Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles Stellar 2024 Season and 2025 Outlook

Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles 2024 Explosion: A Career Resurgence in Philly Green

After years of battling injury questions and team dysfunction with the New York Giants, Barkley delivered a fantasy season for the ages in 2024 with the Eagles:

• Over 2,000 total yards

• Double-digit touchdowns

• Highlight-reel plays, including a season-defining hurdle over a linebacker

He was the cornerstone of fantasy championship teams, a legitimate league-winner, and a top-three scorer in most formats — and that was with the Eagles’ controversial use of the “Brotherly Shove," which actually vultured several touchdowns away from him.

Imagine his 2024 with those back.

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Draft Cost in 2025: Early First Round or Bust

Barkley’s 2024 performance was so dominant, it’s no surprise to see his ADP hovering between picks 1–3 in nearly every format. In some drafts, he’s the 1.01, in others, he’s neck-and-neck with:

• Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)

• Jamir Gibbs (Detroit Lions)

• Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)

• Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders, rookie phenom)

But here’s the thing: Barkley is one of the few elite RBs with no major usage or committee concerns. D’Andre Swift is gone. Jalen Hurts has scaled back his rushing in the red zone. And the Eagles have a revamped offensive line built more for outside zone and inside power — perfectly suited for Barkley’s style.

✅ Bottom line: He’s earned first-round status, and there’s no reason to fade him barring health-related concerns.

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Betting on Barkley: Prop Market Still Offers Value

Despite last year’s monster campaign, sportsbooks are still under-projecting Barkley in some futures markets. That means value for bettors:

• Total Yards (O/U 1,725.5) — Take the Over
  
  He surpassed 2,000 last year with multiple half-games missed. Philly’s offense remains balanced, and the screen game remains a key tool.

• Touchdowns (O/U 11.5) — Lean Over
  
  Even with Jalen Hurts (Eagles) still vulturing occasionally, Barkley should clear double-digit TDs again if healthy.

• MVP Odds (100-1 range) — Sprinkle for fun
  
  Unlikely, but if Philly dominates and Barkley is the focal point, the narrative writes itself.

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Risk Factor: Wear and Tear or Workhorse Dominance?

Yes, Barkley had a huge 2024. But history shows running backs with massive workloads (especially post-ACL) often regress the following year — whether due to injury, inefficiency, or just bad luck.

📌 Fun stat: Only three RBs in the past 20 years have posted back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons. Barkley would be attempting to join rare company.

Still, the Eagles have playoff expectations, and Pete Carroll wants to win now. They won’t be afraid to lean on Barkley again for 18–20 touches per game — and in an NFC East loaded with shootouts, there will be plenty of opportunities.

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Comparing Tier 1 Backs: Who Edges Out Barkley?

✅ Verdict: Barkley > Bijan > Jeanty > Gibbs > CMC (in redraft formats)

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Final Take: Barkley Is a Top-3 Pick — But Know the Investment

If you’re drafting Saquon Barkley in 2025, you’re betting on another year of elite volume, red-zone presence, and highlight-level production. The Eagles’ offense still suits him perfectly, and unlike years past, there’s no reason to question his usage.

He’s as safe a first-round RB as there is, but you’re still gambling on the nature of the position — any missed time derails value quickly. Still, if you get 15+ games from Barkley again, you’re looking at another league-winner season.

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Draft him early. Bet the overs. Just have a contingency plan if the wheels wobble.

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