Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Javonte Williams

Sunday, February 1, 11:59 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard's RB15 finish in 2024 made him a popular early-to-mid-round pick in 2025, but after missing time and ceding primary early down work to a more efficient Rico Dowdle upon his return, he finished as the RB40. Dowdle, who was on a one-year deal, has been vocal about wanting to be featured as a lead back, but whether he returns to Carolina or not, it's unlikely that Hubbard will again see the type of volume that made him a fantasy league-winner in 2024. Hubbard's usage in the passing game has ranked among the least efficient in the league over his five-year career, and his near-300 touches in 2024 came largely as a result of the unexpected absence of second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who could be back to fight for a starting role in 2026. Regardless of who Hubbard finds himself sharing a backfield with next season, the 27-year-old has likely seen the last of his bell-cow duties.

Monday, February 2, 8:42 AM

Dallas Cowboys club officials have held preliminary contract-extension talks with pending free-agent running back Javonte Williams, but talks are on hold until Williams finalizes hiring an agent, according to The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins. The Cowboys have already made it clear that re-signing Williams will be a top priority this offseason after he had a career year in his first season in Dallas in 2025. After four seasons with the Denver Broncos, Williams set career highs across the board with the Cowboys, carrying the ball 252 times for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 starts. He added 35 receptions on 51 targets for 137 yards and two more scores. Williams finished as the RB11 in half-PPR scoring as Dallas' unquestioned lead back all year long. He finished the year on Injured Reserve due to a shoulder injury, but Williams should be fully healthy by the start of the 2026 campaign. If he returns to Dallas, which is expected, the 25-year-old will be a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 target in fantasy.