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The Carolina Panthers have had one of the more underwhelming running back units in the NFL since trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. After rolling with Chuba Hubbard and D'Onta Foreman to end the 2022 season, the Panthers signed Miles Sanders to a significant contract last offseason.
Unfortunately, Sanders was a massive bust in his first year in Carolina. The veteran was coming off a career season with the Philadelphia Eagles but struggled behind a poor Panthers offensive line. His struggles led to Hubbard taking over as the starter in the second half last year.
More importantly, Carolina used its second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Jonathon Brooks. While the rookie is the guy of the future in the backfield, which Panthers running back should fantasy players draft this season?
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Jonathon Brooks 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Brooks had an outstanding 2023 season at Texas, totaling 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 healthy contests. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL against Oklahoma State, ending his season. Head coach Dave Canales recently stated that he believes Brooks will be ready to play by Week 3 or Week 4. While that wasn’t the news fantasy players wanted to hear, the rookie should play most of the year.
From inside Training Camp Live: Take note fantasy players — #Panthers RB Jonathan Brooks likely won’t play until week 3 or 4. pic.twitter.com/HJ3K9EvgMR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 3, 2024
Chuba Hubbard 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Hubbard was a solid running back last season. He had 238 rushing attempts for 902 yards and five touchdowns, all career highs. While the Panthers consider Brooks their guy of the future, the coaching staff has high hopes for Hubbard. The veteran running back has worked hard this offseason to improve as a pass-catcher. He should have a role on offense even once Brooks is healthy.
Nearly an hour after practice wrapped up, Chuba Hubbard and Tommy Tremble still on the JUGS machine. pic.twitter.com/GdyITEipas
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 11, 2024
Miles Sanders 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Sanders was a massive bust in his first year with the Panthers, totaling only 129 rushing attempts for 432 yards and a touchdown in 16 games. There are rumors that the veteran could end up with the Dallas Cowboys over the next few weeks. The veteran could have some appealing fantasy value if he lands in Dallas. However, Sanders has limited upside if he remains in Carolina.
Update on DAL RB from @JFowlerESPN's visit to camp. Found the Miles Sanders mention notable. pic.twitter.com/TmkwAUamWn
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) August 9, 2024
Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?
Fantasy players should prioritize Brooks over the other two Panther running backs. The rookie has the most upside and talent. More importantly, Canales could quickly turn Brooks into his new Rachaad White once the rookie is healthy.
However, Hubbard is a solid draft pick in PPR leagues, especially for fantasy players who use a Zero RB draft strategy and need an early-season starter. Sanders likely has no fantasy value outside of getting drafted with a last-round pick in hopes that he gets traded to the Cowboys later this month.
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