Head to Head

Updated May 14, 2026 from live stats

Chuba Hubbard vs James Cook

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

The Bottom Line

James Cook is the better fantasy play this season.

The gap here is significant. James Cook outscored Chuba Hubbard by 9.4 PPG in 2025 with 14 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, James Cook is the clear pick. Chuba Hubbard profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

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RBCarolina Panthers#44

Chuba Hubbard

PPG

7.4

Games

Rush Yds

511

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

223

Bye

Week 14

RBBuffalo Bills#6PPG LEADER

James Cook

PPG

16.8

Games

Rush Yds

1,621

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

291

Bye

Week 7

The Edge Chart

Chuba Hubbard

James Cook

Head to Head

7.4 PPG16.8 PPG

15 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 7

Fantasy Tiers

Chuba Hubbard: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #44 at the position). James Cook: Tier 2 (Strong Starter) RB (ranked #6 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Chuba Hubbard is producing at 34% of elite pace and James Cook at 76%. That ranking gap means James Cook carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Chuba Hubbard vs James Cook: Who Should You Start?

The numbers tell a clear story here. James Cook put up 16.8 fantasy points per game for the Buffalo Bills in 2025, while Chuba Hubbard managed 7.4 across 15 games with the Carolina Panthers. A 9.4-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.

The per-game difference of 9.4 points favors James Cook, 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.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. Chuba Hubbard ran for 511 yards and 1 touchdowns; James Cook posted 1621 and 12. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.

Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Chuba Hubbard sits Week 14 while James Cook is off Week 7. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

James Cook is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Chuba Hubbard is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Chuba Hubbard (age 26) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. James Cook (age 26) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•James Cook outscored Chuba Hubbard by a projected 160 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•James Cook played 17 games in 2025 compared to Chuba Hubbard's 15. That durability gap means James Cook contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•James Cook scored 14 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.8 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•James Cook caught 33 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown▾

StatHubbardCook

PPG (Half-PPR)7.416.8

Games Played1517

Total Fantasy Pts (est.)111286

Rushing Yards5111,621

Rush Yds/Game34.195.4

Rushing TDs112

Receptions3033

Receiving Yards223291

Targets3940

Total TDs414

Age2626

Experience4 yrs3 yrs

Bye WeekWeek 14Week 7

Summary

16.8 PPG for James Cook versus 7.4 for Chuba Hubbard in 2025. The baseline favors James Cook, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Chuba Hubbard or James Cook in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, James Cook has the edge at 16.8 PPG compared to Chuba Hubbard's 7.4 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Chuba Hubbard and James Cook average in 2025?▾

Chuba Hubbard averaged 7.4 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. James Cook averaged 16.8 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 9.4 points per game.

When are Chuba Hubbard and James Cook's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Chuba Hubbard (CAR) has a bye in Week 14, and James Cook (BUF) has a bye in Week 7. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Chuba Hubbard or James Cook a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

James Cook outscored Chuba Hubbard by 9.4 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.