Running Back 17 – Jahmyr Gibbs DET
Jahmyr has climbed up the ADP board rapidly this off-season, and he is currently running back (RB) 12. The buzz around J. Gibbs is real as he has shown several flashes in training camp, dual practices, and pre-season action. He is a dual threat RB and on an offense that averaged 26.6 points per game, so the hype is justified. However he is in a backfield with David Montgomery who is also a Mano y Mano Top 40 RB. The Lions will utilize both backs throughout the season to keep them healthy for a hopeful playoff push. Gibbs is a rookie RB that will run with fury and on a team with lofty expectations.
Gibbs will not be weighed down with the negativity that was around the Lions prior to Head Coach Dan Campbell’s arrival. He is going at essentially his ceiling level, which if he hits will be worth the value. However if he doesn’t achieve this, it is massive draft capital for a rookie. Use caution but Gibbs is worth a roster spot as he is likely to have multiple spike weeks.

Linebacker17 – Zaire Franklin IND
Zaire Franklin busted onto the IDP scene last year. He filled in nicely along side former teammate, and linebacker (LB), Bobby Okereke when Shaquille Leonard went down. The Indianapolis Colts had a horrible offense, and the trend could continue again with rookie Anthony Richardson set to be the week one starter. Z. Franklin had 95 total tackles in four seasons, before erupting for 167 tackles last year. He also registered 12 tackles for loss, 6 passes defended, 6 QB hits, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. It was by far his best season in the five years in the NFL, but was it a fluke?
The Indianapolis Colts do not believe so and he has potential to be the team’s leading tackler. He needed an opportunity to play, and became an NFL starter, but has the benefit of DeForest Buckner being his defensive tackle. If S. Leonard is healthy and plays a full season, Franklin will be the second or third focus of an offense. This will allow him to exploit better match ups and likely see less double-teams. Draft Franklin and have a solid LB2.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for RB & LB #16.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

*Stats come from FantasyPros, Pro Football Reference, Sleeper, Statmuse, and NFL/Next Gen.
*Rankings are based on .5 PPR format and FF7s.