Week 7 is lining up to be yet another rough outing for the 1-5 Carolina Panthers. But just as they have all season, these cats will probably be able to keep things interesting on Sunday.

Here are the four biggest storylines for this weekend's matchup from the nation's capital against the 4-2 Washington Commanders . . .

Hubbard '24

Thanks to some drastic changes and a bevy of hard-luck injuries, the Panthers look much different now than they did just six weeks ago. But there have been a few pleasant constants, with none more pleasant than running back Chuba Hubbard.

Hubbard has taken a clear step forward in this, his fourth pro campaign. The 25-year-old is currently the league's third-leading rusher, having dashed for 485 yards over the season's first six outings.

Much of that production has come in the last four weeks—where Hubbard has amassed rushing performances of 114 yards, 104 yards, 97 yards and 92 yards. So, will head coach and offensive play-caller Dave Canales keep feeding the engine of the unit?

He should, as the Panthers are set to face one of the more generous run defenses. Hubbard, who averaged 5.8 yards per carry over that aforementioned month-long span, will be up against a Washington group that has allowed 5.0 yards per carry—the fourth-highest in the NFL thus far.

Carolina's top rookies

Hubbard won't be flanked by 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who is still not quite ready after returning to practice this week. He may, though, get some help in the passing game from a few other first-year Panthers.

Rookie wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker have continued to make their presences known in Week 6, as the former scored his second NFL touchdown in sparkling fashion while the latter played a career-high 43 snaps. They may be even more useful against a vulnerable Washington secondary on Sunday—especially if Diontae Johnson, the team's leading receiver, cannot go.

Carolina's defense has some prime opportunities awaiting a few of their rookies, too. Inside linebacker Trevin Wallace—who totaled 24 combined tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery between the last two weeks—is in line for his third start sans Shaq Thompson.

Cornerback and fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade should also see quite a bit of action. With the Panthers reportedly releasing veteran Troy Hill, Smith-Wade might step up to serve as the defense's primary slot defender going forward.

The NFL's top rookie

Speaking of rookies, we can't go without mentioning the most electrifying member of the 2024 draft class—quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The second overall pick has absolutely shined to begin his NFL career—as he's completed a league-leading 75.3 percent of his passes for 1,404 yards, six touchdowns and just two interceptions. He's also, as expected, been a problem for opposing defenses on the ground—having already rushed for 322 yards and four scores.

Daniels' effective and efficient play has turned the Commanders offense into a finely-tuned machine. Washington is averaging the fifth-most total yards per game (378.0) and is tied for the second-most points per game (29.7).

Those numbers don't forecast well for anyone, especially for the league-worst defense out of Carolina. The Panthers have allowed 33.8 points a contest, 4.1 points more than the next closest team.

Oh, and they'll also be without defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson, inside linebackers Josey Jewell and Claudin Cherelus and, most likely, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney.

What's up, Uce?

The Panthers will be reacquainted with some old friends.

One of those buddies is linebacker Frankie Luvu, who was a favorite of teammates and fans alike during his three standout seasons in Carolina. Unsurprisingly, "Uce" has gotten off to a fine start for his new club—as he's up to 39 tackles, 3.0 sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries already.

We'll also be seeing safety Jeremy Chinn again. The 2020 second-round pick, who was phased out of Ejiro Evero's defense to close up his tenure in Carolina, has recorded 22 tackles over his last three outings.

Both Luvu and Chinn have the ability to turn the game on its head, a prospect the Panthers should be quite familiar with. Will that be the case this Sunday?

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Biggest storylines for Panthers vs. Commanders in Week 7