Saquon Barkley (RB, NYG) - 2022 Fantasy Football Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~9 Overall

CURRENT ADP: ~17

ANALYSIS: Barkley is now two years removed from his ACL tear and free of Joe Judge and Jason Garrett. Sure, he has disappointed the past two seasons. However, he is still 25 years old, playing for a new contract, in a better offensive scheme, and running behind an improved offensive line.

It was a tall task for Barkley to produce like his old self just one year after suffering an ACL tear, but he was still able to manage a couple of monster games within the first month of the season. He was on a pitch count to begin the year but was let loose in Week 3 and Week 4 where he put up 21.4 and 29.6 fantasy points.

Riding a ton of momentum from his past two performances, Barkley said he was “ready to go crazy” in Week 5 against the Cowboys after a great week of practice.

That is when he suffered a fluke ankle injury by stepping on a defender's foot after the play. It held him out until Week 11, and an abysmal Giants offense in the second half of the season limited Barkley to just two strong performances the rest of the season. He put up 95 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers, and had his first 100+ yard rushing game since 2019 in Week 17 against the Bears.

Now, the former second-overall pick in the NFL draft is fully healthy and set up to have a monster season. Head coach Brian Daboll wants to use his in the passing game to allow him to make plays and has mentioned emulating his usage from his historic 2018 season where he caught 91 passes.

Barkley has a realistic shot to lead the league in touches based on Daboll’s plans for his stud running back. He handled 261 carries and 91 receptions (120 targets) in his rookie season, and there is reason to believe this type of workload is what Barkley will be counted on to handle this season.

Talent + opportunity = a whole bunch of fantasy points. Barkley looks to have his explosiveness back and will have all the opportunity in the world to produce fantasy numbers. If he sees another 330-350 touch season, Barkley is going to break fantasy football and win managers their league title.

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