Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson

Monday, March 11, 2:57 PM

Free-agent running back Saquon Barkley is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million deal. The deal includes $26 million in guaranteed money and has an additional $9 million available in incentives. After a 2018 rookie season that saw the former Penn State star go for over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns, he has struggled to stay healthy over a chunk of the next five years of his career. He missed 21 games from 2019 to 2021. He bounced back in 2022 with 1,312 rushing yards but regressed to 962 yards in 14 games in 2023. However, the Eagles believe in him as a game-changing running back, as his average salary ($12.58 million) ranks only below Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Jonathan Taylor. Although the Eagles' offensive line could take a hit after the retirement of Jason Kelce, Barkley should be playing behind the best offensive line of his career in 2024. He will have an immediate high-end RB1 upside in fantasy football.

Sunday, January 7, 9:22 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson wasn't quite as dominant as many expected heading into his rookie campaign. Despite that, Robinson was still productive and posted a solid outing in the regular season finale against the New Orleans Saints. Robinson struggled on the ground with only 28 yards on 11 carries in the loss. However, he salvaged his fantasy value with seven receptions on eight targets for 103 yards and a touchdown in the receiving game. Robinson will finish his rookie season with 976 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 214 carries. He also added an additional 487 yards with 58 receptions and four touchdowns as a receiver. Robinson has the tools to be an elite back, but head coach Arthur Smith doesn't appear to know how to unlock them. It sounds like Smith will return next season, which makes Robinson a risky RB1 in fantasy leagues.