Saquon Barkley is set to return to the Philadelphia Eagles’ backfield in Week 7 after missing two games with a hamstring injury, offering a rare fantasy football bright spot amid a difficult season. His upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football has fantasy managers weighing Barkley’s potential impact against Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, who has struggled to meet expectations in 2026.
Barkley’s fantasy production has been disappointing. Currently ranked as the RB55 in PPR formats, he trails just behind De'Von Achane, whose 2026 campaign ended in Week 3 due to injury. Yet despite his underwhelming numbers, Barkley’s return could coincide with a more prominent role in an Eagles offense that has lost quarterback Jalen Hurts. This shift may increase Barkley’s workload and opportunities, particularly in a game against the Cowboys, whose run defense has been among the worst in the league this year.
Dallas has allowed the most rushing yards per game in the NFL, 149.8, and ranks 11th for points given up to running backs in PPR leagues. The last three RB1s to face Dallas averaged 66.3 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns combined. This suggests Barkley’s Week 7 matchup could be one of the more favorable opportunities for a fantasy running back this season.
On the other side, Chase Brown’s fantasy outlook has dimmed following a lackluster performance in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Brown managed just 13 carries for 39 yards and three catches for 21 yards in that game. Meanwhile, Bengals RB2 Samaje Perine saw increased usage, taking 14 carries for 68 yards and two receptions for 10 yards. Perine’s 50% snap share compared to Brown’s 61% raises concerns about Brown’s workload and fantasy value going forward.
Brown faces the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7, a defense that has held ground against the run this season. Baltimore ranks 11th in fewest rushing yards allowed per game, giving up 100.5 yards on average. They also rank eighth and sixth in standard and PPR points allowed to opposing running backs, respectively. The three most recent RB1s who faced Baltimore averaged 58.3 rushing yards, 3.3 receptions, 16 receiving yards, and scored just one touchdown combined.
Fantasy managers looking for a Week 7 start should lean toward Barkley. Despite his struggles this year, the matchup against Dallas offers a better chance for production than Brown’s tough game against Baltimore. Barkley’s team situation, with an absent Hurts, might push the Eagles to rely on him more heavily.
Brown remains a usable fantasy option outside this comparison, but his value could drop further if Perine continues to share snaps as heavily as he did in Week 5. For managers invested in Brown, the Week 7 game against Baltimore may be a signal to reconsider his role in their starting lineup.
Barkley’s return will be closely watched, not only by Eagles fans but also by fantasy players hoping he can capitalize on a favorable matchup and shift the course of his 2026 season. The Week 7 slate will test whether Barkley can rebound or if Brown’s opportunity with the Bengals will gain ground despite recent setbacks.
According to Yahoo Sports.