Saquon Barkley Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Barkley led the NFL in rushing yards (2,005) and rushing yards per game (125.3). He became the first RB with 2,000 yards since Derrick Henry in 2020.

Only nine RBs have hit the 2K mark all-time.

As a receiver, Barkley wasn't a prolific producer. But he still added value with 33 catches, 278 yards, and two scores.

The fantasy superstar finished RB1 in PPR points per game and RB2 in total fantasy points.

Usage & Role

Barkley’s 345 carries led the NFL by 20. And that was with the Eagle resting for Week 18.

He carried 20+ times in ten of 16 games, including in eight of his final ten regular season games. He peaked with a 31-carry effort vs. Dallas in Week 17.

Barkley’s 74% carry share ranked third among RBs. It would have ranked higher had he not played alongside an elite short-yardage QB in Jalen Hurts.

Note: Hurts accounted for a stunning 18 carries inside the five-yard line. He scored 11 TDs from that range.

Now, Barkley still posted a top-ten carry number inside the ten (13 attempts). Still, there’s no doubt Philly’s preference for the “tush push” limited Barkley’s TD output.

As a receiver, Barkley managed a 10.8% target share. That ranked 19th among RBs.

Efficiency Metrics

Barkley recorded a sterling 5.8 yards per carry. That ranked seventh best among RBs with 200+ carries since the 1970 merger.

Barkley led all 47 qualifying RBs with 3.8 yards before contact per attempt – a nod to Philly’s O-line and his big-play ability.

Barkley also ranked:

• 17th in yards after contact per attempt
• 2nd in rush yards over expected per attempt
• 11th in Pro Football Focus rushing grade

Each mark either matched or exceeded his figures from past years, so there’s nothing concerning in Barkley’s efficiency metrics.

Offensive Context

Philly’s offense was built for Barkley to succeed.

OC Kellen Moore’s unit ranked bottom two in:

• Pass rate
• Neutral pass rate
• Pass rate over expected
• Red zone pass rate
• Red zone pass rate over expected

A strong O-line and a talented WR duo also helped Barkley rip off gains.

Per PFF, he posted a Breakaway Percentage of 41.6%, his highest since 2018. Breakaway Percentage isolates the number of yards gained on rushes of 15+ – then divides them by the player’s total rushing yards.

Historical Production & Trends

Barkley’s reached at least ten total TDs in three straight seasons.

However, his targets, catches, and receiving yards per game have dipped in back to back seasons:

A major turnaround is unlikely, as Philly prioritizes Barkley’s rushing.

Injury History

Barkley proved remarkably durable in 2024, despite racking up 436 carries (including postseason).

In 2023, Barkley suffered a hyperextended elbow and an ankle sprain. Only the ankle cost him time (three games).

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Don’t expect much change in usage.

Backup RB Kenneth Gainwell signed with Pittsburgh in free agency. He averaged just 4.26 carries in shared games with Barkley last season.

Will Shipley returns after a quiet rookie season. Philly also added veteran RB A.J. Dillon, who missed all of last season with a neck injury.

Supporting Cast

The Eagles return four of five starting linemen, as G Mekhi Becton signed with the Chargers in free agency. 25-year-old Tyler Steen – formerly a Round 3 pick – is the favorite to fill in.

It has the potential to be a significant loss. Becton ranked 11th among 29 guards with 400+ run-blocking snaps in PFF run blocking grade. Steen ranked 61st among 64 guards in the same metric (min. 200 run blocking snaps).

We'll see how the position settles out this summer.

The Eagles return QB Jalen Hurts, WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and TE Dallas Goedert. Their overall talent helps boost Barkley’s fantasy outlook.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

OC Kellen Moore was replaced with Eagles pass-game coordinator (2021-2024) Kevin Patullo. He added associate HC duties from 2023-2024.

Now, Patullo hasn’t called plays at any level. But he’s widely expected to keep Philly’s run-centered attack in place.

Production & Efficiency Trends

Our historical aging curves show that, on average, high-end RBs perform at 88% of their peak at age 28. The biggest decline in production comes from age 28 to age 29 (when the dip hits 71%).

We’ll keep a close eye on any nagging or lingering injuries in training camp. Barkley, though, is positioned to remain an outlier.