Every NFL season, rookie running backs are often the most exciting and most pivotal to a winning season. Deciding which rookie to take is a monumental decision during all fantasy drafts. Dynasty managers often rely on the value of a rookie running back early in his NFL career.
This season, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a consensus top-two Dynasty pick. Many managers hoped the former Alabama star would be a great PPR option for one of the NFL’s best offenses. Instead, Gibbs has been the second fiddle.
So far, Gibbs has run for 179 yards while catching 14 passes. Gibbs has not found the end zone. David Montgomery has been Detroit’s favored rushing option. After missing Week 3, Monty ran 32 times for 121 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-20 TNF win over the Green Bay Packers. Montgomery has rushed 69 times for 262 yards and five touchdowns in just three games.
Gibbs’ managers will look at how many yards each back is getting per attempt. Montgomery is averaging 3.8 yards a rush. Gibbs is averaging 4.6 yards.
Gibbs is not a big back who can take on a heavy workload. At Georgia Tech and Alabama, Gibbs was getting similar workloads. In his last two seasons for the Yellow Jackets and Crimson Tide, Gibbs rushed 294 times. Gibbs only had 20 carries one time over those seasons. Detroit is managing Gibbs for a 17-game season.
Detroit and fantasy fans are used to a big back leading Detroit’s rushing attack. Last year, Jamaal Williams led all running backs with 17 rushing touchdowns. D’Andre Swift averaged 5.5 yards a carry for Detroit.
Best Ball managers are even more frustrated with Gibbs’ lack of playing time. Gibbs was often a top-10 running back option for managers looking for PPR upside. in drafts. Montgomery was likely not a top-15 running back in best ball drafts. Waiting for Montgomery’s touchdown upside has worked out so far.
Rookie running backs often face different challenges, but these players can create big plays. Atlanta Falcons rookie star Bijan Robinson just racked up his second 100-yard game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Miami’s De’von Achane has rushed for 204 yards and six total touchdowns in his last two games against the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills.
Gibbs’ owners are surely frustrated with his lack of work. The Lions lead the NFC North. Dan Campbell’s job is not to please every dynasty owner. His job is to win football games. While Gibbs offers upside, his owners could wait for his breakout.
Gibbs’ dynasty managers cannot give up on a top-12 pick after just four NFL games. Detroit falling behind early will lead to Gibbs getting more targets. Gibbs could be in line for more targets if the Lions need his receiving upside.
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