NFL writer's fantasy advice has owners doing the unthinkable with Saquon Barkley

Running backs are valued highly in fantasy football, so when a writer tells fans to trade one away, it feels insane to do it, especially when it's Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.

Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport gave his biggest trade candidates in fantasy football going into the 2025 season. Davenport advised owners to trade away Barkley if he is on their teams because of his workload from 2024.

"Saquon Barkley had quite the 2024 season—over 2,000 rushing yards, Offensive Player of the Year honors and an RB1 finish in PPR points per game. Counting the postseason, Barkley was the first player ever to rush for 2,500 yards in a season.

The 28-year-old’s fantasy value will never be higher. And that’s why Barkley is absolutely a “sell.”

Because that value has nowhere to go but down.

I have already written at nauseam about all the potential problems for Barkley in 2025. His ridiculous workload a season ago. The fact that every other back to ever rush for 2,000 yards regressed in a big way the following year. The historical trends for players who lead the league in rushing.

Despite all of the warning signs, there will be no shortage of fantasy managers willing to talk themselves into Barkley having another big season this year. Barkley is bringing some hefty returns in recent trades.

Use Barkley’s massive 2024 season to your advantage—because it’s as good as things are ever going to get."

Barkley is way too good to get rid of

If the 2024 season proved anything, Barkley is only getting better with age. He is a game-breaking back who averaged a career-high 5.8 yards per carry, which is unheard of from a starting running back with 378 touches in the regular season.

Philadelphia has every intention of cutting down his workload after signing A.J. Dillon in the offseason and giving Will Shipley more reps at OTAs and minicamp. That doesn't mean to trade Barkley away in fantasy football. He's only going to get better.

The unfortunate part about having Barkley in fantasy football is that Jalen Hurts will most likely vulture touchdowns away from him with the Tush Push. Eagles fans will not care about that, but that does play a role in having Barkley on the team.

That shouldn't deter fantasy owners from not having Barkley on their teams. He is the best running back in the NFL and is electric when he has the ball in his hands.

Barkley is already targeting another 2,000-yard season, so he should be a must-start back and in no way should he be traded.