Jahmyr Gibbs racked up 1,900 total yards, 20 total touchdowns, and averaged over 21 fantasy points per game last season. He was efficient, explosive, and consistent. Everything you want in a top fantasy pick, he delivered.

I know some of you don’t play fantasy into Week 18, but if you did, you saw what Gibbs did to Minnesota. He ran for 139 yards and 3 touchdowns, putting up 46 fantasy points. Even if your league ends in Week 17, his fantasy playoff run was dominant. From Weeks 15 through 18, Gibbs averaged 31.5 fantasy points per game.

That stretch also wasn’t a coincidence. David Montgomery went down with an MCL injury in Week 15, and Gibbs immediately saw a full workload. The handed the offense to him, and he delivered like a superstar.

In the NFL playoffs against Washington, he totaled 175 yards with 2 touchdowns and 6 catches. That wasn’t garbage time. That was a high-stakes postseason game, and the Lions gave him the ball like their season depended on it. That says everything about how much this team believes in him.

Gibbs had 250 carries last year. If that number increases by even 10 to 15 percent, he could push 275 to 290 touches. Add in 50+ receptions, and he becomes one of the most complete fantasy backs in football. He is also being used more out wide under new offensive coordinator John Morton, creating more receiving upside than ever before.

What makes him even more valuable is the floor. Gibbs plays in a high-powered offense with a coach who never settles for field goals. He’s game-script proof and touchdown-friendly. Even when he doesn’t break a long run, he’s catching passes, moving the chains, and living inside the red zone. You don’t need everything to go right for Gibbs to give you 20 fantasy points. That kind of stability is gold.

Dan Campbell’s aggressive play-calling is a major advantage. The Lions go for it on fourth and short regularly, keeping drives alive and creating more scoring chances. Even with Ben Johnson gone and some changes on the offensive line, Detroit still projects as one of the most productive and efficient offenses in the league. Gibbs is positioned at the center of it.

I know he’s not the consensus number one by any means, but I have faith in him. He checks every box I care about.

He’s 23. He’s explosive. He’s trusted in every phase of the game. When it mattered most, he delivered.

Jahmyr Gibbs is my number one fantasy player in 2025. There’s no reason to overthink it.