The Carolina Panthers’ backfield presents one of the most intriguing fantasy football storylines heading into 2025, as last season’s breakout star Chuba Hubbard faces his biggest test yet. After dominating touches and finishing as RB14 overall in 2024, Hubbard now must navigate increased competition from veteran acquisition Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne.
This crowded backfield could significantly impact fantasy football draft strategies, as managers weigh Hubbard’s proven production against the potential for a more committee-based approach. Our comprehensive analysis shows how each player fits into Carolina’s evolving offensive scheme and what it means for your fantasy football roster construction.
Chuba Hubbard Fantasy Outlook
Hubbard enjoyed a phenomenal breakout year for the Panthers last season. The 2021 fourth-round pick was expected to lose his job to then-rookie Jonathon Brooks eventually, but finished the season with 1,366 all-purpose yards and a new contract.
Hubbard’s ability shouldn’t be questioned heading into 2025, but there is potential for the player’s workload to take a hit. Carolina brought in former Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle in free agency before taking Trevor Etienne in Round 4 of the draft.
Chuba Spins into the Endzone for the TD!
📺: FOX@Hubbard_RMN | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/TvwG0JofOF
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 22, 2024
Hubbard’s new contract should see him continue as the team’s starter, but Dowdle did enough in Dallas last season to warrant some opportunities. Both Dowdle and Etienne are capable pass catchers, and the team’s decision to bring in both players suggests there could be a more even snap share in 2025.
Meanwhile, Hubbard’s snap share topped 75% on nine occasions last season, hitting a massive 97.2% vs the Eagles in Week 14. Hubbard should be a usable RB2 in an improved Panthers offense, but added competition may see him drop a few spots from his RB14 overall finish last year.
2024 was also a contract year for Hubbard, who now has a $33.2 million extension to his name. While that shouldn’t see managers run to the hills, it is another reason to be cautious with the Panthers’ star.
Rico Dowdle Fantasy Outlook
Dowdle raised some eyebrows with his performances for Dallas down the stretch last season. Dowdle resurrected a Cowboys running game that showed no signs of life early in the year. Unfortunately for him, while he was getting it done in Dallas, Chuba Hubbard was dominating in Carolina.
Hubbard was expected to hold down the fort while then-rookie Jonathon Brooks recovered from a torn ACL, but ended up carrying the offense for much of the year. Dowdle’s move to the Panthers likely relegates him back to a support role, with Hubbard a proven workhorse. The team’s decision to draft Trevor Etienne is also significant, given the rookie’s receiving skill set.
Hubbard’s 3.2 average yards per target ranked dead last out of 31 running backs with at least 40 targets in 2024. While that may open the door for Dowdle, his 5.1 yards per target was seventh-fewest on that list. If Hubbard goes down, Dowdle could be a valuable asset, with Carolina likely to be better this season. However, if Hubbard stays healthy, Dowdle may be the second favorite in a battle with Etienne for passing-down work.
— Cameron Sheath, Fantasy Football Analyst
