Detroit Lions fans are betting big on Jahmyr Gibbs having the kind of season that turns a good back into a headline. In a recent SB Nation Reacts survey, 60% of respondents said they expect Gibbs to top his previous single-season rushing high in 2026, and the confidence doesn’t stop there.
The bigger number is the one tied to FanDuel Sportsbook’s over/under of 1,125.5 rushing yards (-114). According to the survey results, 92% of fans think Gibbs will clear that mark. That’s not just optimism - that’s a near-unanimous vote that the Pro Bowl running back is headed for a serious workload.
The poll asked fans to choose from four rushing-yard ranges based on Gibbs’ previous three seasons, and the response pointed strongly in one direction. A career year is the expectation, not the hope.
The comment section backed that up with fans laying out their cases. One user, PDSX3, kept it simple: “Since the words ‘bell cow’ were used, I’ll go over.”
Another, LRB57, pointed to the offensive line and the pieces around Gibbs as reasons for a big leap: “I think with the reconstruction of the OL, the expected linear improvements from TeSlaa and Jamo, and the return of LaPorta, Gibbs will easily crack 2000 combined yards from scrimmage. 1400-1600 rushing and 600-1000 receiving. It wouldn’t surprise me if he joined the 1000/1000 club this year.”
MoTownSportsTruther took the ceiling even higher: “Wouldn’t shock me if he becomes the 10th player in NFL history to rush for 2,000.”
And Ajmojo summed up the mood with a little less analysis and a lot more confidence: “Gonna use that free FanDuel money now.”
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Lions Fans Can Relax About One Awkward Taylor Decker Possibility
Taylor Deckers release after contract talks fell short naturally sparked a little NFC North anxiety, especially for anyone in Detroit who knows how often a veteran lineman can end up landing somewhere uncomfortably close to home. Decker was still viewed as one of the better free agents at left tackle, and his name alone was enough to make rival-watchers wonder whether the next chapter could get awkward for Lions fans.
For now, though, the most obvious landing spot does not look like much of a threat. Chicago already has other options lined up at left tackle, which makes a Decker signing feel unlikely unless the situation changes in a major way. Add in Deckers own reluctance to join division teams, and this is one of those rumors that can probably stay in the background for the time being. [Read more 🡒]
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Blake Miller and Keith Abney look like the clearest paths to rookie starts, with Miller sitting in position to compete for a job on the edge and Abney benefiting from a cornerback picture that could open up quickly. Beyond them, the rest of the class faces a more familiar rookie climb, with some players aiming simply to stick on the roster and others trying to turn a depth role into something more before the year is out. [Read more 🡒]
Lions QB2 Battle Is Suddenly Worth Watching Closely
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Luke Altmyer has started to complicate that picture. The undrafted rookie has drawn positive notice during offseason work, and there is at least a path for him to make the backup competition matter once training camp opens. For a team that has been able to keep its focus on Goff, the real question now is whether Detroits QB2 spot stays veteran insurance or turns into a legitimate battle. [Read more 🡒]
