Chuba Hubbard

Chuba Hubbard stole the lead back job in Carolina from Miles Sanders last year. Maybe injuries helped pave the way, but Hubbard proved the entire season that he was the better player on a per-touch basis. Hubbard rolled up volume as Carolina's guy. In Weeks 6-18, as the RB24 in fantasy points per game, he averaged 19.2 touches and 77.7 total yards. We'll see if Hubbard can keep the job this year with a new coaching staff that has no allegiances to him. His efficiency stats don't paint a pretty picture, as he was 30th in explosive run rate, 32nd in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 31st in yards after contact per attempt last season (per Fantasy Points Data). Hubbard could be the Panthers' starting running back this season, but this situation could easily evolve into a messy committee.

Carolina Panthers RB was named the "lead back going forward" by Dan Morgan, the team's general manager and president of football operations.

Fantasy Impact

Hubbard, who took over the RB1 role from Miles Sanders midseason, started all 12 games for the Panthers after Week 6. He averaged 62.3 yards per game as a starter, including five total touchdowns and five games with 80+ rushing yards. The Panthers are set to head into 2024 with Hubbard, who is entering his fourth season, and Sanders, who will be in Year 2 of his big contract and will become cuttable after 2024.