Should I Start Saquon Barkley This Week? A Comprehensive Guide
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! We know you're here because you're wondering, "Should I start Saquon Barkley this week?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into this question and provide you with all the info you need to make an informed decision. Let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and should i start saquon barkley this week.
Saquon Barkley: A Brief Recap
Before we delve into whether you should start Saquon Barkley this week, let's quickly recap his season so far. Saquon, the dynamic running back for the New York Giants, has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride this season. He's shown glimpses of his 2018 rookie season prowess but has also been plagued by injuries and a struggling offense.
In his seven games played, Barkley has racked up 314 rushing yards on 93 attempts (3.4 YPC) and has caught 31 passes for 255 yards. He's found the end zone three times (twice rushing, once receiving). Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of whether you should start him this week.
The Matchup: Giants vs. Eagles (Week 10)
The Giants face off against their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, in Week 10. This matchup could spell trouble for Barkley owners, as the Eagles have been stout against the run this season. They currently rank 7th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (101.3) and have given up just four rushing touchdowns all season.
However, the Eagles' defense has been more generous to pass-catching backs. They've allowed the 11th-most receiving yards to running backs this season (242). This bodes well for Barkley, who's been heavily involved in the passing game.
Barkley's Recent Form
Saquon Barkley's fantasy production has been inconsistent this season, but he's shown signs of life in recent weeks. He's scored double-digit PPR points in three of his last four games, including a season-high 20.4 points in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In his last two games, Barkley has seen an increased workload, touching the ball a combined 42 times. This trend suggests that the Giants might be trusting him more, which is a positive sign for his fantasy prospects.
The Case for Starting Saquon Barkley
Volume
As mentioned earlier, Barkley has seen an increase in touches over the past two weeks. If this trend continues, he could see enough volume to warrant a start, even in a tough matchup.
Pass-Catching Ability
Barkley's pass-catching prowess makes him a valuable fantasy asset, even in a bad matchup. The Eagles have struggled against pass-catching backs this season, so Barkley could still find success through the air.
Upside
Let's not forget that Saquon Barkley is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL. Even in a tough matchup, there's always the chance that he goes off for a big game.
The Case Against Starting Saquon Barkley
Tough Matchup
The Eagles have been solid against the run this season, and Barkley's struggles on the ground are well-documented. It's likely that he'll have a tough time finding running room against this defense.
Inconsistent Production
Barkley's fantasy production has been all over the place this season. In fact, he's scored single-digit PPR points in five of his seven games. Starting him could lead to another disappointing performance.
Other Options
If you have other viable running back options on your roster, you might be better off starting them instead of Barkley. There's no shame in playing the hot hand, especially in a tough matchup.
So, Should You Start Saquon Barkley This Week?
The answer to the question "Should I start Saquon Barkley this week?" depends on your specific situation. If you have other reliable running back options and are looking to avoid a potential letdown, it might be best to sit Barkley.
However, if you're thin at the position or believe in Barkley's upside, starting him could pay off. Just remember, the Eagles' defense has been stout against the run, so don't be surprised if Barkley has a quiet day on the ground.
In conclusion, the decision to start Saquon Barkley this week is a tricky one. But with the information we've provided, you should be well-equipped to make the right call for your fantasy team. Good luck, and happy fantasy footballing!