At this time last year most people assumed that Hubbard was
just keeping the seat warm for rookie Jonathan Brooks, but Hubbard
would have none of that as he had a career year, and signed a
big extension in the offseason. After soaking up 77% of the RB
snaps for Carolina last season (6th in the NFL), Hubbard should
still be counted on for a big workload, and that starts in Week
1, against a Jacksonville defense that allowed the 2nd most fantasy
points to running backs last season.
While this duo will probably drive you nuts on a weekly basis,
they just might be the most productive duo in the NFL when it’s
all said and done. In standard leagues, Mason gets a slight bump
as he will get the valuable touches as the preferred goal line
back. Jones is your PPR pick, and with a young QB at the helm
should soak up the dump-offs, screens, and wheel routes between
the 20s. Look for the Vikings to go run-heavy with a young quarterback
making his first start on the road in Chicago. Both backs should
be solid FLEX options in all formats.
Brown dominated touches after the midpoint of last season, and
if preseason work is any indication, he might not ever come off
the field. The Bengals continue to make the least financial investment
in their backfield, as rookie 6th rounder Tahj Brooks and journeyman
Samaje Perine are the only bodies behind Brown. Look for Cinci
to establish the run early to try and slow down Myles Garrett
and the pass rush. Brown has the talent, role, and opportunity
to be a league winner, and it starts in Week 1.
Grab Some Pine
Dallas RBs vs PHI
Javonte Williams
and Miles Sanders
are multiple seasons removed from being usable fantasy players,
and rookie Jaydon
Blue is already nursing his second ankle injury of the preseason.
Despite some free agent losses, the Eagles are still solid defensively,
and return most of the front-seven that gave up the fewest fantasy
points to runners last season. Owning the Dallas backfield is going
to be a tough task this season.
It hasn’t been a good preseason for the rookie from Iowa. He’s drawn
the ire of Aaron Rodgers, and has been losing snaps to Kenneth Gainwell.
His lack of passing game work and limited athletic profile currently
lock him to being a chain moving, middle-of-the-field thumper. He’ll
need to be trusted around the goal line to see potential value,
but that’s a tough ask against what should be a solid Jets defense.
You probably made the dynamic back from Miami an early-round
pick, so you can’t sit him, but calf injuries always worry
me, especially for a slight back who relies on speed and quickness.
I’m not trying to speak negativity into the world, but we
all know what tears shortly after dreaded “calf” strains.
If he plays, which it seems like he will, I don’t expect
a big workload, so his upside is limited in Week 1.
