Is Chuba Hubbard A Good Fantasy Football Pickup for Week 3? Waiver Wire Outlook

As the Carolina Panthers continue to figure out their identity on offense, a few underrated contributors have emerged.

One offensive playmaker on the rise is running back Chuba Hubbard. The 24-year-old split time with D'Onta Foreman after last year's Christian McCaffrey trade but returned to the backup role in 2023 following the signing of Miles Sanders. Nevertheless, Hubbard has earned touches through the first two weeks of the season.

Is this a sign of things to come for Chuba Hubbard? Should you pick him up in fantasy leagues after his Week 2 showing?

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

What Did Chuba Hubbard Do In Week 2?

Hubbard was on the field for 37 percent of offensive snaps in Week 2. (For comparison, he played 36 percent of snaps in the season opener.) He was quiet on the ground, rushing twice for 16 yards, but added five receptions for an additional 34 yards through the air. It was somewhat of a reversal from Week 1 when he logged nine carries and just two targets.

Making this situation more intriguing is the fact that Sanders was bottled up by the Saints. He caught just three passes, mustered a measly 3.07 yards per carry, and finished with fewer fantasy points (PPR) than Hubbard.

Were There Any Worrying Signs With Chuba Hubbard In Week 2?

While Hubbard was the superior pass-catcher in Week 2, we can't ignore the Panthers' focus on getting Sanders more involved as a receiver. Through two games, Sanders' 19.4 percent target share ranks fourth among NFL running backs.

Should I Pick Up Chuba Hubbard Off the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Football?

Hubbard is absolutely worth adding off the waiver wire. Not only is he a solid handcuff in the event that Miles Sanders misses time, but he also has some standalone value in deeper formats. It's intriguing to see him get the bulk of work on passing downs, especially if you're considering adding Hubbard in a PPR league. He will absolutely continue to remain involved going forward and ranks as a solid RB4 option heading into Week 3 versus the Seattle Seahawks.

More Fantasy Football Analysis