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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has been a fantasy football cheat code this season. The former Penn State star is the RB1 for the year, averaging 21.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game.
The superstar has been a rushing machine. He has over 120 rushing yards in three of the past four games, including 150 or more in back-to-back contests.
However, will Saquon Barkley play in Week 18 against the New York Giants or sit out the meaningless game with the playoffs starting next week?
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Is Saquon Barkley Starting And Playing This Week?
The Eagles have nothing to play for in Week 18. They are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, regardless of whether they win or lose against the division rivals. However, Barkley has 2,005 rushing yards this season. The superstar is 101 rushing yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s record that has stood for the past 40 years.
Barkley has had 107 or more rushing yards in 68.8% of the games this season, including six of the past seven contests. Furthermore, he had 176 rushing yards in the Week 7 matchup against New York. While fans want the superstar to go after the rushing record, ESPN’s Adam Schefter would be shocked to see Barkley play on Sunday.
"I'd be floored if [Saquon Barkley] played again until the playoffs."@AdamSchefter says the Eagles pulling Saquon immediately after eclipsing 2,000 rushing yards "speaks volumes" about whether he plays in Week 18 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/ax7O0jqNaw
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 30, 2024
Thankfully, fantasy players should know whether or not the superstar running back will play this week before kickoff.
Replacement Options Off The Waiver Wire
Fantasy players can find some solid replacement options off the waiver wire if Barkley doesn’t play against his former team. Ameer Abdullah is rostered in only 35% of Yahoo leagues. Yet, the veteran running back has been outstanding during the fantasy football playoffs.
Abdullah has scored at least 16 half-point PPR fantasy points in three consecutive games. He has had at least 66 scrimmage yards in every contest, finding the end zone twice.
Ameer Abdullah in the fantasy playoffs...
🏴☠️ 16.1 points
🏴☠️ 17.0 points
🏴☠️ 16.2 pointsThe prince that was promised delivered when it mattered most (10 years later). pic.twitter.com/jtsn8zMNws
— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) December 31, 2024
Last week, the veteran running back had 20 rushing attempts for 115 yards and 16.2 fantasy points in the win over the Saints. It was Abdullah’s first career game with 100 or more rushing yards.
While he faces a talented Los Angeles Chargers run defense on Sunday, the veteran running back should see plenty of work in the passing game, making him an RB2 in Week 18.
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