Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Ricky Pearsall

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.

Saturday, September 6, 7:05 AM

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is poised for a strong start to his sophomore season in a Week 1 matchup against the Seahawks. With Deebo Samuel now gone, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) on the PUP list, and Jauan Jennings (calf) having spent most of the preseason nursing an injury and engaged in a contract dispute, Pearsall is now a key player on the 49ers' offense. Over the last two weeks of the 2024 season, Pearsall showed us what he is capable of when he is featured, catching 14 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Pearsall is projected as a borderline WR3/4, but Christian McCaffrey's (calf) status might force San Francisco to rely more on their pass game, which could further benefit Pearsall's production.