NFL Splits Tool, Week 16: Sonic Without Knuckles

Each week, I’ll be using the FTN Fantasy Splits Tool to evaluate different teams, monitoring some of the most critical situations around the league.

The Splits Tool is a great way to evaluate the impact of different situations and environmental factors by comparing and contrasting historical data based on pre-game spreads/totals, locations, coaching changes, current and former teammates, etc. It’s a must-have for serious fantasy football managers and sports betters, especially when it comes to making difficult start/sit decisions or trying to gain an edge against the books.

Lions Down D-Mo

The Lions’ 11-game win streak came to an end Sunday, but the bigger loss for the team was the injuries suffered by significant players on both sides of the ball. Detroit has held the top seed in the NFC for most of the season, but the Lions have no room for error going forward, with the Vikings now within striking range of overtaking them in the division. The offense could look a lot different without their rushing touchdown leader, David Montgomery, to close out the regular season, creating a lot more opportunities both on the ground and through the air. Jahmyr Gibbs stands to be the main beneficiary of Montgomery’s absence, shaping up to be a league-winner in the fantasy playoffs.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB

Jahmyr Gibbs hasn’t seen the same workload or snap share as some of the other high-end running backs, but he’s been as steady as it gets at the position, averaging 16.1 touches for over 100 yards from scrimmage (100.1) and 0.9 touchdowns. He’s the RB4 on the season, despite playing in a split backfield, playing on 52.9% of Detroit’s offensive snaps and handling 42.5% of the team’s carries. Without David Montgomery last season, Gibbs was nearly an every-down player, averaging 23 combined carries and targets for 132.3 yards from scrimmage and 22.3 PPR points.