Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Kaleb Johnson

Thursday, September 4, 10:09 AM

The Carolina Panthers don't plan to "run Chuba Hubbard dry" early in the season, per ESPN's David Newton. This shouldn't come as a surprise, as Hubbard set career highs in carries and receptions last year, averaging nearly 20 attempts per game before missing the final two contests with a calf injury. Carolina added depth to the backfield this offseason, signing 2024 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle and drafting Trevor Etienne in the fourth round, signaling more of a committee approach in 2025. Still, Hubbard enters the season as the clear lead back on what could be a breakout offense under Bryce Young. While his volume may dip slightly, his role as the top option keeps him firmly in the fantasy RB2 mix.

Tuesday, September 2, 12:51 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson is listed as the team's No. 3 RB behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell on the team's unofficial Week 1 depth chart. Johnson struggled in the preseason opener but then finished on a high note in the final two games. However, the 22-year-old could have a minimal role to open his first NFL season behind both Warren and Gainwell. The news of Warren's new extension this week was the first sign that fantasy managers might need to pump the brakes on Johnson's value entering Week 1. It doesn't mean that Johnson won't have a key role when all is said and done in 2025, and he still deserves to be rostered in pretty much all fantasy leagues, but we wouldn't suggest starting him in fantasy lineups against the New York Jets this weekend.