Saquon Barkley vs Trey Benson: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles) averaged 13.4 PPG over 16 games in 2025, outscoring Trey Benson (Arizona Cardinals, 7.2 PPG) by 6.2 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 6.2-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. Saquon Barkley ran for 1140 yards and 7 touchdowns; Trey Benson posted 160 and undefined. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: Saquon Barkley is off Week 5 and Trey Benson Week 11. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
