Saquon Barkley vs George Pickens

“Likely everyone’s biggest question around the Eagles is, can Saquon Barkley bounce back in 2026? The simple answer is yes; it is in the range of outcomes. However, the reality is that Saquon is 29 and getting older.”

“For 2025, Saquon had an 8% greater success rate running Outside vs Inside Zone .”

“While a minor post-Super Bowl efficiency dip was baked into 2025 projections, Saquon Barkley ’s drop from RB4 draft capital to an RB14 positional finish exposed severe infrastructure cracks.”

“After finishing last year as the RB14, fantasy players should avoid drafting Barkley as a mid-range RB1.”

“Saquon Barkley (RB – PHI) After running laps around the position in 2024, Saquon Barkley’s finish of RB14 was a shock. Despite only missing one game, he scored 214 fantasy points compared to the 339 points he scored in 2024.”

“Given the season he had in 2024 and the expectations created for gamers, Barkley may have produced the most disappointing 1,413-yard, 9-touchdown season in history. Regression was certainly expected coming off his historic run the year before, and a lot went wrong for this offense.”

“Add this all up — plus another 300+ projected touches — and Barkley could be looking at another top-five season at running back at a significant discount on Fantrax. He has a realistic path to another 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 10+ touchdowns.”

“With a new offensive coordinator and a healthy offensive line, it's not hard to start seeing the positives for Barkley. The Eagles running back is the undoubted No. 1 RB on an offense that will score points.”

“Barkley had an absurd number of touches in 2024 and ran hot on explosive runs. Once he and the Eagles were hit with regression, it was no wonder things crashed back to Earth.”

“Over the last two seasons, Barkley has averaged just 35 receptions for 275 receiving yards and two touchdowns. A decline in per-touch efficiency, as he nears 30, is also working against him, as he has steadily transitioned away from being a big-play threat and into more of a volume-based option at running back.”

“This means that former Jaguars back Tank Bigsby is likely the man behind Saquon Barkley to start the season. Barkley has been relatively healthy the past several seasons, though he is coming off his worst fantasy finish since 2021. Barkley is also on the precipice of his age-29 season, the age at which most running backs begin to decline rapidly in efficiency.”

“Saquon Barkley (RB, Eagles) was the top-rated player from the NFL Top 100 for the 2025 season.”

“Dallas will have a tough dilemma if franchised WR George Pickens has a Pro Bowl season and Overshown remains healthy.”

“Pickens proved last year that all he needed was competent quarterback play to prove he can be an elite wide receiver in the league. After being stuck with Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Mason Rudolph, fantasy managers were blessed to witness a fully unlocked Pickens in 2025.”

“George Pickens had a monster first year with the Cowboys, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards.”

“Pickens had a breakout season in his first year with the Cowboys, finishing as the WR5, averaging 17.2 PPR fantasy points per game. He averaged 8.7 targets and 26.3 fantasy points per game with CeeDee Lamb sidelined, but averaged 7.9 targets and 15.2 with Lamb playing.”

“Last year I made the case that George Pickens projected very similarly to Tee Higgins despite a two-round ADP discount. I'd maintain that they project similarly again in 2026, albeit with their ADPs in reverse order.”

“George Pickens sparked one of the more interesting debates because the talent is obvious, but fantasy consistency has not always followed. The conversation leaned into the upside attached to his skill set while also recognizing that week-to-week reliability can still fluctuate. That tension is what makes Pickens such a fascinating fantasy player.”

“George Pickens receiving TDs Over 4.5 -110 MGM (1 unit)”

“George Pickens is the quintessential dynasty sell-high candidate after a 1,429-yard breakout season that culminated in him signing a $27.3 million franchise tag for 2026. While he proved he can thrive as a high-end target next to CeeDee Lamb, the breakdown in long-term contract negotiations suggests the Cowboys are hesitant to commit to his volatility beyond this season.”

“They did trade for Rashan Gary and kept George Pickens around with the franchise tag, though they still need to work out a long-term deal.”

“Every tagged player from 2026 had already done so with the exception of George Pickens and the Cowboys . To no surprise, the deadline passed without an agreement being reached .”

“George Pickens signed the franchise tag and reportedly has no plans to skip training camp at the end of the month.”

“There was some drama involving Pickens, whom the Cowboys did not lock up for the long haul. They instead slapped the former Steeler with the franchise tag in late February. Although the Cowboys have publicly ruled out an extension by the July 15 deadline, Pickens will report to training camp and play for $27.3MM. He should have plenty of motivation in his second consecutive platform season.”