Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Brian Thomas Jr.

Wednesday, October 15, 3:46 PM

Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) was officially a limited participant in his return to practice on Wednesday, according to David Newton of ESPN. This is the first time that Hubbard has practiced since injuring his calf in Week 4. The 26-year-old missed Weeks 5 and 6 and left backfield duties to Rico Dowdle, who took full advantage of the elevated role to go for 473 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 60 touchdowns over that span. Dowdle's domination has allowed the Panthers to slow-play Hubbard's return, but it looks like he could make it back this Sunday against the New York Jets. Carolina has said that it will be more of an even split in the backfield between Hubbard and Dowdle when Hubbard returns, which will lower the fantasy ceilings of both RBs. Dowdle could see more work in Week 7 if Hubbard is eased back into the offense this weekend.

Sunday, October 12, 10:13 PM

After a slow start to the 2025 season, his second year in the NFL, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has heated up the last two weeks. In the 20-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Thomas had eight catches on 10 targets for a season-high 90 yards and his first touchdown of the year. He led the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards. Thomas' eight catches were the most he's had in a game this season, and he's now caught 12 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets in the last two weeks. Fantasy managers are hoping that the 23-year-old second-year pass-catcher is just starting to find his groove with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Thomas had over 1,200 yards receiving and 10 total touchdowns in 2024, so we know what he's capable of. He'll be a must-start in a Week 7 matchup in London against the Los Angeles Rams.