Each week during the NFL season, fantasy managers find new things about which to panic and fret. Sometimes our panic is justifiable; sometimes it reveals a radical detachment from reality. Our mission here is to discern which situations are legitimately worrisome. We rely entirely on your input for the Panic Meter, so feel free to let us know at any time which player, coach or team is fueling your nightmares. You can email or submit a voice memo to [email protected].
Panic level: Low, but not zero 😬
On the one hand, we can feel pretty good about the fact that Gibbs delivered 60 scrimmage yards in his regular-season debut, averaging 6.0 YPC and forcing six missed tackles. And sure, perhaps we can overlook the fact that on his best scoring chance, he fell down.
His best moments on Thursday night were genuinely impressive, like this run:
But let’s not pretend Gibbs was anything other than David Montgomery’s backup on opening night, a supporting player in the offense. He played 19 snaps to Montgomery’s 55; he was out-touched 21 to 9. Gibbs played behind Montgomery in all situations — early-downs, goal-line, third-downs and two-minute. While his touches are expected to increase as the season unfolds, it’s not a lock to happen now, this week, immediately following a road win against the defending Super Bowl champs.
NFL coaches are not generally known for switching things up after their initial plans succeed.
Of all the questions/comments/screeds that rolled in related to Gibbs, this gentleman probably had the most reasonable take:
At the moment, Gibbs is simply a backup with benefits, but of course his ceiling is exceptional. We’ll allow a certain low level of nervousness, but no one is issuing a must-trade alert.
Panic level: Elevated 😰
There’s no putting a positive spin on your fifth-round fantasy pick seeing a single target in opening week (and not catching it). Just in case you were wondering what London’s weekly floor would be, it’s zero catches for zero…
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