Saquon’s Fresh Start: How Saquon Barkley Will Impact the Eagles and Your Fantasy Football Team in 2025
The roar of the crowd, the chill of the Lincoln Financial Field air, and the sight of Saquon Barkley exploding through the line – Philadelphia Eagles fans experienced a dream season in 2024, culminating in a Super Bowl LIX victory. Barkley, fresh off a historic year, isn’t just running it back; he’s gearing up to level up in 2025. After a record-breaking 2024 season that saw him rush for 2,005 yards, lead the league in scrimmage yards (2,283), and score 13 touchdowns, the question isn’t if he’ll impact the Eagles, but how much more dominant can he be? And, crucially for fantasy football enthusiasts, where should you draft him?
Barkley’s Dominance: A Statistical Deep Dive
Saquon Barkley’s 2024 season wasn’t just good; it was record-breaking. He became the first running back in NFL history to surpass 2,500 rushing yards when combining regular-season and playoff performances. He led the league in rushing yards (2,005), averaging a stellar 5.8 yards per carry, second only to J.K. Dobbins. Barkley scored 60-plus-yard touchdown runs at a rate never before seen in the NFL, accomplishing this seven times, including the playoffs. He also led the league in touchdowns of 15 or more yards in the regular season with eight.
“I feel like I’m entering my prime,” Barkley told reporters at the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp. This confidence is backed by his performance. He led all running backs with an average of 22.2 points per game in PPR (points per reception) scoring, making him a fantasy football goldmine.
The Eagles’ Offensive Evolution
The Eagles’ offense in 2024 was a well-oiled machine, ranking among the league’s best in scoring and rushing. However, the departure of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to the New Orleans Saints brings a new dynamic. Kevin Patullo steps in, and his approach will be crucial to Barkley’s continued success.
“The other component that could add to it is if teams do somehow decide to figure out… to stop the tush push, you could actually see Saquon’s touchdown total go up even higher,” ESPN’s Jeff Darlington said. If defenses neutralize the “tush push,” Barkley’s role and touchdown potential could significantly increase.
The Eagles’ offensive line, consistently ranked among the league’s best, played a significant role in Barkley’s success. The team’s emphasis on building their offensive line through the draft has helped them achieve sustained success.
Fantasy Football Impact: Draft Strategy for 2025
Saquon Barkley’s stellar 2024 season makes him a top pick in 2025 fantasy drafts. However, several factors need consideration:
- Workload: Barkley had a career-high 436 carries in 2024, including the playoffs. History suggests running backs with such high workloads face potential decline. Research indicates that running backs with 370 to 389 carries averaged a 27 percent drop in total yards the following season. The Eagles’ coaching staff will likely adopt a more cautious approach to preserve his health.
- Historical Trends: Of the eight prior running backs to rush for 2,000 yards, Chris Johnson is the only one to finish among the top 5 PPR running backs the next season. None reached 1,500 rushing yards.
- Efficiency: While Barkley had a monster year, he ranked 45th in yards created per touch. The Eagles’ offensive line was the top-rated unit in the NFL last year, helping Barkley reach historic numbers.
Despite these concerns, Barkley’s talent and the Eagles’ strong offense make him a valuable fantasy asset. CBS Sports suggests he is worth selecting as early as No. 1 overall, but you can get him after the first four picks in most Fantasy leagues. Matthew Berry ranks Barkley as the No. 2 overall player for the 2025 fantasy football season.
The Saquon Barkley Effect: More Than Just Stats
Saquon Barkley’s impact extends beyond statistics. He’s a locker room leader and the heartbeat of the Eagles’ run-first strategy. His presence elevates the entire offense, creating opportunities for quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
“Saquon Barkley is more than a running back—he’s the Eagles’ offensive engine,” said one NFL insider. “More than just a dual-threat back, Saquon Barkley has become the centerpiece of an offense that’s as dynamic as it is dangerous.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The Eagles face a tough schedule in 2025, playing against several strong teams. Defenses will focus on stopping Barkley, forcing the Eagles to evolve their passing game. The team also lost some key players on defense, placing more pressure on the offense to perform.
However, the Eagles have a talented roster and a proven coaching staff. With Barkley leading the way, they are well-positioned to contend for another Super Bowl title.
The Bottom Line
Saquon Barkley’s fresh start with the Philadelphia Eagles has been nothing short of transformative. His impact on the team and the fantasy football landscape is undeniable. While challenges lie ahead, Barkley’s talent, work ethic, and the Eagles’ commitment to success make him a player to watch in 2025. Draft him high, and enjoy the ride.