2022 NFL Futures | Why Saquon Barkley is the Best Bet for Offensive Player of the Year

If you have watched Saquon Barkley the last two seasons, seeing his name mentioned as a candidate for NFL Offensive Player of the Year may come as a shock. This article is not 'clickbait.' Instead, I want to remind our readers just how good Saquon Barkley is.

The Ugly

Saquon Barkley has only played in 15 of 33 games in the last two seasons. If Barkley has any shot at the Offensive Player of the Year award or any accolade, he must stay healthy. 

The Bad

Saquon Barkley stayed on the field for 13 of 17 games in 2021. Unfortunately, he was not the player he once was, averaging a pitiful 3.7 yards per carry. Saquon Barkley touched the ball over 200 times in 2021, and you would have never known it.

Some believe that Saquon Barkley is 'washed.' Here is why you should capitalize on their short-term view:

The Good

Let us not forget that as a rookie in 2018, Saquon Barkley produced over 2,000 total yards. Barkley was a force as a runner and a receiver as he hauled 90 catches in 2018.

There are few running backs in the NFL that can boost Saquon Barkley's versatility. If you listen to reports out of New York, the new Brian Daboll offense will utilize Barkley in space as a receiver. 

Those reports also state that Saquon Barkley looks phenomenal, and a bounce-back season is on the horizon. 

Throw in the fact that the Giants have the best offensive line they have had in the Saquan Barkley era, and the arrow is pointing way up for Saquon Barkley. 

Why Saquon Barkley?

Naysayers will point to the recent injury history and immediately dismiss this call. To that, I would say, why is Christian McCaffrey receiving a pass for his recent injury history?

C-Mac is resting at +2500 while Saquon Barkley is +6000. Splash a little cash on Saquon Barkley and thank me later.