Saquon Barkley’s 2025 Fantasy Football Dominance: Is He Worth the No. 1 Overall Pick?
The roar of the crowd, the crisp autumn air, and the electrifying energy of the NFL season are just around the corner. For fantasy football enthusiasts, that means one thing: draft season is upon us. As you meticulously craft your strategy, one name is undoubtedly dominating the conversation: Saquon Barkley. Fresh off a historic 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, the question on everyone’s mind is: Is Saquon Barkley worth the No. 1 overall pick in 2025 fantasy drafts?
Barkley’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of legendary. He silenced any doubters, leading the league in total touches with 378 and racking up a staggering 2,283 total yards. He also led the league in rushing attempts (345) and rushing yards (2,005), showcasing a dominant performance reminiscent of his rookie year. According to CBS Sports, Barkley finished as the RB1 overall in all scoring formats, despite ranking just 37th in targets per game and sixth in total touchdowns.
The Case for Barkley at No. 1
Unmatched Volume: Volume is king in fantasy football, and Barkley is poised to receive a massive workload once again. In 2024, he was the focal point of the Eagles’ offense, and there’s no reason to believe that will change in 2025. As CBS Sports noted, Barkley led the NFL in total touches last season.
Elite Offensive Line: Barkley’s resurgence in 2024 was largely due to his move to Philadelphia and running behind the Eagles’ dominant offensive line. The “Birds” boast one of the best O-lines in the league, consistently creating running lanes and providing Barkley with ample opportunities to make plays. FantasyPros highlighted that Barkley had the highest yards before contact per attempt (3.55) among 46 qualifying backs last year, a testament to the line’s prowess. Even with the departure of Mekhi Becton, many believe the Eagles’ offensive line will remain a top unit.
Proven Production: Barkley’s 2024 stats speak for themselves. He was a fantasy football monster, consistently delivering high-scoring performances that propelled teams to victory. Total Apex Bets & Fantasy noted that Barkley amassed 2,005 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns on 345 carries, and 33 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns, totaling 355.3 fantasy points on ESPN’s platform.
Untapped Touchdown Potential: While Barkley finished as the RB1 overall, there’s reason to believe he could have scored even more touchdowns. CBS Sports pointed out that Barkley only cashed in on 23.5% of his carries inside the 5-yard line in 2024, compared to a 50% rate in his career. If that rate regresses to the mean, Barkley could see a significant increase in his touchdown production.
The Concerns Surrounding Barkley
Age and Workload: Barkley is entering his age-28 season, and some analysts are concerned about the wear and tear on his body after handling over 500 touches between the regular season and playoffs in 2024. RotoBaller warns that this is a massive workload for any running back, especially one who has played 16 games in a season just three times in seven years.
Touchdown Regression: While Barkley may be due for positive touchdown regression inside the 5-yard line, there’s also a possibility that his overall touchdown production could decrease. FantasyLife.com points out that Barkley’s average touchdown distance last season was 31 yards, which is highly unsustainable.
Competition for Touches: While Barkley is the clear lead back in Philadelphia, he does have competition for touches from quarterback Jalen Hurts, particularly in short-yardage situations. PFF notes that when the Eagles need one yard for a first down or score, they ran 43 times with their quarterbacks and 21 times with their running backs.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards
Ultimately, the decision to draft Saquon Barkley with the No. 1 overall pick comes down to your risk tolerance and your belief in his ability to replicate his 2024 success. There’s no denying his immense talent and the favorable situation he’s in with the Eagles. However, the concerns about his age, workload, and potential touchdown regression are legitimate.
The Verdict:
Saquon Barkley is a high-risk, high-reward pick at No. 1 overall. His ceiling is the RB1 overall, but his floor is lower than some other top options due to the aforementioned concerns. If you’re feeling bold and believe in Barkley’s ability to defy the odds, go ahead and pull the trigger. However, if you prefer a safer pick with a more predictable floor, you may want to consider other options like Christian McCaffrey or Bijan Robinson.
No matter what you decide, one thing is certain: Saquon Barkley will be one of the most talked-about players in fantasy football this season. His performance will have a significant impact on the fortunes of many fantasy teams.