Derrick Henry vs Saquon Barkley: Who Should You Start?
If you are choosing between Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley for your lineup, you are not alone. Derrick Henry finished the 2025 season at 16.0 PPG for the Baltimore Ravens (17 games), and Saquon Barkley averaged 13.4 for the Philadelphia Eagles (16 games).
That 2.6-point weekly advantage for Derrick Henry is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Derrick Henry ran for 1595 yards and 16 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: Derrick Henry sits Week 14 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.
