Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has been named a 'guaranteed riser' for the 2025 season by NFL.com analyst Marc Ross. After returning to the starting lineup in Week 8 of the 2024 season, Young displayed remarkable growth, throwing for 2,104 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only six interceptions over the last ten games. His confidence surged as he led game-tying or winning drives in six of those games.

This offseason, the Panthers bolstered their roster by drafting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick. Alongside veteran Adam Thielen and potential breakout candidate Xavier Legette, Young's supporting cast has never looked better. Additionally, the Panthers' rushing attack strengthened with the addition of Rico Dowdle, promising to enhance their offensive capabilities. With these improvements, Young's 2025 season is poised to be his best yet.

Chuba Hubbard, who has spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, is determined to shift the franchise's fortunes in his fifth year. He believes the current Panthers roster has the potential to compete for a Super Bowl, stating, “If the goal isn’t to make the playoffs and win a Super Bowl, you’re selling yourself short.” This mindset reflects a growing frustration among players who have endured several disappointing seasons.

Hubbard emphasizes the desire to rekindle the winning spirit reminiscent of the Panthers' impressive campaign in 2015. He notes that the team is sick of mediocrity and wants to revive the enthusiasm of the fanbase. After a rough start last season, the Panthers finished strong, hinting at a possible turnaround.

The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 season after a tumultuous 2024 campaign that saw them finish with a dismal 5-12 record. The return of quarterback Bryce Young, who was benched early last season, has sparked hope as he showed potential late in the year. Young will be aided by new wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the eighth overall pick, while the team still leans heavily on running back Chuba Hubbard, who had a breakout season with over 1,000 rushing yards.

However, the Panthers are facing serious challenges on defense, having allowed record-breaking rushing yards and points last season. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is on notice, and the team's offseason moves aim to revamp the defense, adding talent through free agency and the draft. With uncertainty still looming at various skill positions, including wide receiver, the Panthers will need to find consistency and improvement to compete in an increasingly competitive NFC South.

The NFC South is making waves as a potential powerhouse in the running back department for the 2025 season. Maurice Moton from Bleacher Report highlights that three of the top five RB duos in the league are situated within this division, which previously struggled to field a playoff-worthy team last year.

Leading the charge is the Atlanta Falcons with the dynamic duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Robinson's impressive stats from the previous season, including over 1,400 rushing yards, pair well with Allgeier’s prowess in the red zone. The Carolina Panthers follow closely behind, with Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle showcasing their skills. Meanwhile, Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints is facing challenges as he navigates injuries and age while adapting to a changing offensive scheme.

In the lead-up to the 2025 fantasy football season, savvy managers are looking to capitalize on undervalued running backs. Prioritizing workhorse backs like Kenneth Walker, James Conner, Chuba Hubbard, D'Andre Swift, and Tony Pollard can yield significant value in drafts. In contrast to the high-cost elite running backs, these players present opportunities for strong production at a fraction of the cost. Conner, for instance, has consistently delivered reliable stats, including back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and a high fantasy points per game average, making him a steal at his current ADP of 68.

Meanwhile, Pollard's role may evolve with a new coaching dynamic and personnel changes in Tennessee, yet he still boasts impressive yardage stats. D'Andre Swift, despite recent struggles for touches, remains a top producer, especially with fewer competitors for carries in Chicago. Chuba Hubbard is another name to watch, anticipated to break out as the Panthers' lead back. By targeting these undervalued running backs, managers may find themselves with a winning roster without breaking the bank.