Fantasy Football Player Notes

Brooks lands in CAR with second-round NFL Draft capital in a wide-open backfield, with his toughest competition being Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. Yes, he's recovering from an ACL tear, but as soon as he's ready to shoulder most of the load for this backfield, it should be his job. Brooks displayed a three-down skillset last year at Texas, ranking 21st in yards after contact per attempt and yards per route run while also finishing ninth in PFF elusive rating. Brooks could begin the season as an RB3/flex after he is activated from the PUP, but he could finish it as a stretch-run hero.

Chuba Hubbard stole the lead back job in Carolina from Miles Sanders last year. Maybe injuries helped pave the way, but Hubbard proved the entire season that he was the better player on a per-touch basis. Hubbard rolled up the volume as Carolina's guy. In Weeks 6-18, as the RB24 in fantasy points per game, he averaged 19.2 touches and 77.7 total yards. His efficiency stats don't paint a pretty picture, as he was 30th in explosive run rate, 32nd in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 31st in yards after contact per attempt last season (per Fantasy Points Data). Look for Hubbard to lead the ground game until Jonathon Brooks is off the PUP is up to speed. Once that happens, Hubbard will be a weekly zero.