Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Ashton Jeanty

Wednesday, October 8, 2:25 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) did not practice on Wednesday, putting his Week 6 status in jeopardy and opening the door for Rico Dowdle to remain the featured back. Dowdle took full advantage of his opportunity last week, erupting for 234 total yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins in a breakout performance. If Hubbard remains sidelined, Dowdle should once again see a heavy workload in a revenge-game scenario versus his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. The matchup is favorable, as Dallas currently ranks 23rd in the league against the run. Fantasy managers should treat Dowdle as a strong RB2 option if he draws another start, while Hubbard's ongoing absence makes him a risky play for Week 6.

Monday, October 6, 3:17 PM

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll had some good words to say about rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty after his first five games in the league. "I think Ashton is handling everything beautifully," Carroll said. The 21-year-old Boise State product was a disappointment for fantasy managers who took him early in drafts through the first three weeks, but then he showcased his game-changing playmaking skills in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears when he ran for 138 yards and a touchdown on a season-high 21 carries. He has two rushing TDs and has also added two receiving scores, but he only has 12 receptions through five weeks. In the Week 5 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Jeanty had single-game career highs in targets, catches, and receiving yards. It hasn't been perfect early on in the Raiders' struggling offense, but Jeanty's explosiveness is evident, making him a must-start RB1 every week. He could easily bust out again in Week 6 versus the one-win Titans.