Trending Now: 07/12/2025 - O-Line Questions Loom over Lions in 2025

O-Line Questions Loom over Lions in 2025

Once a Strength, Now a Question Mark?

For the past few seasons, the Detroit Lions' offensive line has been a cornerstone of their identity—tough, physical, and reliable. It's been the engine behind one of the NFL's most potent rushing attacks, paving the way for standout seasons from both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. But heading into 2025, there are legitimate reasons to wonder whether this unit may be heading toward regression rather than continued dominance.

The first domino fell when center Frank Ragnow—a franchise pillar and team captain—announced his surprise retirement at age 29. Veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler followed, departing in free agency after a Pro Bowl-caliber season. On top of that, longtime left tackle Taylor Decker and interior anchor Graham Glasgow will be 32 and 33, respectively, when the season kicks off. Wear and tear is a concern at that stage, even for proven veterans.

While the Lions still boast All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell and have infused the line with promising youth—like Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, and Miles Frazier—transition usually comes with growing pains. There’s no guarantee the unit remains elite while these new pieces acclimate.

Fantasy Fallout: Gibbs and Montgomery in Focus

From a fantasy football perspective, changes along the offensive line ripple directly into the backfield. The 2024 campaign saw Montgomery finish ninth in the league with 12 rushing touchdowns, while Gibbs ranked second overall with 16 scores on the ground. Both backs thrived in large part because of the lanes and leverage created up front.

If the offensive line slips even slightly in performance, it could directly impact touchdown efficiency—especially for Montgomery, whose fantasy value is touchdown-dependent. Without those high-value touches near the goal line, Montgomery’s weekly ceiling drops considerably.

While he remains a productive and reliable back, this shift has nudged Montgomery slightly down in my rankings. In redraft leagues, he’s more of a high-end RB3 or flex with touchdown upside. In dynasty formats, the sell window is beginning to open. Managers may still be able to cash in on his 2024 production before regression potentially hits in 2025.

Why Jahmyr Gibbs Remains Untouched in Rankings

Jahmyr Gibbs, on the other hand, is a different story. His elite burst, receiving ability, and playmaking in space make him far less reliant on dominant trench play. Even in situations where the line breaks down, Gibbs can make something out of nothing.

Because of this, I haven’t adjusted his rankings. In dynasty, he holds firm as my RB2, and in redraft, he’s a locked-in RB3 behind only Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. Gibbs' usage as a pass-catcher and red-zone weapon insulates him from many of the concerns surrounding Detroit's evolving offensive line.

Bottom Line: Monitor the Trenches

The Lions' offensive line isn’t suddenly a liability—but it’s no longer a guaranteed strength either. While Penei Sewell anchors the group, the loss of Ragnow and Zeitler, coupled with the aging of Decker and Glasgow, raises red flags. Fantasy managers—particularly those in dynasty formats—should be paying attention.

For now, Montgomery is a hold or soft sell candidate, depending on roster construction. Gibbs remains a foundational piece. But if Detroit’s offensive line regresses significantly, it will have ripple effects across this offense—and fantasy rosters alike.