Should Nick Sirianni let Saquon Barkley get the single season all-time rushing record in Week 18?

The question on everyone’s mind around Philadelphia this holiday season is: Can or should Saquon Barkley break Eric Dickerson's seemingly untouchable single-season rushing yards record? Nick Sirianni has already announced that the Eagles will be resting most of their starters, which likely includes Barkley. It’s a polarizing topic without a clear right or wrong answer. However, no matter the decision, expectations, and consequences will follow, leaving Sirianni with what feels like an impossible choice

On one side, there’s the argument for sitting Barkley in Week 18 to preserve him for the playoffs. This approach makes sense—resting your star player increases the chances of entering the postseason fully healthy. But the stakes are high. If Barkley sits and the Eagles fall to the Packers in the first round or lose in the second, Sirianni and his staff will face scrutiny for a decision that, in hindsight, may appear needless. However, starting Barkley means that you would most likely play most of the offensive line, putting their health at risk too. For those prioritizing postseason readiness, sitting both Barkley and the offensive line will be the safest move health-wise.

On the other hand, the more aggressive strategy would be to play Barkley until he gains the 101 yards needed to break the record, then pull him out. This would likely involve starting much of the offensive line as well. Achieving this record would be monumental—a statement to NFL general managers, owners, and analysts who increasingly undervalue the running back position. It would be a resounding reminder of the position’s significance in a league that increasingly treats running backs as interchangeable.

In my opinion, the best approach would be to evaluate Barkley’s performance on a quarter-to-quarter basis. After each quarter, assess his yardage, check in with him and the offensive line about their health, and collaboratively decide the next steps. Breaking the rushing record is as much about the offensive line’s effort as it is about Barkley’s talent. Their input and well-being should carry equal weight in the decision.

Ultimately, one thought keeps coming back to me: it’s the 2024–2025 New York Giants we’re talking about. What I mean is, that the Giants are essentially playing for nothing and are likely headed for major roster and coaching changes this offseason. This is also the same team that paid now Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback Daniel Jones instead of committing to the great Saquon Barkley. Imagine how poetic it would be for Barkley to shatter one of football’s greatest records against the team that undervalued him.