When it comes to fantasy football predictions, fans might simply look the other way as the team’s success is all that matters to them at the end of the day.
But when a player was so critical to a team’s success throughout the year, it’s worth reading some interesting predictions and theories. A recent prediction regarding Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is something that “Birds” fans will have to wonder about.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport labeled Barkley as a potential bust candidate for the 2025 NFL season. The word comes off as a bit dramatic because, again, it’s fantasy football, but regression is regression, and “the Curse of 370” was explained.
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“Since 2007, there have been 25 instances where a running back surpassed 370 touches in a season. Of that group, only two gained more total yardage the following year. An equal number saw an increase in PPR points. That’s less than 10 percent who increased their production,” wrote Davenport.
“Then, there’s the ‘2K Club.’ Of the eight RBs to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, not one gained even 1,500 rushing yards the following year. Six of those backs missed time the following season. The average decline in rushing yards after a 2,000-yard campaign? 966 yards. Forty-seven percent.”
And you thought the infamous “Madden Curse” was concerning.
Here’s the good news for the Eagles: a production regression is almost expected this year, since Barkley literally teased NFL history in 2024. Had the veteran running back played through the entire regular season, taking on his average of 22 carries during the final week of the regular season, Barkley would’ve broken a record that hasn’t been touched since 1984.
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Despite the predicted regression, Barkley is still in a great situation in Philadelphia. The Eagles won’t see too much turnover up front, meaning they’ll head into the 2025 NFL season with one of the best offensive lines in the game. Without any setbacks in play since last the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, Barkley is healthy heading into the new year. He could be poised for another big year, even if he doesn’t have another 2,000-plus rushing year.
Across six seasons with the New York Giants, Barkley exceeded 1,000 yards three times. Last year, he rushed for 2,005 yards with a career-high 345 carries. He surpassed his previous career-high in carries by 50 touches.
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