What’s good, fantasy football fanatics? I’m here to drop some serious knowledge: you’re sleeping on Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard, and it’s time to wake up! 

This guy is fantasy royalty waiting to happen, and I’m bullish as hell on him for 2025. Let me break it down for you, because volume is king, and Hubbard’s about to wear the crown.

 

Dave Canales: The Volume Whisperer

Let's discuss the man who is guiding Carolina—head coach Dave Canales, in his second year with the Panthers. Don't know Canales' record? Let me transport you back to 2023 when Canales was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator. He turned a guy like Rashad White—come on, a mediocre-at-best running back—and turned him into a top-five fantasy sensation. How did he accomplish it? Volume, baby! White controlled that backfield he owned, equaling all Bucs RBs in snaps, carries, and targets. It was his, and Canales made sure.

Flash forward to 2024, Canales gets to Carolina and does the same thing to Chuba Hubbard. This guy was relegated to a split backfield prior to that, averaging 900 yards, five touchdowns. With Canales? Boom—1,200 yards, 10 touchdowns, and he did that all in two less games! The production was good, the space yards were available, and Hubbard showed he's got everything you can get out of a lead back. Canales made him a beast, and there's no way he's putting Hubbard in a timeshare in 2025.

 

No Competition, No Problem

I see what you're thinking—timeshares are the fantasy manager's worst nightmare. But let me dispel that immediately. 

Rico Dowdle? Best scenario, he's a change-of-pace back. 

Trevor Etienne? He's only a depth plug into the roster. 

It's Chuba's show, hold nothing back. Canales is a workhorse running back guy, and Hubbard's the one he's challenging. Don't lose any sleep over some committee business.

 

Stealing Hubbard in the Draft

This is where things get intriguing: Hubbard coming off the board in the late fourth or early fifth round at current. No joke? Bargain land plain and simple for a back with this type of upside. 

With the unicorn-like workhorse backs as scarce as they are in this league, Hubbard's floor volume makes him an affordable RB1 at a fraction of the price. You're getting a man who can lead your team to a championship, and you don't have to spend an early draft pick to do it.

 

Why You Should Draft Hubbard

Let me give it to you straight:

  • He's Proven It: Hubbard's 2024 line—1,200 yards, 10 TDs—demonstrates he can be the lead man and get it done.
  • Canales' System: This volume offense, run-heavy offense was designed for Hubbard to thrive.
  • No Threats: His backfield touches are his, and no one's taking his touches away.
  • Insane Value: A fourth- or fifth-round ADP for a likely league-champion? Yes, please!

Don't let Chuba Hubbard slip through your draft sheets, folks. I'm telling you, this dude's the steal of 2025 and you want him on your team. You'll have him in the middle rounds, pursue him, relax, and he'll bring you that fantasy football championship. 

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