It’s finally, officially Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Our patience will finally be paid off with a full week of NFL games starting on Wednesday… then Thursday… then Sunday… then Monday.
But before the games kick off, the Pride of Detroit staff will be providing their predictions for the 2026 Detroit Lions’ season all week. And we kick things off Monday with our projections for the Lions’ Offensive MVP.
You can make your predictions with the poll at the bottom of this story.
Who will be the Lions’ offensive MVP in 2026?
Brandon Knapp: Jahmyr Gibbs
He’s arguably the top running back in the NFL, and now he is behind a reinforced offensive line with more chances to get the ball with David Montgomery gone. I think he will see an expanded role in the passing game, which pushes him toward of front of being the main weapon the Lions offense will prioritize in 2026.
Anthony Balaj: Jared Goff
Not because he’s the quarterback, but because he’s grown into one of the NFL’s best at his position. It’s the reliability and maturity in his play that now separates Goff from many of his peers, which will ultimately raise the floor of this young offensive line while maximizing the ceiling of the all-pro skill group.
Ryan Mathews: Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams will be the Lions’ offensive MVP in 2026. Most will point to Jahmyr Gibbs needing to be the MVP on this side of the ball, but if Williams is able to be the explosive threat he’s been the last two seasons on a little more volume, he’s going to be the most valuable part of the Lions’ offense.
John Whiticar: Jahmyr Gibbs
Sure, quarterbacks are more valuable and Jared Goff is critical to the offense’s success, but the expectations for Gibbs are sky-high. With no David Montgomery, he is now the focal point of an offense that loves to run the ball. The Lions lost a lot of games last season because their run game could not dominate early on and their passing attack was left to play catch-up. If the Lions are to be successful in 2026, they need Gibbs to be a contender for Offensive Player of the Year—and he has the talent to do so.
Al Karsten: Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs is primed to not only be the Detroit Lions’ offensive MVP this season, but contend for NFL Offensive Player of the Year while setting career highs in touches and total yards.
Once the calendar flipped to November last season, Gibbs saw a significant dip in production outside of feasting on poor Commanders and Giants defenses. This season, however, he should benefit from both a rejuvenated offensive line and high-level play calling with the addition of Drew Petzing.
That combination should put Gibbs in position to restore his consistent down-to-down production and explosiveness as he looks to return to a 50%+ success rate and 15%+ explosive play rate. With the Lions prepared to put even more on his plate in both the running and passing games, a 2,500+ total-yard, 20+ touchdown season is very much on the table.
Erik Schlitt: Jahmyr Gibbs
The Lions have made a major commitment to Gibbs this offseason and appear all-in on him as a key cog in this offense. With no David Montgomery to split carries with, it’s all-athlete, all the time. That’s the makings of an MVP-like season.
Jeremy Reisman: Jahmyr Gibbs
Outside of the quarterback, Gibbs is going to get the most touches of any Lions player—and that’s not just a function of him being the running back. He is the Lions’ offense. He’ll be their go-to guy for explosive plays. He’ll be their go-to guy in the red zone. He’ll be their early-down option to get into manageable downs and distances. And with no Isiah Pacheco early in the season, he’s likely to get an even bigger workload to start the year.
Vote on your prediction for Lions’ Offensive MVP below!
Who will be the Detroit Lions' 2026 Offensive MVP?
You can read our staff's picks for 20226 Detroit Lions' offensive MVP right here:
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