Aaron Jones vs Saquon Barkley: Who Should You Start?
Deciding between Aaron Jones and Saquon Barkley is a common lineup dilemma for fantasy managers. The Minnesota Vikings running back put up 8.7 PPG in 2025 over 12 games; Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles averaged 13.4 in 16. A 4.7-point margin that could shift on any given week.
The per-game difference of 4.7 points favors Saquon Barkley, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Aaron Jones ran for 548 yards and 2 touchdowns; Saquon Barkley posted 1140 and 7. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Aaron Jones sits Week 6 while Saquon Barkley is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
