Chuba Hubbard continues to get the bulk of the attention in the backfield over Miles Sanders for the Carolina Panthers, so on the surface, it wouldn’t appear to be a question of which running back you should consider starting on your fantasy football team. But with a short turnaround this week, we’ll let you know just how much value Hubbard and Sanders can bring to a fantasy lineup.
Should You Start Chuba Hubbard or Miles Sanders This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Hubbard is the player to start. His projected 10.4 points include 49 rushing yards, two receptions, and 23 receiving yards. That projected stat line outperforms the consensus projection of Sanders’ 6.5 points.
My ranking for these running backs aligns with the consensus choice. Hubbard is seeing more time on the field than Sanders to go in another direction.
Fantasy Outlook for Hubbard This Week
Hubbard got the start for the third straight game, and for the third straight game, he was on the field for at least 65% of the Panthers’ offensive snaps.
The former Oklahoma State RB improved his rushing performance last week from Week 8, rushing for 58 yards on 16 carries and catching four passes, albeit for only nine yards.
But there are a couple of factors playing against Hubbard this week. For one, with the Panthers on a short week to prepare for a Thursday game, it’s not unthinkable to expect Carolina HC Frank Reich to split up the time on the field between him and Sanders in order to keep each fresh.
The other obstacle is the opponent. For all their troubles this season, Chicago has had one of the league’s best rush defenses, ranking in the top five in opponent rush yards — 79.7 yards per game — and rush yards allowed per carry — a league-best 3.3.
The last time Hubbard went on the road, he had his best game of the season, rushing for 88 yards and scoring his lone touchdown on the year in a loss at Miami.
Fantasy Outlook for Sanders This Week
Sanders was only on the field for 18 plays, but at least he was busy during his time in the game, collecting nine touches — six carries for 39 yards (6.5 yards per carry) — and catching three passes for 22 yards. It was his most rushing yards since Week 2 against the Saints.
Since returning from the shoulder injury that forced him to miss Week 6, Sanders has been on the field for just 30 offensive snaps and eight total carries in two games. He should be expected to see more time on the field this week, especially since this is a short week.
MORE: Fantasy Football Updated RB Rest-of-Season Rankings Week 10
But since he too is facing the Bears and their rush defense, will the extra time mean an increase in production?
The PFN Start/Sit Optimizer projects Sanders to finish with 35 yards and one reception for three yards.
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