Analysis

Hubbard continued his fantasy ascension in 2024 with another strong performance while handling 18 of Carolina's 21 rushing attempts from RBs. While the fourth-year back failed to extend his scoring streak to three games, he managed to produce his third game of 100-plus combined yards from scrimmage over the Panthers' last four contests. Hubbard remains unchallenged as Carolina's lead back, making him a must-start asset heading into next Sunday's tilt against Washington.

Analysis

The Panthers had their first truly pedestrian performance with Andy Dalton under center, but Hubbard continued to prove himself the most consistent member of the team's offense with another highly efficient rushing performance. Hubbard fell just short of his third straight 100-yard performance, but he recorded a rushing TD for the second consecutive game on an exciting 38-yard run in the first quarter to open the scoring on the afternoon. Hubbard didn't have a productive day as a receiver from a yardage standpoint, but he now has at least four receptions in four consecutive games heading into a Week 6 home divisional battle versus the Falcons.

Analysis

The fourth-year running back's fantasy relevance has skyrocketed since Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young in Week 3. Hubbard has now accumulated 290 yards from scrimmage, including back-to-back 100-plus yard rushing performances, and scored two touchdowns over Carolina's last two contests. He managed to dominate Sunday despite the game script favoring the air attack, with the Panthers trailing by as many as 17 points in the second half. Hubbard is expected to continue producing with Dalton at the helm, but he could see some of his workload reduced when Jonathon Brooks (knee) returns from injury in the next couple weeks.

Analysis

Like most of the Carolina skill-position players, Hubbard benefited significantly from Andy Dalton taking over as the starting quarterback. He dominated touches during competitive portions of the game -- though Miles Sanders found the end zone in garbage time -- and tallied Carolina's first touchdown of the day on a five-yard catch. In addition to opportunity, Hubbard was also efficient. Only six of his 21 carries went for fewer than four yards, and he also had a long reception of 20 yards. With Jonathon Brooks (knee) out at least one more game, Hubbard should see plenty of volume once again in Week 4 against Cincinnati.

Analysis

Hubbard's team-leading rushing yardage total was the only statistical performance of note for the hapless Panthers. The fourth-year back had been held to 14 yards on six carries Week 1, so Sunday's numbers represented a breakout performance of sorts. Hubbard figures to keep finding rushing yards hard to come by most weeks if Bryce Young continues to struggle, but he'll try to carry over the momentum of Sunday's impressive showing into a Week 3 road matchup against the Raiders.

Analysis

Despite finishing second on the Panthers in rushing yards Sunday, Hubbard out-carried (6-5) and out-snapped (32-22) Miles Sanders, who logged 22 rushing yards. Hubbard appears to be the lead back in Carolina, but he could still struggle to see touches if the Panthers are forced to play from behind, as they were Sunday. He'll look to improve on a poor 2024 debut this coming Sunday as the Panthers host the Chargers, who allowed just 71 total rushing yards Week 1.

Analysis

Brooks remains on the PUP list for the start of the season, having yet to practice with the Panthers since they took him 46th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. That leaves Hubbard as an incumbent starter with weak competition for backfield touches, albeit under a new coaching staff led by former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales. The new coaches seemingly want Miles Sanders to have a role off the bench, but it's unclear if he'll get enough work to put a serious dent in Hubbard's fantasy value while Brooks is sidelined. Hubbard figures to make his 25th career NFL start in Week 1 at New Orleans.

Analysis

Hubbard played the opening drive with Carolina's other starters, while Miles Sanders mixed in later with the backups, suggesting that Hubbard occupies the top spot on the depth chart heading into the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Saints. Rookie second-round pick Jonathon Brooks (knee) could challenge for the starting job eventually, but Brooks isn't expected to be available until Week 3 at the earliest.

Analysis

The running back returned to practice in short order after hurting his knee during Thursday's practice, as promised by coach Dave Canales. Testing afterward didn't reveal a significant injury, but Hubbard still sat out Saturday's 15-12 preseason loss to the Jets. He's expected to start Week 1 at the Saints, but Miles Sanders could see significant touches off the bench, and rookie second-round pick Jonathan Brooks (knee) figures to be a big factor in Carolina's backfield at some point this season.