Let’s get one thing straight: the Detroit Lions were no fluke. They are real contenders in the NFC… and also in fantasy leagues in 2025.
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery form a fearsome duo of running backs. All signs point to them repeating the impact they had in 2024 in the NFL. With Ben Johnson out, analysts are projecting adjustments, but the production data is too solid to ignore.
Jahmyr Gibbs: elite efficiency even with less volume
Let’s start with Jahmyr Gibbs. This Lions running back doesn’t need 300 carries to be relevant. In 2024 he showed what he is capable of: with just two more touches per game, he shot his efficiency to absurd levels.
- 5.6 yards per carry
- 6.6% touchdown rate
- 8.2 yards per target
That means he advances eight yards every time the ball is thrown to him. Wow!
These figures, worthy of an explosive offensive, could suffer a downturn. It is natural. Such performance is not easy to sustain.
But even if he drops a little, he will still be in the top five in single-QB leagues. Don’t let him slip away: he’s a guaranteed first-round pick.
The only brake? The departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the arrival of John Morton in the position. Any change in a dominant system generates uncertainty. Caution will have to be exercised (e.g. the Eagles in 2023).
Even so, there is too much foundation. Detroit was the leader in points scored and second in total yards in 2024. Gibbs will be the spearhead of the aerial attack from the backfield. His value in full PPR leagues is locked in.
Montgomery: reliability, touchdowns in the Lions
David Montgomery is a workhorse. He proved that last year in the red zone. He ranked among the top 16 running backs in points average in his two campaigns with Detroit.
Yes, that’s true: in 2024 he reduced his number of carries, but increased his number of targets. That made up for the drop in volume.
This change continues to position him as a safe and reliable option in standard or half-PPR leagues, although in full PPR his ceiling is more limited.
Montgomery does not have a guaranteed contract beyond 2025 and is already 28 years old. This detracts from his value in dynasty leagues. But beware: if Gibbs gets injured, Montgomery has immediate RB1 upside.
His ADP is around the fifth round, and there he can be a steal for those who build their rosters with receivers in the early rounds. It won’t be sexy, but it’s reliable. And in fantasy, that’s worth its weight in gold.
Both runners have different paths to the top 15, but both have already made it. And they can do it again. Detroit is not only building for the NFL, it can also be the backbone of a fantasy champion.
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