Ashton Jeanty vs Jahmyr Gibbs: Who Should You Start?
Jahmyr Gibbs and Ashton Jeanty are at different tiers heading into 2026. The Detroit Lions running back averaged 19.3 PPG in 2025, a full 6.5 points per game ahead of Ashton Jeanty's 12.8 with the Las Vegas Raiders. That kind of gap doesn't close on matchup alone.
Jahmyr Gibbs carries a 6.5-point PPG advantage from the 2025 season. That baseline matters, but it is one input among several. Matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and injury reports move the needle week to week, which is why the best answer changes depending on when you are asking.
Both are three-down backs with real passing-game roles. Ashton Jeanty caught 55 balls for 346 yards, and Jahmyr Gibbs hauled in 77 for 616. That receiving workload gives them high PPR floors even in games where the ground attack gets stuffed, and it is why both stay on the field in obvious passing situations.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 8 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
