As we close in toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move, with key events like free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of RB Chuba Hubbard.
Chuba Hubbard’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
After taking over the starting role in 2021 following an injury to Christian McCaffrey, Hubbard was viewed as the primary backup for the 2022 season. He wasn’t expected to see a prominent role.
When healthy, McCaffrey dominated the touches with over an 80% opportunity share, which only makes sense when you have arguably the best offensive player in your backfield.
That’s why when the news came out that McCaffrey was heading to San Francisco as part of a trade, Hubbard appeared ready to take on the lead role. While former head coach Steve Wilks seemed to indicate he would be implementing a “running back by committee” approach for Week 7, Hubbard was listed as the starting RB for the game, implying he had the leg up on fellow RB D’Onta Foreman.
The logic made complete sense, as Hubbard totaled 612 yards and five touchdowns on 172 carries as a rookie, and during his two-year career, had more TDs (6) than D’Onta Foreman had made in his six years in the league. But that was not necessarily the case, with Foreman being the more dominant rusher and, in turn, taking opportunities away from Hubbard.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at RB
From Week 7 on, Hubbard saw only 34% of the RB rushing attempts, 55% of the RB targets, and just a 45% snap rate. Over this span, the second-year RB from Oklahoma State rushed 89 times for 432 yards with two touchdowns and caught 13 of his 16 targets for 170 yards, finishing as the RB54 overall (41 from Weeks 7-18) and averaged 9.8 PPR/game.
Hubbard only managed three games inside the top 24, with his best coming in Week 16 against the Lions. Detroit couldn’t stop the run all year and allowed both Hubbard and Foreman to combine for 290 yards on the ground, 125 of which belonged to Hubbard on 12 attempts.
Now under a new regime, Hubbard has the inside track to the starting job with Foreman set to hit free agency. Suppose Carolina can improve their offense, especially the passing game’s consistency. In that case, it should help to open up more room for Hubbard, who has legitimate breakaway speed but needs the lane to be presented rather than created on his own.
Chuba Hubbard’s Fantasy Ranking
Those same traits exist as we head into 2023. I do expect Carolina to bring in one or two running backs to bolster the depth chart and maintain somewhat of a committee approach. Foreman could very well be back, and watch out for Jamaal Williams to follow assistant head coach and RB coach Duce Staley to Carolina.
The talent in free agency they pursue or select in the draft will determine Hubbard’s outlook. He’s never going to be the No. 1 in a committee, but as a No. 2 change-of-pace back, he has value.
Currently, Hubbard is ranked as the RB48 in PPR formats and comes in as the No. 158 player overall in Superflex leagues, where QBs see a boost in value due to positional scarcity.
Hubbard’s ceiling is likely that of a low-end RB3 with some weeks as a Flex option if there is an injury that would lead to more opportunities. However, there is room for him to raise in value depending on what the Panthers do with their depth chart.
But so far, I haven’t seen the maturation of his skills that would make me believe the Panthers would want him as a lead RB. Ideally, I would look to move Hubbard, but the uncertainty of the situation makes him one of the more difficult sells in dynasty.