Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or DeVonta Smith

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.

Thursday, November 21, 3:05 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is sitting out of practice for a second straight day this week on Thursday. Smith has played through hamstring issues each of the last two weeks, but two straight missed practices puts him in danger of missing the Week 12 contest on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams. And if Smith is a game-time decision this weekend, it would put fantasy managers in a tough spot with his game being on Sunday night this week. The 26-year-old wideout has disappointed the last two weeks, too, catching six of nine targets for 43 yards and no touchdowns. You'll want to check back on Friday to see if he's able to return to practice to at least give himself a chance to play in Week 12. If Smith sits out against LA, it would mean more targets for A.J. Brown and Jahan Dotson and tight end Dallas Goedert.