Hubbard Leads Carolina Backfield
Chuba Hubbard is back at the center of the Carolina Panthers offense. After a difficult 2025 season where injuries cost him his starting spot, the 27 year old team captain is delivering strong performances again. He signed a four year, $33.2 million contract extension in 2024 after rushing for 1,195 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns.
Carolina currently sits at 3-5 after a three game losing streak. Despite the team struggles, Hubbard has recorded 619 rushing yards and seven touchdowns through eight games in 2026, taking 70.8 percent of the carries.
Head coach Dave Canales praised Hubbard for his work ethic and daily preparation. Canales noted that Hubbard represents everything the organization wants to be, adding that coaches sometimes have to hold him back because he works so hard.
Strong Second Half Production
Hubbard entered Week 10 with the tenth most rushing yards in the league, despite playing one fewer game than several players ahead of him. He has recorded 110 rushing yards over expected this season, which ranks sixth in the NFL, alongside 16 runs of ten yards or more.
His production rises as games progress. Hubbard averages 26.5 rushing yards in the first half of games, but that number jumps to 50.9 yards in the second half.
Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik credited Hubbard's relentless preparation for his late game energy. Idzik explained that while other players wear down, Hubbard seems to get stronger because he prepares so thoroughly. Run game coordinator Harold Goodwin also highlighted Hubbard's ability to create positive yards even when plays are not covered perfectly.
Matchup Advantage Against New Orleans
The Panthers travel to face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome, a venue where Carolina has not won since the 2022 season. The game presents a strong opportunity for Hubbard, as New Orleans ranks 29th against the run, allowing 133.9 rushing yards per game and 4.52 yards per carry.
With quarterback Bryce Young stretching defenses through the air against a Saints pass defense that ranks 28th, Hubbard could see lighter defensive boxes.
Hubbard credits his growth to daily consistency. He spends 30 minutes after practice every day on the Jugs machine to improve his catching skills. Teammates like tight end Tommy Tremble have joined him in that routine. Since his rookie year in 2021, Hubbard has caught 141 passes for 965 yards and six touchdowns, dropping only one pass this season.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- NFL and every other league
- NFL official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
