Chuba Hubbard vs David Montgomery: Who Should You Start?
Chuba Hubbard and David Montgomery are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Chuba Hubbard averaged 7.4 PPG across 15 games with the Carolina Panthers, while David Montgomery posted 9.1 PPG in 17 appearances for the Houston Texans.
A 1.7-PPG gap gives David Montgomery the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Chuba Hubbard ran for 511 yards and 1 touchdowns; David Montgomery posted 716 and 8. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: Chuba Hubbard is off Week 11 and David Montgomery Week 14. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.