Saquon

Barkley

2023: Barkley missed three games with yet another ankle injury but still went on to make 14 appearances for just the second time since his rookie year in 2018. It resulted in a sub-1,000 yard, sub-4.0 YPC campaign in the Giants’ hellacious offensive environment, though advanced stats were kinder. Barkley was 13th in average rush yards over expected, and a good but not great 23rd in average yards after contact. He did remain worryingly inefficient as a pass catcher. 

What’s changed: Tired of committees that required racing Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott onto the field for some of the game’s most important plays, the Eagles placed a bet on Barkley’s advanced stats and made him their lead back. Barkley will still cede snaps to his backups, including fourth-rounder Will Shipley, but there’s no longer a Philly backfield identity crisis. Barkley will be out there for the critical short-yardage and third down snaps. The question is whether he can wrest red-zone opportunities away from Jalen Hurts. Although the smart money is on Hurts remaining his own goal-line back, “tush push” captain Jason Kelce has retired, while Hurts spent most of 2023 playing through a knee injury.  

Outlook: Barkley isn’t going to lead the league in touchdowns, but his sheer projected volume in this strong offense is enough to keep him in the top 10 at running back.