The Detroit Lions face a crucial decision in determining who will ignite their offense against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Montgomery or Jahmyr Gibbs. Both players bring unique strengths to the table, making this a tough choice for coach Dan Campbell.

Jahmyr Gibbs: The Explosive Playmaker

Gibbs has been a revelation this season, showcasing his ability to make big plays in the running and passing games. With 1,442 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns, Gibbs has been a key factor in the Lions’ high-powered offense. His 5.6-yard average per carry ranks fourth in the NFL, and his explosiveness has been a nightmare for defenders to deal with.

David Montgomery: The Veteran Presence

Montgomery, on the other hand, brings a veteran presence to the backfield, with a knack for grinding out tough yards between the tackles. He’s tied with Green Bay’s Josh Jacobs and Los Angeles Rams’ Kyren Williams for fourth-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL this season with 12. Montgomery’s ability to pick up crucial yards in short-yardage situations has been invaluable to the Lions.

Recent Performance

In Week 6, Gibbs had a less-than-ideal game, rushing for just 65 yards on 17 carries, while Montgomery stepped up, rushing for 24 yards and a touchdown on four carries. However, Gibbs has consistently been the more dynamic player, with 87 carries to Montgomery’s 65 through six games.

Head Coach’s Perspective

Coach Dan Campbell has expressed confidence in Gibbs’ ability to carry the load, especially after Montgomery’s season-ending knee injury. Campbell mentioned that Gibbs has continued to get better and better as the season has gone on, and he’s shown the ability to make big plays in the running and passing games ¹.

Fantasy Projections

In terms of fantasy projections, Gibbs is expected to score 12.3 points this week, while Montgomery is projected for 6.8 points. Gibbs’ versatility and explosiveness make him a strong start, especially against a Buccaneers defense that’s struggled against running backs ².

Conclusion

Given Gibbs’ dynamic ability and the Buccaneers’ vulnerability to running backs, it’s likely that Gibbs will be the primary ball carrier against Tampa Bay. His explosiveness and versatility make him a matchup nightmare, and the Lions would be wise to lean on him heavily to ignite their offense. By emphasizing Gibbs, the Lions can create big plays and control the tempo of the game, giving themselves the best chance to come out on top.