round pedigree should give Gibbs the bulk of the touches.

4 reasons Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is the next Fantasy Football breakout star

Aside from opportunity, several other factors will work in Gibbs’ favor in Year 1. We will kick things off by talking about offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and his high-octane system in Detroit.

Reason No. 1: Jahmyr Gibbs should see the most touches for the Lions in 2023

Montgomery is the only real threat to take touches away from Gibbs. Even then, the former Bear will likely eat up touches inside the 20s while the Crimson Tide alum dices defenses up over the middle of the field. Williams and Swift accumulated 361 rushing attempts between them, meaning there is more than enough to go around.

Quarterback Jared Goff witnessed a resurgent season under Johnson’s guidance. The former No. 1 overall pick is deathly accurate from less than 10 yards out and has no issue checking down and letting his running back do the work. Goff’s willingness to take what the defense gives him bodes well for Gibbs’ eventual passing game usage.

Reason No. 2: Jahmyr Gibbs is an elite pass catcher

This is for the Fantasy Football folks that play PPR (points per reception). Which, frankly, if you are still playing standard leagues, I am concerned — but I digress. For PPR leagues, a pass-catching running back is a cheat code. Not only will Gibbs see plenty of action as a runner, but he also has the chops to be one of the better receivers immediately.

Gibbs flexes precise route running with zero wasted motion. He flips direction with ease and a suddenness that few of his peers can match. The way Gibbs accelerates is reminiscent of Alvin Kamara. Since entering the league, Kamara has been a mainstay amongst the top running back rankings, so that is some good company to be in.

Reason No. 3: Gibbs can score on any touch for the Lions

It doesn’t matter if it is a toss out wide, a run between the tackle, a swing pass, or a deep wheel route; if Gibbs is on the field, there is a realistic chance to score on any snap. His 25 runs of 10+ yards highlight his big-play ability, while the 38 forced missed tackles showcase his ankle-snatching moves.

I watched every snap Gibbs took at Alabama, and I can count on one hand the number of times a defender wrapped him up in space. His jukes and spin moves are deadly. The young ball carrier boasts a one-cut running style that should translate to the NFL quickly, especially when he catches passes out wide.

Reason No. 4: Amon-Ra St. Brown and (eventually) Jameson Williams will keep defenses from stacking the box in Detroit

There are a few main differences between Gibbs and Alabama running backs of yesteryear. The most recent Tide first-rounder is twitched up more than Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, and Josh Jacobs ever were. Not to say he will be better than any of these guys, but just that his style of play is a stark contrast.

Going further, Gibbs did not have a stacked supporting cast around him in Tuscaloosa. He and Bryce Young were tasked with carrying the offense. And more times than not, they answered the bell. Luckily for Gibbs, the Lions’ weaponry tells a completely different story.

Amon-Ra St. Brown has cemented himself as one of the best slot receivers in the NFL. Veteran Marvin Jones brings a much-needed veteran presence, while Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond have experience of their own on Sundays. Soon enough, fellow Alabama alum Jameson Williams will bring his mystifying speed to the unit.

Gibbs should be able to operate within the system and take advantage of all the attention paid to his teammates. The rookie has the advantage of being an unknown commodity to opposing defenses. Between the opportunity, the talent he possesses, and the assortment of weapons around him, Jahmyr Gibbs has a direct line to Fantasy Football superstardom.