Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or D'Andre Swift

Friday, August 1, 4:42 PM

Philadelphia Eagles superstar running back Saquon Barkley saw a "heavy workload as a ball-carrier and a receiver" during the team's training camp practice on Friday, according to Andrew DiCecco of Inside the Birds. A heavy rushing workload is the expectation for Barkley, as he led the NFL in rush attempts (345) and rushing yards (2,005) on his way to winning the AP Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2024. However, Barkley's receiving workload was relatively limited, as his 2.1 receptions per game was the lowest single-season mark of his career. Philadelphia has typically not utilized its running backs in the passing game during the Jalen Hurts era, but the team has also never had a running back as dynamic as Barkley. Modest reception totals are basically the only flaw in Barkley's fantasy profile, so correcting that could put him on track for a second-straight RB1 finish.

Sunday, July 27, 10:01 AM

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift was working in two-minute drills during Saturday's practice. The lead back job remains up in the air right now, but Swift seems the most likely starter to open the season. Last season, Swift rushed for 959 yards with six touchdowns while hauling in 42 receptions for an additional 386 yards through the air in 17 games during his first year in Chicago. It's worth noting that the Bears also have Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai competing for touches in the backfield. The Bears do have new head coach Ben Johnson leading the way in Chicago. Possibly, Johnson decides to use Swift in a different role this upcoming season. This is a situation to monitor throughout training camp.