Audric Estime vs Saquon Barkley: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Saquon Barkley put up 13.4 fantasy points per game for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, while Audric Estime managed 6.0 across 7 games with the New Orleans Saints. A 7.4-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.
A 7.4-PPG gap gives Saquon Barkley the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Audric Estime ran for 198 yards and 1 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: Audric Estime sits Week 12 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.
