The Detroit Lions have established themselves as genuine contenders in the NFC, and their impact extends into fantasy football for the 2025 season. Central to this success is the duo of running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, whose strong performances in 2024 suggest they will continue to be valuable assets for fantasy managers seeking reliable production.
The Rising Efficiency of Jahmyr Gibbs Despite Limited Touches
Jahmyr Gibbs demonstrated elite efficiency in 2024, proving that he does not require a high volume of carries to make a significant fantasy impact. His performance statistics highlight his explosiveness, with an impressive 5.6 yards per carry, a touchdown rate of 6.6%, and 8.2 yards gained per target. This means every time he caught the ball, Gibbs advanced it by over eight yards, underscoring his value in the backfield.
While it is reasonable to anticipate some regression from these exceptional numbers, Gibbs is expected to maintain a top-tier fantasy status, particularly in single-QB leagues where his skills and efficiency shine. However, the transition from offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to John Morton introduces some uncertainty about how the offensive scheme may adjust moving forward.
Despite this coordinator change, the Lions’ robust offense, which led the league in points scored and ranked second in total yards in 2024, offers a strong foundation for Gibbs to continue as a critical part of Detroit’s passing attack from the backfield. His value in full PPR formats remains especially solid.
David Montgomery’s Role: Consistent Production and Touchdown Reliability
David Montgomery has proven himself as a dependable and productive running back, especially in the red zone. Over his two seasons with the Lions, he ranked within the top 16 running backs in points average, demonstrating his steady contribution on the field. Although Montgomery experienced a reduction in rushing attempts during 2024, his increased involvement as a receiving threat compensated for the lower volume.
This shift solidifies Montgomery’s role as a stable option in standard and half-PPR leagues. However, his ceiling in full PPR formats is more modest due to the distribution of targets. At 28 years old, with no guaranteed contract beyond the 2025 season, Montgomery’s dynasty value is somewhat limited. Nevertheless, his potential as an immediate RB1 if Gibbs were sidelined makes him an attractive fantasy asset.
Montgomery’s average draft position in 2025 falls around the fifth round, making him a valuable pick for fantasy players focusing on securing receivers early in their drafts. Though not flashy, his reliability is a notable trait in fantasy football, where consistent scoring often outweighs unpredictability.
Detroit’s Backfield Duo as a Foundation for Fantasy Success
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have carved unique paths to elite fantasy relevance, but both have firmly established themselves among top running backs. Their complementary skill sets provide depth and flexibility to the Lions’ offense, offering fantasy managers valuable options regardless of league format.
Detroit’s emergence as an NFL contender enhances the appeal of its running backs not only for their on-field contributions but also for the potential to serve as cornerstones in fantasy championship teams in 2025 and beyond. For those evaluating their lineup strategies, David Montgomery fantasy football value represents a compelling opportunity to secure a reliable running back capable of producing solid points throughout the season.