Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Tyler Shough

Friday, December 12, 1:21 PM

After starting the season as his team's RB1, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard lost his job in the middle of the 2025 season to the emergent Rico Dowdle. Across a four-game stretch from Week 9 through Week 12, Hubbard failed to earn more than seven touches in any game. However, in Carolina's final game before its Week 14 bye, Hubbard went off for 124 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 19 touches against the Los Angeles Rams. While Dowdle still earned more touches against Los Angeles (20), Hubbard out-gained him by nearly 50 yards. Coming out of its bye, Carolina may continue to lessen the workload discrepancy between its two main backs. Even in a reduced role, Hubbard has still been productive this season, recording 627 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns across 11 games. Hubbard has flex appeal in Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints and could continue trending upwards over the final stretch of the season.

Wednesday, December 10, 11:01 PM

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has finished as a QB1 in three of his last four starts, peaking at QB6 in a Week 14 upset of the Buccaneers. While he threw for only 144 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception, his day was buoyed by 55 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. He has now registered at least six carries in three straight games, topping 20 yards on the ground in two of three and showcasing a skillset that wasn't a huge part of his profile coming out of Louisville. Since taking over as the Saints starter in Week 9, he has demonstrated plus athleticism and a command of the offense, entering the conversation as a viable streamer. Unfortunately, his first two fantasy playoff matchups are against the Panthers and Jets, both of whom have been challenging for fantasy quarterbacks. He does draw a favorable matchup against the Titans in Week 17, but most managers who reach the fantasy championship will have likely done so without needing to stream the position.