The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s most productive offensive teams through the opening weeks of the 2026 season, but two of their biggest stars have surprisingly been placed in the “sell-high” category by a fantasy football analyst.
Pro Football Focus fantasy analyst Nathan Jahnke identified running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta among five players fantasy managers could consider selling high on heading into Week 5.
The recommendation has raised plenty of questions, especially considering how important both players have been to Detroit’s offense.
Jahmyr Gibbs Remains a Must-Start
Gibbs got off to an outstanding start to the season, recording at least 100 scrimmage yards in each of his first three games while scoring six touchdowns and catching at least five passes in each contest.
His production dipped in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. Gibbs finished with 15 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown, while adding four receptions for 31 yards.
Jahnke believes Gibbs remains a top-five fantasy option, but points to Detroit’s upcoming schedule as a reason fantasy managers could explore a trade.
The Lions running back faces one of the more difficult remaining schedules for his position, although there are favorable matchups against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7 and the Miami Dolphins in Week 9.
Even with the difficult schedule, however, Gibbs’ talent makes him extremely difficult to replace.
LaPorta’s Situation Is Different
Sam LaPorta actually produced his best game of the season in Week 4, catching eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Despite that production, Jahnke highlighted a concern with LaPorta’s workload. His snap share dropped to a season low, while he also recorded his lowest route participation rate of the season.
That reduced involvement did not hurt him against Carolina because Detroit threw the ball frequently, with four Lions players recording at least 70 receiving yards.
But if Detroit’s defense improves and the offense does not need to throw as often, LaPorta’s reduced route participation could become more important.
His remaining schedule also presents challenges, with five games against teams that rank among the top four in preventing fantasy points to tight ends, including two during the fantasy playoffs.
Should Lions Fans Be Concerned?
The biggest question is whether either player should actually be traded.
Detroit’s defense has struggled badly, which has forced the offense into high-scoring games and created plenty of opportunities for Jared Goff and the Lions’ offensive stars.
As a result, the argument for selling either Gibbs or LaPorta is not particularly straightforward.
Gibbs remains a player Detroit can rely on both as a runner and receiver, while LaPorta continues to be an important part of the passing attack.
Unless a fantasy manager receives an elite running back in return for Gibbs or a significant upgrade elsewhere in a package deal, moving him could be difficult to justify.
The same applies to LaPorta, especially given how valuable productive tight ends can be in fantasy football.
For now, the Lions’ offensive production remains one of the biggest reasons fantasy managers are benefiting from having Detroit players on their rosters.
The analyst’s recommendation may be worth considering, but it certainly does not mean Gibbs or LaPorta have suddenly become players fantasy managers should rush to trade.
With Week 5 approaching, both Lions stars remain major pieces of Detroit’s high-powered offense.
