Saquon Barkley stands at a pivotal moment in his career, having recorded an alarming total of 436 carries in 2024, including playoffs. This puts him in a precarious position traditionally associated with steep declines in performance for running backs. Historical data suggests players with over 390 carries see significant drops in yardage and efficiency in subsequent seasons. However, Barkley's approach has deviated from historical norms. Instead of pushing through with an intense offseason training regimen, he has prioritized recovery and conditioning, collaborating with experts such as coach Nick Sirianni and Hall of Famers like Marshall Faulk. Through this strategic recovery, Barkley aims to maintain his explosiveness and fend off the impending decline.

Remarkably, his previous season's high workload did not hinder his performance; in fact, he achieved a career-high rushing success rate and yards per carry. Now entering his eighth NFL season at 28, Barkley feels rejuvenated and is positioned to defy the so-called 'high-carry curse.' With the Philadelphia Eagles' elite offensive structure supporting him, there’s potential for Barkley to continue thriving, making him a key player to watch in fantasy leagues.