Heading into his second season, the former Alabama product, Jahmyr Gibbs continues to showcase his flashing speed and receiving skills. Last year, he broke off several impactful runs for a team aiming for long-lasting success through a masterful running season. Gibbs finished the year with 945 rushing yards, 316 receiving yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns.
As the Lions tried to replace Jamaal Williams, who departed the previous year, many critics questioned the wisdom of drafting Gibbs in the first round. However, he defied expectations, producing at a high level and displaying a running style that was difficult for defenses to contain. With improved jump cuts and a new spin move in his arsenal, Gibbs hopes to dominate the league and help quarterback Jared Goff lead Detroit to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
Jahmyr Gibbs 2023 Stats
In 2023, Jahmyr Gibbs became a vital part of the Lions’ run to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1992. With him starting the season backing up David Montgomery, his usage just increased more and more week after week. With 1,261 total yards from scrimmage and 11 rushing touchdowns, he took advantage of any opportunity given to him by averaging over 5 yards per carry.
Being an extremely important piece in the postseason, his 230+ yards and 3 touchdowns were the most by any running back on Lions. As the stats calculated together resulted in 241.2 fantasy points for PPR leagues, he ranked 10th amongst running backs during 2023. Ranking ahead of many stars like James Cook, Saquon Barkley, and Isaiah Pacheco, he set the bar really high last year for years further.
Jahmyr Gibbs Fantasy Outlook 2024
As listed starter David Montgomery is getting up there in age, there will be more of a split in carries between him and Jahmyr this year. Trying to continue proving to the NFL World why he is a game changer, Gibbs keeps adding new elements to his game that make him slippery to tackle. For 2024, he should have around 1,000 rushing yards, 50 catches leading to 380 more, and 12 total touchdowns.
With the Lions retaining Ben Johnson, there should be a lot more pitches and quick runs to set the tempo on first or 2nd down. Adding Kevin Zeitler, one of the best run blockers, from Baltimore will create massive room for Jahmyr to run through on the right side. When they tried doing this last season, there were times he would get trapped behind the line and the right side receiver like Kalif Raymond wouldn’t block much.
Now with him getting both sides favorable, the season should be a benefit for his confidence with a contract year coming in following season. As someone who many project to draft at 14 or 15, the anticipation is he finishes with 245+ fantasy points and an average 14.4 per week. Being a potential 1st to 2nd round pick, experts are considering him an RB 1 with an expansive role that could be a league winner over stars like Kyren Williams and Derrick Henry.
Our Final Say
With the Lions really wanting to get to that Super Bowl after last season’s choke, all parts will have to excel in their roles. But, most importantly it will have to be an increase in value from Jahmyr Gibbs who has to once again produce important gains. Not only is he someone who creates short yardage situations on 2nd down or 3rd down, but a piece that is equally important in a team that loves to go for it on 4th down.
That burst really pushes everyone forward, creating an easier opportunity to cross the line and move chains. With pass catchers like Amon Ra St. Brown and Sam Laporta being strong blockers as well, it will be easier for the Alabama running back not to lose his line. These situations include running towards the outside of the yard or giving Gibbs more space to work in a short-yardage passing situation as a safety net.
With a receiving ability that could potentially make him Jared Goff’s safety net, lineman like Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker will stop pass rushers and outside linebackers from making tackles for loss. As Jahmyr Gibbs is really someone perfect to thrive in an offense tailored towards agility and patience, he should be a top 5 running back taken in either the late 1st or early 2nd rounds.
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