D'Onta Foreman or Chuba Hubbard: Which Panthers RB Steps Up after Christian McCaffrey Trade?
By Ben Heisler
The Carolina Panthers are in full-tank mode after trading their best offensive player away Thursday evening.
The Panthers sent running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers for multiple draft picks, trading away the face of the franchise following Cam Newton's departure. It's the second move for the Panthers ahead of their Week 7 matchup at home vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, moving on from receiver Robbie Anderson in a deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
In the past four days, in exchange for Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson, Carolina has added six picks over the next three drafts:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2022
🏈Extra 2nd-, 3rd- and 4th-round picks in 2023.
🏈Extra 5th- and 6th-round picks in 2024.
🏈Extra 7th-round pick in 2025.
With CMC officially out of town, that opens the door for backup running backs D'Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard to take over the backfield. But which of the two has the inside track to lead the way?
D'Onta Foreman vs. Chuba Hubbard Stats
Foreman 2022 Stats:
- 7 carries, 18 yards, 0 TDs
Hubbard 2022 Stats:
- 4 carries, 28 yards, 0 TDs
McCaffrey had played just under 86% of the snaps in Carolina this season, so the numbers for both running backs over a six game sample this year are essentially meaningless.
Both players have a combined 11 carries in the running game for 46 yards and no scores.
Still, the consensus expectation is Foreman should see more initial work than Hubbard for Week 7.
Foreman over Hubbard if grabbing a CAR RB off waivers right now.
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) October 21, 2022
D'Onta Foreman or Chuba Hubbard: Who Does Vegas Expect to Start for Panthers vs. Buccaneers?
As of Friday early afternoon, sportsbooks have yet to set specific rushing line prop odds for either back, but Vegas prefers Foreman's chances to get into the end zone compared to Hubbard.
Here are the latest odds below for both players to score an anytime touchdown this week:
With the game script completely favoring Tampa Bay as a 13-point road favorite, along with the Buccaneers' elite run-stuffing defense, I don't see either of the backs as a good bet or fantasy play this week.
However, with reports that Hubbard is more likely to see volume in the passing game, he would be the back I'd choose to target, especially with Carolina set to be underdogs the rest of the season. Once his receiving props are out, he may be worth a wager.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.