Carolina Panthers starting running back Chuba Hubbard will look to become a top 10 PPR running back after finishing 12th last year as a mid-round sleeper. With Jonathon Brooks out for the season with that re-injury from 2024, Chuba will look to dominate again in Carolina. After signing a four-year extension, the 24-year-old is here to stay as the lead back.
But after rushing for over 1,000 yards and 10-plus touchdowns, he is a worthy starter, even with free agent Rico Dowdle coming over from the Dallas Cowboys to become the backup. Although they drafted Trevor Etienne in the fourth round, he is likely just depth and competition, along with Rasheem Blackshear, to round out the Panthers’ running back group.
Chuba Hubbard 2024 Stats and Production
Hubbard was a mid-round sleeper that many didn’t see coming. While many went for rookie Brooks, he never got fully healthy and then reaggravated his injury. That led to the extension after he had a massive breakout year as a former fourth-round pick back in 2021, who sat behind Christian McCaffrey before he was sent to the San Francisco 49ers via trade.
On 250 carries, Hubbard had 1,195 yards on the ground, 10 rushing touchdowns, 43 catches, and a receiving touchdown. He was a dual-threat weapon for Bryce Young and the young Carolina Panthers offense as the focal point. Although he had a few rough games when they stacked the box, otherwise, he was a consistent force in fantasy as the 12th overall back in PPR.
Chuba Hubbard 2025 Fantasy Outlook
Despite finishing as a top-12 back according to Fantasy Pros, he is currently being drafted outside the top 15 at the running back position. Hubbard is a value once some of the top-tier backs go as a volume sponge that could exceed last year’s totals, with the offense likely improving in 2025 due to their additions. He is a relatively safe option among the top-20 backs.
He currently has the 17th strength of schedule against running backs, but the much-improved offense should lead to even more scoring opportunities or higher efficiency, even if he does see fewer touches. While they do have a competent backup and former starter in Rico Dowdle, I don’t think they will split that many touches to really impact Hubbard’s fantasy value. I see that free agent pickup as more of insurance, along with drafting Trevor Etienne in the fourth round in this year’s draft.
