Chuba Hubbard is quietly building a case as one of fantasy football’s most overlooked picks heading into 2025. Despite coming off a near-RB1 season, the market is not viewing Hubbard as the reliable strong RB his numbers suggest. Carolina Panthers running back just posted career-best efficiency numbers and is positioned for an expanded role that could deliver significant value at his current draft position.
The Efficiency Breakthrough Nobody’s Talking About
Hubbard’s 2024 campaign marked a dramatic shift in production quality that should have fantasy managers taking notice. He averaged 0.71 fantasy points per rush and 0.85 points per touch, both career highs that signal genuine improvement rather than statistical noise. These numbers become even more impressive when considering the challenging circumstances he faced.
The most striking development was Hubbard’s performance against stacked boxes. Despite seeing his rush rate against loaded fronts spike from 26.5% in 2023 to 35.6% in 2024, he maintained his efficiency gains. This suggests improved vision, patience, and power that could translate to sustained success even if defenses continue focusing on stopping Carolina’s ground game.
According to PFSN’s Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Hubbard’s trade rate jumped 13.3 percentage points from June to July, representing the second-largest increase during that period across all running backs. This surge in fantasy manager interest reflects growing recognition of his potential, but his average draft position hasn’t caught up to his actual value proposition.
Chuba Hubbard (6)
Carolina Panthers
16 yards
pic.twitter.com/Sp3QEPT8OR— NFL Touchdown Videos (@NFLTDsVideos) November 3, 2024
Why the Competition Concerns Are Overblown
The addition of Rico Dowdle from Dallas initially raised questions about Hubbard’s workload security, but a deeper look at Dowdle’s profile suggests those concerns may be misplaced.
Despite getting opportunities in Dallas, Dowdle failed to record a single run of 30 yards or more last season. More telling was his late-season fade, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry over the final three games when teams typically lean on their most reliable backs.
Dowdle’s undrafted status and limited explosive play history point to a player who may serve as depth rather than a genuine threat to Hubbard’s primary role. The Panthers invested in Hubbard’s development, and his statistical improvements suggest that investment is paying dividends.
The Bryce Young Factor
Perhaps the most compelling argument for Hubbard’s breakout potential lies in quarterback Bryce Young’s continued development. A more effective passing game typically creates better opportunities for running backs, both on the ground and through the air. The “rising tide lifts all boats” theory applies perfectly to backfield situations where improved quarterback play opens up the entire offense.
Hubbard’s receiving skills represent a particularly valuable fantasy asset that many managers overlook. Over the past two seasons, he’s caught 82 passes on 98 targets for an 83.7% catch rate. Only Rachaad White and De’Von Achane have posted higher catch rates on similar target volumes, placing Hubbard in elite company for reliability in the passing game.
This receiving prowess provides a crucial floor for his fantasy production, especially in PPR formats. Even if the Panthers fall behind in games, Hubbard’s hands and route-running ability ensure he remains involved in the offensive game plan.
The Undervalued Case
Hubbard represents exactly what fantasy managers should target in middle to late rounds: a player with proven efficiency gains, minimal competition concerns, and multiple paths to increased opportunity. His trade rate surge indicates that savvy managers are already recognizing his potential, but his draft position hasn’t adjusted accordingly.
The combination of improved rushing efficiency, elite pass-catching ability, and a potentially ascending offense creates a compelling case for significant outperformance relative to draft cost. While others chase bigger names earlier in drafts, Hubbard offers the kind of value that can make or break fantasy seasons.
