Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, November 20, 3:04 PM

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he wants to see rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) play confident and fast when he makes his NFL debut, and he will be working behind Chuba Hubbard when he plays in his first NFL contest this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, Miles Sanders (ankle, foot) isn't expected to play in Week 12, so Brooks should serve as the backup to Hubbard. The 21-year-old Brooks hasn't played all year while recovering from an ACL tear he suffered last year in college, but he's practicing in full on Wednesday and should be active this Sunday. Hubbard has earned lead-back duties for Carolina with another strong season in 2024, which means Brooks will probably be in line for backup duties the rest of the way in his rookie season, making him mostly a bench stash and handcuff in fantasy.

Friday, November 22, 4:52 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is coming off a strong performance against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. The rookie back rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts on the ground. Irving continues to play well and has been rewarded with more snaps in the backfield. However, Irving is still stuck in a committee with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, so his fantasy value is limited. Irving does get a plus matchup against the New York Giants this weekend. There are a handful of teams on bye weeks, which could put Irving in the RB2 conversation for this weekend.