Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens vs. Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles: NFL Rushing Yards Debate

2025 NFL Fantasy Football: Who’s the Better RB – Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens or Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles?

The fantasy debate for 2025 is heating up at running back: Henry of the Ravens vs. Barkley of the      Eagles. Both are fantasy studs, but who’s the better pick this season? Let’s break it down with a buy-or-sell approach.

Derrick Henry: The King Still Rules?

Henry enters his first full season in Baltimore after proving he can still carry a heavy workload. Despite being 31, he continues to bulldoze defenses and remains one of the toughest backs in the league to bring down. His 2024 campaign was vintage Henry — power runs, clock control, and steady production.

• Offensive Fit: Baltimore’s run-heavy scheme remains intact. Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability keeps defenses honest, opening up lanes for Henry.

• Durability & Volume: Henry’s workload has historically been massive. While age is a concern, he’s shown few signs of slowing down.

• Betting Angle: Sportsbooks project Henry near the top five in rushing yardage futures. If you’re buying, you’re betting on volume and Baltimore’s system keeping him productive.

Buy or Sell? I’m buying Henry to outpace Barkley in raw rushing yards — his situation is more stable, and the Ravens’ identity is built around running the football.

Saquon Barkley: Betting on Explosiveness

Barkley is fresh off a career year in Philadelphia, topping 2,000 scrimmage yards in 2024. His versatility as a runner and receiver gives him a fantasy ceiling Henry doesn’t match. But can he repeat?

• Offensive Line Concerns: The Eagles have some issues up front. Landon Dickerson had meniscus surgery, Lane Johnson is another year older, and there’s been roster turnover. That could limit Barkley’s rushing efficiency.

• Age & Upside: At 28, Barkley still has explosiveness left in the tank, and unlike Henry, he’s a bigger factor in the passing game.

• Betting Angle: Oddsmakers have Barkley with higher odds in total yards from scrimmage props compared to rushing alone. If you’re betting on versatility and receptions, Barkley’s your guy.

Buy or Sell? I’m selling on Barkley leading Henry in rushing yards, but buying his overall fantasy edge in PPR leagues thanks to his pass-catching role.

Betting Market Breakdown

• Rushing Yards Futures: Henry is slightly favored over Barkley to finish with more rushing yards in 2025. Books price this tightly, making it nearly a coin flip.

• Scrimmage Yards Props: Barkley gets the edge here, as his receiving work bolsters his total yardage projections.

• Touchdown Odds: Both are top 10 in anytime TD scorer futures, but Henry’s goal-line role still makes him the safer bet for touchdowns.

Fantasy Takeaway

• Standard Leagues: Henry’s rushing yard volume gives him the edge.

• PPR Formats: Barkley’s pass-catching swings it back in his favor.

• Betting Lean: Henry for rushing yard props, Barkley for scrimmage yardage props.

Final Verdict:

If you’re playing fantasy or betting on rushing yards alone, buy Henry. If you’re wagering on total yards or PPR upside, buy Barkley. Both are elite options, but the market split shows exactly why this is one of the best fantasy debates of 2025.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.