May 15, 2025

Chuba Hubbard remains positioned to build upon the career-best results he delivered while flourishing as the Panthers' primary in 2024. Hubbard vaulted to eighth in rushing yards (1,195/79.7 per game) and 11th in attempts (250/16.7 per game) while generating 10 touchdowns and establishing career highs in each category. He also finished third in rush yards over expected (282) per Next Gen Stats, and seventh in explosive yards (337) according to Fantasy Points Data. Hubbard also finished among the top five in carries (234/18.0 per game), rushing yards (1,117/85.9 per game), and yards after contact (696) from Weeks 3-16, while rising to eighth in points per game (17.6) during that span. Jonathon Brooks will be sidelined throughout the 2025 season as he recovers from his second torn ACL. However, the Panthers' depth chart has been bolstered by the addition of former Cowboy Rico Dowdle and the selection of Trevor Etienne during Round 4 of April's NFL Draft (114th overall). Dowdle and Etienne should not threaten Hubbard's lead back role and will compete for touches as the Panthers' RB2. Hubbard should minimally supply fantasy managers with high-end RB2 production and could reach RB1 territory while functioning in an improving Carolina offense. That makes him a viable back to target at his Round 5 ADP in best ball drafts (49/RB19) and his Round 6 ADP in dynasty startups (71/RB21).--Phil Clark - RotoBaller