Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Breece Hall

Tuesday, July 1, 9:19 PM

The Charlotte Observer's Alex Zietlow writes that Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard "will still get the overwhelming majority of the touches" this year. Hubbard was the team's bell-cow back in 2024 with 712 snaps. He carried the ball 250 times, which ranked 11th in the NFL and second among all RBs who played 15 games or fewer. Zietlow thinks that number will drop a bit this year as the Panthers look to keep Hubbard fresh, with Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne splitting change-of-pace carries. The 26-year-old had his first 1,000-yard rushing season with a career-high 10 touchdowns in 15 starts, adding a carer-high 43 catches for 171 yards and a score through the air. There's a good chance 2024 ends up being Hubbard's career year, as Dowdle should be much more effective than Miles Sanders was behind Hubbard last year. Fantasy managers should target Hubbard as an RB2.

Saturday, July 26, 3:12 PM

After a lackluster campaign in 2024, New York Jets running back Breece Hall has his eyes set on proving his worth ahead of the 2025 season. The Iowa State product told reporters on Saturday that he has a chip on his shoulder and feels that it's his "last chance" to demonstrate his abilities. "We got a new head coach (Aaron Glenn), new GM (Darren Mougey)," said Hall. "Obviously, I wasn't drafted by them, I'm not their guy. So for me, like I said, I've got to prove it every day." The talk of a running back-by-committee has been loud this offseason, but the 24-year-old isn't letting that deter him from vying for a workhorse role. Hall has the talent to do so, and could be in store for a bounce-back season with quarterback Justin Fields (toe) at the helm. The added threat of Fields in the running game would benefit the fourth-year pro. However, his new signal-caller will need to get past his recent toe injury. Hall is a strong pick as a high-upside RB2.