Philadelphia Eagles Running Backs Fantasy Football Outlook 2024: Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, and AJ Dillon

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2024 season with one of the most intriguing and volatile running back rooms in fantasy football. On paper, this unit could be explosive — anchored by superstar Saquon Barkley, bolstered by rookie upside in Will Shipley, and rounded out by veteran AJ Dillon. But as fantasy managers know all too well, backfields rarely unfold as neatly as depth charts suggest.

Between Barkley’s injury history, Shipley’s tantalizing but unproven skill set, and Dillon’s battle to remain relevant, this is a backfield loaded with questions. Let’s break down what fantasy managers need to know.

Saquon Barkley Fantasy Outlook 2024: The High-Risk, High-Reward RB1

The Eagles made headlines in free agency by signing Saquon Barkley, prying him away from the rival New York Giants. For both real football and fantasy football, Barkley is the centerpiece of this backfield. When healthy, he’s one of the most talented running backs in the NFL, capable of taking over games with his blend of size, speed, and receiving ability.

From a fantasy perspective, Barkley steps into one of the league’s best offensive environments. The Eagles boast a dominant offensive line, a creative play-caller in Kellen Moore, and enough offensive firepower (Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith) to keep defenses honest. If Barkley is on the field for 15+ games, his ceiling is that of a top-five fantasy RB.

But here’s the catch: injuries have defined Barkley’s career almost as much as his highlight reels. He’s missed 20 games since entering the league in 2018, with multiple lower-body injuries including ACL and ankle issues. Barkley showed flashes of his old self in 2022, but 2023 was another uneven campaign — productive at times, limited at others.

For fantasy managers, this makes Barkley one of the ultimate swing picks. Drafting him in the late first or early second round could deliver league-winning upside… or devastating inconsistency if injuries resurface.

Fantasy Draft Range: Round 1–2 (RB1 with top-five upside, but risk baked in).

Will Shipley Fantasy Outlook 2024: The Rookie Sleeper With Major Upside

Behind Barkley, the most exciting name for fantasy is rookie Will Shipley, drafted in the fourth round out of Clemson. Shipley was a versatile weapon in college, racking up over 3,200 scrimmage yards in three seasons. He brings explosiveness, strong receiving chops, and a style that fits perfectly in a complementary role.

For fantasy football, Shipley is the ultimate upside stash. His skill set translates especially well to PPR leagues, where he could carve out a role on third downs and in hurry-up situations. If Barkley misses time, Shipley’s path to touches skyrockets — and his ability as both a runner and receiver makes him more than just a handcuff.

The case for Shipley:

• Fresh legs with limited college mileage compared to other rookies.
• Proven pass catcher (85 receptions at Clemson) in an Eagles offense that thrives on checkdowns and screens.
• Scheme fit, as the Eagles often rotate backs to preserve health.

The risk, of course, is that rookies often take time to develop — especially in pass protection. If Shipley struggles with blocking assignments, he could be limited to gadget plays and light usage early in the season. Still, his upside is undeniable. Shipley is the type of player who could start the year on benches or waivers, only to become a league-winner down the stretch.

Fantasy Draft Range: Round 12–14 (PPR stash, dynasty gem).

AJ Dillon Fantasy Outlook 2024: Depth Piece, Nothing More

After several up-and-down seasons in Green Bay, AJ Dillon finds himself in Philadelphia as the clear third-string option. At 6’0”, 250 pounds, Dillon has always profiled as a bruising short-yardage back. But with Barkley handling goal-line work and Shipley offering more explosiveness, Dillon’s role looks limited at best.

From a fantasy football standpoint, Dillon is off the radar in most leagues. He might see a handful of snaps in short-yardage situations or if the Eagles want to spell Barkley for a drive or two, but his ceiling is capped. The best-case scenario for Dillon managers would be an injury above him on the depth chart — and even then, Shipley likely leapfrogs him as the preferred every-down replacement.

Dillon’s fantasy value is mostly limited to deep best ball formats or as a last-resort waiver pickup in the event of multiple injuries. Otherwise, he’s an insurance policy for the Eagles, not for fantasy rosters.

Fantasy Draft Range: Undrafted (deep bench filler in 16+ team leagues).

Eagles Running Backs 2024: Fantasy Draft Strategy

So how should fantasy football managers approach the Eagles’ running back room? Here’s the breakdown:

• Saquon Barkley is the star. He’s a risky but necessary early-round investment for managers who want to swing for upside. The Eagles’ offensive line and scoring potential make him a candidate for double-digit touchdowns if he plays a full season.
• Will Shipley is the value. He’s the back to target late in drafts as a stash-and-hold candidate. Even with limited touches early, his receiving ability makes him an intriguing bench piece in PPR leagues.
• AJ Dillon is depth only. Unless you’re in a deep league or a best ball format, Dillon shouldn’t be on your draft board.

For fantasy purposes, this backfield is built around one question: Can Saquon Barkley stay healthy? If the answer is yes, he’s a top-tier asset and Shipley is just a handcuff. If the answer is no, Shipley becomes one of the most exciting waiver wire adds of the season.

Final Verdict: A Backfield of Contrasts

The Eagles’ running back room is a study in contrasts for fantasy football 2024:

• A superstar in Barkley, whose ceiling is as high as anyone but whose floor is fragile.
• A rookie in Shipley, whose upside could tilt leagues if given the chance.
• A veteran in Dillon, whose best days may already be behind him.

Fantasy managers should treat this backfield with a mix of aggression and caution. Draft Barkley if you’re comfortable with risk in the early rounds. Stash Shipley if you want a lottery ticket with explosive upside. Leave Dillon on the waiver wire unless desperate.

In a high-powered Eagles offense led by Jalen Hurts, there will be rushing touchdowns and chunk plays available. The key is predicting who gets them. And in 2024, that answer will swing between the health of Saquon Barkley and the readiness of Will Shipley.