RADIO
25 million dollars across four years is a pretty penny for a running back averaging just over three yards per carry on the season. The contract for Miles Sanders is looking more and more like a mistake as the 2023 season nears its midway point.
He's battled a pair of injuries (groin/shoulder) which accounts for some of his lack of production. But the play of backup Chuba Hubbard may be the strongest indicator that the contract was a waste of money.
Since Week 4, the third-year running back has received a majority of the snaps and touches. Now that Sanders is healthy following the bye week, there are question marks about the division of labor in the Panthers' backfield.
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Chuba Hubbard Fantasy Football Outlook
With Sanders on the sidelines for Week 6, Hubbard carried the ball 19 times for 88 yards and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. 90 total yards (one catch for two yards) and a score is a tremendous fantasy game for an unassuming RB2 or flex.
Through six games, Hubbard is averaging 1.37 more yards per carry than his counterpart. In Weeks 4 and 5, with Sanders active, the backup outplayed and outsnapped the starter. In both games, Hubbard was on the field for at least three more snaps.
| Miles Sanders | Chuba Hubbard | |
| Carries | 61 | 54 |
| Yards | 190 | 242 |
| Yards Per Carry | 3.11 | 4.48 |
| Catches | 15 | 13 |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
Right now, Hubbard is receiving enough work to be in the weekly flex conversation. If Sanders were to suffer from another injury or continue to struggle with efficiency, Hubbard could sneak his way into the RB2 conversation.
Should I Start Chuba Hubbard in Week 8?
The expectation is that the Panthers will continue to split their backfield 50-50 or 60-40 in favor of Sanders. It makes Hubbard a shakier start, even though the matchup against the Houston run defense is nothing to worry about.
All 32 teams are in action this week so there's room for fantasy managers to avoid the Carolina backfield if they so please. It may be the best course of action so we can witness how the touches are split. If it's a true 50-50 split, neither Sanders nor Hubbard will hold anything more than low-end flex appeal on a below-average offense.
If your running back room is riddled with injuries, Hubbard can be played in a pinch. He's ranked as a mid-range RB3 against the Texans. Both offenses in that matchup will likely look to establish the run early.
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