Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the clear favorite to go first overall in most 2026 fantasy football drafts and the star himself fully agrees.
When asked this week if he would select himself at No. 1, Gibbs smiled and replied, “For sure.” He added that he is either going to make a lot of people happy or mad at his performance.
Bigger role in Detroit
For the first three seasons of his career, Gibbs shared the backfield with David Montgomery. That dual setup limited his snaps. Montgomery was traded to Houston this offseason and the Lions’ main backup Isaiah Pacheco is starting the year on injured reserve. This leaves Gibbs as the undisputed lead back with unproven depth behind him.
Last season Gibbs already posted career-high numbers with 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns on 320 touches. His snap share also rose to about 67 percent.
With a true feature-back role now expected, those numbers look like a floor rather than a ceiling. Gibbs said simply, “I guess I’m getting most of the carries. I feel good. It’s nothing I haven’t done before. It’s going to be cool.”
Fantasy managers take notice
Most ranking sites and ADP data place Gibbs at or near the top of 2026 drafts. His combination of explosive rushing ability and strong receiving skills makes him a rare workhorse in today’s NFL.
He has averaged more than 21 PPR points per game over the past two seasons and is locked in with a new contract extension that keeps him in Detroit through 2030.
Fantasy owners who took him No. 1 will be watching closely as the season begins. Gibbs is ready for the spotlight and the extra carries that come with it.
