Both New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley and Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson have largely underperformed their first-round fantasy football average draft position. But which of the two running backs is the better one to have for the remainder of 2023?
Should You Trade Saquon Barkley for Bijan Robinson in Week 10?
It’s understandable if Barkley fantasy owners are underwhelmed with their return on investment through nine weeks. The Giants’ star missed three of the team’s first nine games and has gone over the 100-yard mark just once this season.
However, for Barkley managers looking to move on for the 26-year-old, it wouldn’t be wise to accept a 1-for-1 offer for Robinson.
Robinson has been largely disappointing this season, too, mainly for factors out of his control. Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith insists on continuing to rotate his running backs, which has kept second-year runner Tyler Allgeier firmly in the mix.
Allgeier has been the one to take most of the Falcons’ red-zone snaps, too, which has significantly lowered Robinson’s fantasy ceiling.
Through nine weeks, Barkley has averaged 16.5 PPR points per game. Robinson, on the other hand, has only averaged 12.6 PPR points per week.
Barkley has proven he’s an RB1 in the past, and New York will need to lean on him even more offensively with starting quarterback Daniel Jones sidelined. Pro Football Network’s Trade Analyzer strongly suggests not trading Barkley for Robinson.
Barkley’s Rest-of-Season Fantasy Value
Barkley is currently the RB23 on the season, but that is mainly because he missed three games earlier this year. His 16.5 PPR points per game is the ninth most of any running back in 2023, and only four of the players ahead of him have played in five-plus games.
The Giants offense is one of the worst in the NFL, if not the worst. Big Blue is averaging just 11.2 points per game and 269.8 yards per game, both 32nd in the league. The team lacks weapons on the outside, has dealt with a plethora of injuries, and has needed to play three different quarterbacks.
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With Jones out for the remainder of the season, expect New York to lean even more on Barkley for offensive production. Yes, the team has struggled to score points, but it’s not because of Barkley. Since returning from injury, Barkley has topped 90 yards rushing in three of four games and averaged 27.5 touches per game during that stretch.
How successful the Giants’ offense is for the remainder of the season is largely up for debate. But one thing is for sure: Barkley is going to get plenty of opportunities moving forward. In fantasy, that’s all you can ask for. The Giants’ standout remains an every-week start for the remainder of the season.
Robinson’s Rest-of-Season Fantasy Value
The Falcons’ usage of Robinson is one of the most difficult things to predict. Robinson is as dynamic as any player in the league when he has the football in his hands. He’s a home-run threat every time he touches the football, yet the Falcons seem determined to limit his number of touches every week.
Since Robinson’s 19-carry, 124-yard rushing performance in Week 2, the rookie has yet to carry the football 15 times since. He has also failed to top the 100-yard mark during that span and has scored just two touchdowns over the past eight weeks.
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As I said earlier, Robinson is as electric as any player in the NFL. That alone makes him an attractive fantasy asset, even if he doesn’t have the guaranteed touches that several other backs do. In theory, Robinson could only need one play to turn in a solid fantasy performance.
But sometimes in fantasy football, opportunities matter more than potential. And the Falcons have yet to commit to giving Robinson a large role, even if he’s proven to be the best option in their offense.
Atlanta’s lack of commitment to Robinson makes him a somewhat risky start every week moving forward, even though it’s very difficult for managers to put him on their bench.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Start/Sit Optimizer and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!