Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Omarion Hampton

Tuesday, July 1, 9:19 PM

The Charlotte Observer's Alex Zietlow writes that Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard "will still get the overwhelming majority of the touches" this year. Hubbard was the team's bell-cow back in 2024 with 712 snaps. He carried the ball 250 times, which ranked 11th in the NFL and second among all RBs who played 15 games or fewer. Zietlow thinks that number will drop a bit this year as the Panthers look to keep Hubbard fresh, with Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne splitting change-of-pace carries. The 26-year-old had his first 1,000-yard rushing season with a career-high 10 touchdowns in 15 starts, adding a carer-high 43 catches for 171 yards and a score through the air. There's a good chance 2024 ends up being Hubbard's career year, as Dowdle should be much more effective than Miles Sanders was behind Hubbard last year. Fantasy managers should target Hubbard as an RB2.

Wednesday, June 11, 5:36 PM

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman has been impressed with rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton. "He's the total package. You don't see a lot of guys find a hole like he's doing right now," Roman said. The Bolts also signed Najee Harris in free agency this offseason, but Hampton figures to have a big role in his first year in the NFL and is already ranked higher than Harris at RotoBaller. The 22-year-old had over 1,500 rushing yards in his final two seasons at North Carolina and is extremely athletic. We already know the Chargers are going to run plenty under Roman and head coach Jim Harbaugh, and Hampton should reap the benefits. As far as his fantasy value goes, Harris is going to steal valuable touches as an all-around back, but Hampton will have clear RB2 upside and could easily be L.A.'s preferred RB by season's end.