ESPN analyst openly offers a not-so bold prediction for Jahmyr Gibbs in 2025

Some analysts quickly lamented the Detroit Lions' selection of running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Two seasons in, those critics have been put in their place and some have even taken an opportunity to fully own their bad take in-person.

Last season, Gibbs topped 1,900 yards from scrimmage and set the Lions' single-season franchise record with 20 total touchdowns (16 rushing, four receiving). The term "league winner" is a cliche' in fantasy football, but Gibbs absolutely was one last year.

ESPN's Dan Graziano has offered a bold prediction for each NFL team heading into the 2025 season, under a premise of "don't be surprised if..."

ESPN analyst offers prediction for Jahmyr Gibbs he knows isn't that bold

For the Lions, Graziano had his bold prediction as "don't be surprised if....Jahmyr Gibbs is the top-scoring fantasy running back."

Of course, as we know and Graziano acknowledged in the analysis of his prediction, that's not the boldest of predictions.

"Yeah, not exactly the boldest prediction, considering Gibbs was second in fantasy points per game last season and actually scored the most points total because Saquon Barkley sat out Week 18. But a lot of people credit that to a furious finish, which coincided with David Montgomery's absence from the lineup."

READ MORE: Lions' chances of upsetting Packers in Week 1 are tumbling after latest rumor

Counting Week 18, Gibbs was the top running back in full PPR scoring last year. While he will likely have some touchdown regression this year, an expansion of his role in the passing game seems to be in store to offset it. Graziano also re-highlighted how the snap share in the Lions' backfield could shift toward Gibbs this year.

"Yes, Montgomery is back healthy, which portends a return to the two-headed running back operation that Detroit favors. But the Lions believe Gibbs has another gear to reach. They think an improved Jameson Williams will open up the field for shorter passes to the backs. And if they have a weakness, it's on the interior of their offensive line, where center Frank Ragnow retired. That could make the Lions less likely to rely on Montgomery between the tackles and more likely to get creative with Gibbs in space."

Gibbs has been very much on the periphery of the first overall pick conversation in 2025 fantasy drafts. But with some clear cut tilt toward PPR formats with John Morton set to expand/evolve his passing game role, there is a realistic path for him to finish as the RB1 this year--again, if we're being technical about it under certain criteria.