Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or RJ Harvey

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.

Tuesday, July 29, 9:11 PM

Denver Broncos running backs RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins have been "routinely shuffling in with the first-team offense" in camp, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Denver drafted Harvey in the second round of the 2025 draft out of UCF, while Dobbins was a late free-agent addition after spending 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers. Kosmider notes that Harvey has had impressive moments and showcased his explosiveness in camp, but has also had some struggles in pass protection. Last year at UCF, Harvey rushed for 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns, with 23.3% of his carries going for 10 or more yards. Dobbins has battled injuries throughout his career, but he managed 905 yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries in 13 games as a Charger in 2024. The two backs are sure to share touches to some degree this season, but the exact nature of their workload split is one to monitor throughout the preseason.