The hype for Jahmyr Gibbs’ 2026 season has almost gotten too much.
With Gibbs expected to be the bell-cow back, plus Detroit’s investment in the offensive line, some are predicting a monster year from the fourth-year Detroit Lions running back. In fact, so many people are predicting a career season from Gibbs, that he is actually the odds-on favorite to win the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year Award, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
As of Thursday afternoon, here were the five players with the best
odds to come away with the award:
- Jahmyr Gibbs: +650
- Bijan Robinson: +900
- Ja’Marr Chase: +1000
- Puka Nacua: +1300
- Christian McCaffrey: +1600
Gibbs is coming off a season in which he finished top 10 in most statistical categories for running backs. He ran for 1,223 yards (seventh), 5.0 yards per carry (ninth), and rushed for 13 touchdowns (t-fourth). But that was with an offensive line that struggled. This offseason, Detroit signed center Cade Mays in free agency and drafted offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. On top of that, Detroit switched offensive coordinators in hope of giving life back to the run game.
All of that appears to have bettors excited to witness Gibbs’ 2026 season.
On to the rest of today’s Notes:
- Today’s Feed Post of the Day comes from tomi02118, who has three reasons why the Lions defense is poised to bounce back in 2026:
- ESPN’s Eric Woodyard has a full Lions training camp preview, including three players to watch, key position battles, and a 53-man roster projection.
- Hat tip to commenter VAlionsfan, who shared this analysis of Isaac TeSlaa over on The Feed:
- A feel good story for your weekend: the Detroit Lions Foundation surprised Roseville High School with new football equipment.
- On the latest episode of the St. Brown Brothers podcast, Dion Dawkins joined the show and pleaded for Amon-Ra to get Jared Goff to start joining in on the celebrations. Goff offered a response over on Instagram.
