Best Bet: Jahmyr Gibbs Keeps Lions' Offense Explosive

Jahmyr Gibbs will have a productive game against 49ers.

The Detroit Lions do not have to disguise too much of their gameplan in the NFC Championship Game. 

Dan Campbell is a football coach, that despite his aggressiveness, wants to establish the run and wants to limit opponents from running the football. 

With rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs improving weekly, the speedy running back will be counted on again to aid Detroit in breaking down the 49ers' defense and advancing to the organization's first Super Bowl. 

Play Michigan lead writer Drew Ellis expects Gibbs to continue his stellar season against the 49ers. 

72 Percent of NFL Experts Predicting 49ers to Defeat Lions

"Jahmyr Gibbs has proven to be an important and explosive option for Detroit's offense in the playoffs. His receiving load has increased, and he’s always a threat to break a big run," Ellis tells All Lions. "San Francisco is a solid defensive team, but the 49ers did struggle containing Aaron Jones in last week’s playoff game. 

"San Francisco does struggle with backs getting to the outside, so I think that opens the door for Gibbs to continue his impressive production. Goff will be looking to Gibbs in the flat and the middle of the field, and he should still get about 10 carries for a chance to pick up an explosive run. For that reason, I like Gibbs to get over 76.5 combined rushing and receiving yards on Sunday evening (-105)."

The 2023 No. 12 overall pick has steadily improved in pass protection, and his effectiveness coming out of the backfield in the pass game has jumped out when watching film of his play during the second half of the season and in the postseason. 

"His running ability, his vision, he’s just, to me, he really is a complete back that’s continued to develop," said Campbell. "But really, since we played the Ravens early in the year, and that’s when you felt like, ‘Alright, here come – the light’s coming on.’ And, he’s just, every week, gotten better, and better and better. So, he’s playing at a high level right now.”