It was far more of a roller coaster than is ever ideal, but Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a second straight finish as a top-five fantasy running back last year. A unique combination of carry volume, passing game involvement and a nose for the end zone is lined up to keep him among the elite fantasy running backs until further notice.
With David Montgomery gone, and as foreshadowed late last season, Gibbs is lined up to be the unchecked bell cow in the Lions' offense this season. There are some ways to expand his usage as a pass catcher, namely more snaps lined up out wide or in the slot, and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing should bring some fresh ideas there.
As fantasy draft season for this year approaches, the conversation about the first overall pick is centered around Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. The choice, for those who will have it, comes down to personal preference more than anything else.
Based on the offensive ecosystems they'll operate in, a nod could be given to Gibbs. But Robinson also has less high-end competition for touches.
Jahmyr Gibbs is among the ideal centerpieces for a fantasy roster (again) in 2026
To help fill the fantasy football void before training camps start, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report has taken a look at five top candidates to be the No. 1 overall picks in drafts per the current rankings from Fantasy Pros.
Counting down from No. 5, the first three are wide receivers (Puka Nacua, Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Ja'Marr Chase). So it's obviously down to Gibbs and Robinson for the top two spots, with Kay given the nod at No. 1 to Robinson.
"With Gibbs able to contribute in all facets of the offense and the team scheming up ways to get him the ball in space, it's only a matter of time before the back is leading his fantasy managers to glory. As long as he can hold up and stay healthy, Gibbs will be a strong candidate to lead the entire league in fantasy points."
READ MORE: Keith Abney's fit for Lions could come outside of their starting defense
The differentiator for Kay was whatever additional injury risk can be attached to Gibbs' expected uptick in work. Robinson has proven he can handle a heavy workload, with more than 360 touches in back-to-back seasons, while Gibbs' career-high in touches was last year (320).
"While Gibbs has the most upside of any first-round fantasy pick this year, he's a slightly riskier choice at No. 1 overall compared to the league's other big superstar RB1."
Taking Gibbs (or Robinson, for that matter) No. 1 overall in a fantasy draft this year automatically comes with the idea of using a later pick on his handcuff to mitigate the injury risk. For those who take Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco is worth drafting over, as an example, a fifth wide receiver you'll never start.
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