RB #8 Saquon Barkley PHI

Saquon Barkley led several fantasy football managers to a championship last season. He put up a performance worthy of the fantasy football hall of fame (no brick and mortar yet). He put up 2,005 rushing yards on a traditional 16 game seasons (starters rested week 18). He became just the ninth player to achieve this highly coveted milestone. He also tacked on 33 receptions for 278 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns.

Barkley was the 2025 NFL leader in scrimmage yards, rushing yards, yards per game, and touches. In the playoffs he was the leader in touches, scrimmage yards, rushing attempts, longest rush, and touchdowns. The touches could be an issue for those that believe in the “curse of 375”. Meaning any player who has 375 or more touches in a season is likely to be injured or severely underperform the following year.

In a rare throwback to days gone by, a running back carried a team, multiple fantasy teams, and a town to a Superbowl victory. Does he pay the price with some missed time this season? Barkley’s ADP is RB 2 and as high as third overall. Use caution when taking Barkley who will regress, at best.

#8 Jamien Sherwood NYJ

Jamien Sherwood burst onto the scene last season, and should continue his success this year. He played 1,176 snaps on defense and special teams, and was a bright spot for a dull defense. Sherwood earned 158 combined tackles, which was double the amount from his previous three years combined. His 98 solo tackles led the NFL in the 2024, and a rare accomplishment for any IDP.

His other stats were 3 passes defended and 2 sacks, but Sherwood earns most of his points from tackling. He is a text box tackling machine. Of his 1,063 defensive snaps, 952 came from the box. He is also wearing the all important “green dot”, signifying that he will be in communication with new defensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. The Jets defense will be on the field for several snaps again, and playing with a negative play script. Look for another 150 tackle season from Sherwood.

Come back tomorrow as we break down RB and LB #7. Subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for this and other articles sent directly to your email.

– Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy