Falcons vs. Lions Preview: ROTY Race Bijan vs. Jahmyr Gibbs

The Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions play this weekend, pitting the top two rookie running backs against one another.

The Atlanta Falcons (2-0) are traveling to face the Detroit Lions (1-1) in their first road game of the season in a game that features some of the league's most promising up-and-coming teams. 

Offensively, the Lions and Falcons have some of the best young talent at tight end in Atlanta's No. 4 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Kyle Pitts, and Detroit's rookie Sam LaPorta, who's burst onto the scene this season as a receiver.

The Lions selected LaPorta No. 34 overall out of Iowa in this year's draft, surprising many because the consensus had other tight ends ranked above him on draft boards. Thus far, Detroit has seemingly struck gold, though. 

Among tight ends, LaPorta leads the position in yards this season (165), is tied for the most receptions (15), and is tied for the second most targets (17). If the Falcons want to beat the Lions, they'll need to stop this rookie, but he's not the only one they'll need to worry about. 

People thought he was a draft reach 🤦🏽‍♂️ https://t.co/0OmrN6HDSu

— Isaiah De Anda Delgado (@IsaiahDDelgado) September 23, 2023

Most of the league seemed to be devaluing running backs this offseason, but Atlanta and Detroit proved that they weren't most teams when they selected three-down running backs, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, with top 12 picks in the draft.

Robinson (Texas) and Gibbs (Alabama) have a history of playing against each other in college in a competitive matchup where both would score touchdowns. In the end, Robinson's 24 touches for 130 yards weren't enough to help his Longhorns beat Gibbs, who had 18 touches for 96 yards as Alabama would win 20-19. 

However, the Falcons have already proven that they enjoy avenging college losses to Alabama players this season. Quarterback Desmond Ridder got revenge against Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in Week 1 for eliminating his Cincinnati Bearcats in the playoffs. Now, Robinson will get a chance to do the same against Gibbs.

Through two weeks, Robinson has already proven himself worthy of his draft capital and asserted himself as the focal point of Atlanta's offense. He's gotten 39 touches for 255 yards and a touchdown. On the other hand, Gibbs has been slowly integrated into the Lions' offense, getting 23 touches for 116 yards. However, this week, veteran starter David Montgomery is out, freeing up more opportunities for Gibbs to get the ball.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson will attempt to avenge a college loss against Detroit Lions rusher Jahmyr Gibbs this Sunday as both continue competing for Rookie of the Year Honors

How Gibbs and Robinson perform in this game could play a factor in who ultimately wins Offensive Rookie of the Year when this season comes to a close, but perhaps the biggest star in this game is Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Somehow, the Lions have managed to make a habit out of drafting prospects that most are low on and turning them into receiving threats that outshine their draft capital. Since getting drafted in the fourth round back in 2021, St. Brown has become the No. 1 receiver in Detroit and a premier weapon in the league. 

Since last season, St. Brown ranks No. 7 in catches and No. 9 in targets across the NFL, something that Falcons second-year receiver Drake London can only dream of. 

Bates & Terrell are different though😬 https://t.co/QmFToiGa8y

— Isaiah De Anda Delgado (@IsaiahDDelgado) September 23, 2023

London was Atlanta's top draft selection a year ago but has struggled to carve out a prominent role in a run-heavy offense. After recording zero catches in Week 1, London had a nice bounce-back game last week when he recorded six catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. Whether or not he can build on his Week 2 performance remains to be seen against the Lions. 

Overall, fans should be in for a treat on Sunday when the Falcons young playmakers fly to Detroit and attempt to keep their unbeaten record alive as the feisty Lions look to claw their way back to victory following an overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks.

WHAT: Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at Detroit Lions (1-1)

WHERE: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan (64,500)

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

TELEVISION: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: WZGC-FM 92.9 The Game

Tickets via SI Tickets

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Falcons +3.5 (+118), Lions -3.5 (-110)

TOTAL: 46.5 (o -110, u -118)

MONEYLINE: Falcons +140, Lions -175