Pacheco out 12 weeks

Detroit Lions backup Isiah Pacheco will miss 12 weeks after surgery. He's expected back in early December, leaving the backfield to Jahmyr Gibbs.

Gibbs can chase history

With Pacheco sidelined, Gibbs has the opportunity and workload to challenge LaDainian Tomlinson's historic 2006 fantasy season.

Week 1 was explosive

Gibbs rushed 29 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns in the Lions' overtime win. He also caught all five targets for 30 receiving yards.

33.6 PPR points in debut

Gibbs' Week 1 performance showed he can handle a bellcow workload while maintaining explosiveness. If he continues this pace, LT's 20-year reign could end.

82 yards after contact

Gibbs forced seven missed tackles and had a 54-yard breakaway that accounted for 34.6% of his total yardage. He had seven attempts of 10-plus yards.

LT's 2006 season was legendary

Tomlinson rushed for 1,815 yards and 28 touchdowns, plus over 500 receiving yards and three receiving scores. His 30.1 FPPG in PPR is the all-time best.

The workload is there

Gibbs played 57 snaps (74% of Lions running back snaps) and touched the ball 34 times. That's a nearly 60% chance he touches the ball when on the field.

Can he sustain it

Gibbs' career high is 320 touches in a season, far below Tomlinson's 404 in 2006. Modern coaches emphasize keeping running backs fresh, which could limit his volume.

The touchdown challenge

Matching Tomlinson's 31 touchdowns will be tough. Gibbs is the clear red-zone back with eight rushes inside the 20, but he competes with Lions receivers for scores.

Red zone competition is real

Amon-Ra St. Brown caught two red-zone touchdowns in Week 1. Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams are other threats to Gibbs' touchdown opportunities.

8 of 14 red zone touches

Gibbs received 8 of the Lions' 14 total red zone touches in Week 1, not just among running backs. His 34 total touches and 186 scrimmage yards set the tone.

“8 of 14 Detroit Lions red zone touches (total, not just backfield) went to Gibbs.”