Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Jalen Nailor

Friday, February 20, 8:00 AM

In his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, running back Saquon Barkley tallied nearly 2,300 yards from scrimmage and finished third in the NFL MVP voting while leading his team to a Super Bowl ring. While Barkley was still an impact player in 2025, he wasn't able to reach anywhere near the same heights in his second season in Philadelphia. Across 16 games played, Barkley recorded 1,413 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 317 touches. After averaging a ridiculously efficient 5.8 yards per carry in 2024, Barkley logged a much more pedestrian 4.1 yards per carry in 2025. As he enters his age-29 season in 2026, it's fair to wonder how much Barkley still has left in the tank. Including the postseason, the veteran back has logged over 800 touches over the past years. The Eagles' strong offensive line also took a step back in 2025, although the team did get some positive news on star right tackle Lane Johnson, who recently announced he plans to return for another season in 2026. In the short term, Barkley remains one of the top running back options in fantasy football. However, his dynasty stock is trending in the wrong direction due to the possibility of age-related decline.

Wednesday, December 24, 3:20 PM

Due to a litany of injuries around him, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor is a lowly rated option when the Vikings play host to the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. The Michigan State product has developed a solid chemistry with starter J.J. McCarthy (hand), but the latter will miss Thursday's game, giving way to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. Detroit ranks a bottom-tier 31st against PPR receivers, though the Vikings are beaten up and on a short week. In addition to McCarthy, the Vikings will be without star left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee), center Ryan Kelly (concussion), tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder), running back Jordan Mason (ankle), and could be without right tackle Brian O'Neill (heel) as well. Nailor's varied role in the offense is difficult to rely upon anyway, as the receiver has not caught a pass three times in the past five weeks, yet had one game with two touchdowns. Ranked as RotoBaller's No. 86 receiver this week, Nailor is avoidable in all formats.