The Detroit Lions leaned on running back Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints. Gibbs rushed 29 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns, an average of 5.4 yards per carry, and added five catches for 30 yards, six yards per reception. The 29 attempts were a career high, and Detroit needed every one of them in a 31-30 overtime win.
Detroit travels to Buffalo on Thursday night for an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, and it would not be a surprise to see Gibbs get close to 30 carries again with another five to seven receptions. Buffaloโs defense gave up 31 points and 124 rushing yards to the Houston Texans in Week 1, even in a 36-31 win. Could Gibbs be a problem the Bills cannot slow down?
Lions Reporter Believes Jahmyr Gibbs Could Have Big Game Against the Bills
Brandon Ray of BuffaLowDown interviewed Candace Pedraza, site editor of SideLion Report, ahead of the Week 2 matchup. One of the questions Ray asked her was, โBoth Buffalo and Detroit come into this game having each scored 30+ points in Week 1. What are Lionsโ fans thoughts on Week 1 when it comes to both sides of the ball? Are there any major concerns, or is there a lot more excitement?โ
Pedrazaโs answer kept coming back to Gibbs. โTheir offense definitely needs more time to gel with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, but one factor that remained reliable in this game was Jahmyr Gibbs. I think he could pose a threat to Buffaloโs defensive line this week.โ
Buffaloโs Run Defense Left the Door Open
Gibbs has a chance at another big game. Buffaloโs front was not sharp in Week 1, and the last meeting between these teams was a track meet. The Bills beat the Lions 48-42 at Ford Field on Dec. 15, 2024. Another shootout would not be a surprise. If Gibbs goes off again on a national stage, the Offensive Player of the Year talk starts for real.
