Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Alec Pierce

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
15.2 75.2 0.5 2.3 18.3 0.1

Saquon Barkley News

Saquon Barkley Standing Out in New-Look Eagles Offense

Thursday, August 20, 12:17 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley "consistently found running room within (new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's) wide zone concepts" during the team's joint practice session with the New England Patriots, per Zach Berman of The Athletic. After collecting 2,283 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns across 16 games in his first season with Philadelphia in 2024, Barkley's numbers regressed across the board in 2025. While still highly productive overall, Barkley's yards per carry dropped from 5.8 to 4.1, and his yards per touch fell from 6.0 to 4.5. The Eagles have a new play-caller for the upcoming year in Sean Mannion. Based on the early returns in camp, it appears as though the new system could be a boon for Barkley's production as he enters his age-29 season. RotoBaller currently ranks Barkley as the RB7 for redraft leagues ahead of 2026.

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
11.2 0.1 0.0 3.5 56.1 0.3

Alec Pierce News

Alec Pierce Could Be Available, May Not Be 100% in Week 1

Saturday, August 22, 5:31 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) "could be available" but is unlikely to "be a super dynamic player" in Week 1, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Pierce is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he works his way back from ankle surgery, which he underwent in April. The 26-year-old had the most productive year of his career in 2025, recording 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 84 targets across 15 games. The Colts handed him a monster four-year contract extension this past spring and traded away former WR1 Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving Pierce in position to step into an expanded role in 2026. When healthy, Pierce is one of the most dynamic deep-ball threats in the NFL. However, his health and fantasy value both appear to be open questions heading into the year.

Saquon Barkley vs. Alec Pierce

Still trying to decide between Barkley and Pierce? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Saquon Barkley is projected to score 15.2 points this week while Alec Pierce is projected to score 11.2 points.