Chuba Hubbard vs Jahmyr Gibbs: Who Should You Start?
Jahmyr Gibbs and Chuba Hubbard are at different tiers heading into 2026. The Detroit Lions running back averaged 19.3 PPG in 2025, a full 11.9 points per game ahead of Chuba Hubbard's 7.4 with the Carolina Panthers. That kind of gap doesn't close on matchup alone.
The per-game difference of 11.9 points favors Jahmyr Gibbs, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.
Jahmyr Gibbs is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 77 targets into 616 yards, while Chuba Hubbard profiles as a more traditional rusher with 511 rushing yards and 1 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jahmyr Gibbs carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Chuba Hubbard has his bye in Week 14, and Jahmyr Gibbs rests in Week 8. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at running back for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
