RADIO
Now that we're down to brass tacks in the fantasy season, how should managers evaluate a talented player in a hard-to-predict offense?
We'll take a look at three lineup options that fit that bill in Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard, Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
All three players have had big weeks this year, but extenuating circumstances on their teams has made production inconsistent. So, who should start?
Should I Start Chuba Hubbard for Fantasy Football?
Hubbard has been an excellent value on what will be a losing team, ranking No. 11 for running backs in half-PPR. The Panthers also have started to get their act together as quarterback Bryce Young has shown some promise since being reinserted into the starting lineup, and he'll get another start this week against Tampa Bay.
"I'm so excited for JB... sky's the limit for him."
- @Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard is stoked for teammate Jonathon Brooks to make his debut | @EvanWashburn pic.twitter.com/f6zD7rhJCQ
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 24, 2024
Hubbard's pre-season value plummeted largely due to Carolina drafting rookie Jonathon Brooks, but Brooks drew only two carries in his debut as he returns from an ACL injury. At least for now, this is Hubbard's backfield, and against a Tampa defense that ranks 24th in red zone scores allowed and 18th against fantasy running backs, Hubbard is an RB2 play in Week 13.
Should I Start Tank Dell for Fantasy Football?
Houston's Tank Dell is a big-play threat playing against a bad Jacksonville defense this week, but the story is still the same. Dell is the second option on an offense that has been volatile due to poor pass protection. Since fellow receiver Nico Collins returned from injury, Dell has just seven catches but has turned them into a robust 126 receiving yards.
Tank Dell bottom of screen pic.twitter.com/zzMnkJDmhM
— Mike Vannucci (@WRCoachVannucci) November 26, 2024
Jacksonville ranks 29th against fantasy receivers, 31st in allowing yards after the catch, and 29th in air yards allowed, so there is certainly big-play potential available for Houston’s passing game. But with a line that has allowed the fourth-most sacks and Collins back to hog targets, starting Dell is a risky WR3/Flex bet dependent on home-run plays.
Should I Start Brian Thomas Jr. for Fantasy Football?
The Jags, as you may be aware, are bad. But Thomas isn't. He has three top 10 finishes in PPR formats this year and has put together a nice rookie season despite general turmoil and an injury to his quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.
A majority of scouts, myself included, are gonna be kicking themself for relinquishing Brian Thomas Jr. to a tier below MHJ, Nabers, Odunze.
UNREAL talent, torches Terrion Arnold and is moving like this at 6’4. pic.twitter.com/a57K3HCqqG
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) November 23, 2024
Houston, this week's opponent, ranks 31st against fantasy wide receivers, 30th in average depth of target, and dead last in passing touchdowns allowed. Nearly 20% of all Jacksonville passes have gone Thomas' way this season, so even with quarterback questions, he's an overqualified flex play in Week 13.
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