Can This Revamped Backfield Mirror the Success of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery?

Kevin Szafraniec
March 21, 2025

After experiencing their share of rough patches over the past 30 years, the Lions now have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. Combining the top-scoring offense and seventh-ranked scoring defense, Detroit’s collection of talent led them to the best record in the league in 2024.

Chief among Detroit’s weapons were the backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. While most elite offenses generally focus on a high-flying passing game, the running backs were the engine that drove the Lions’ offense in 2024. However, Gibbs and Montgomery did not do it on their own, as they had the luxury of running behind one of the most dominant offensive lines in the league.

It is no secret that the NFL is a copycat league. With that in mind, if teams are going to “borrow” any concepts from another team, it only makes sense that they would try to duplicate what that team does best — e.g., the Lions’ run game. For one team that already finds themselves within shouting distance of Detroit, will one or two tweaks to their run game be enough for them to supplant the Lions at the top of the mountain in 2025?

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here

Please subscribe For Full Access to all RotoViz content and tools!

What’s included in your subscription??

Exclusive Access to RotoViz Study Hall
- A treasure trove of our most insightful articles that will teach you the metrics that matter, time-tested winning strategies, the approaches that will give you an edge, and teach you how to be an effective fantasy manager.
Revolutionary Tools
- Including the NFL Stat Explorer, Weekly GLSP Projections, NCAA Prospect Box Score Scout, Combine Explorer, Range of Outcomes App, DFS Lineup Optimizer, Best Ball Suite,and many, many, more.
Groundbreaking Articles
- RotoViz is home of the original Zero-RB article and continues to push fantasy gamers forward as the go-to destination for evidence-based analysis and strategic advantages.
Weekly Projections
- Built using RotoViz’s unique GLSP approach.
Expert Rankings
And a whole lot more…

Kevin Szafraniec

Lead Writer and Full-time Cat Dad. Sneakerhead, Record Collector, Beatmaker, Lord of the Rings Superfan, and Jeopardy Enthusiast in my free time. Follow me on X and Bluesky @thecatdadff

The Chiefs’ Plan to Rebuild the Death Star Begins With the Signing of Kenneth Walker

Kevin Szafraniec March 11, 2026

Kevin Szafraniec breaks down the fantasy implications of Kansas City’s signing of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker on the first day of 2026 free agency. Following several years of fans and fantasy managers alike lamenting for Kansas City to upgrade the running back position, the Chiefs finally gave in by signing Kenneth Walker to a three-year, $45.0M deal on the opening day of free agency…....

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here

Can this Electric Young Wide Receiver Produce a Chris Godwin Level Explosion Now That the Path Is Clear?

Kevin Szafraniec March 10, 2026

Kevin Szafraniec debates whether the hype has gone too far for a young wide receiver who turned plenty of heads down the stretch during his rookie season. There was always a considerable amount of buzz surrounding Chris Godwin from the time he was drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft until he broke out as the overall WR2 in his third season. In the meantime, Godwin…...

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here

Will the Acquisition of DJ Moore Push Josh Allen and the Bills Over the Top in 2026?

Kevin Szafraniec March 9, 2026

Kevin Szafraniec breaks down the fantasy implications DJ Moore’s arrival will have in Buffalo following the Bills’ acquisition of the former Bears wideout. When previewing 2026’s free agent wide receivers back in January, it was pretty clear that Buffalo needed to upgrade their receiving corps: It’s time for the Bills to pony up and find a legitimate WR1 for Josh Allen. It is true that their…...