Can Saquon Barkley break the NFL’s single-season rushing record? Tracking his pace, plus what’s next.

Can Saquon Barkley Break Eric Dickerson’s Rushing Record? Here’s Where He Stands

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is on a historic tear this season, and after his Week 13 performance against the Baltimore Ravens, the NFL world is buzzing. Barkley racked up 107 rushing yards in the Eagles’ 24-19 victory, bringing his season total to a jaw-dropping 1,499 yards through just 12 games. That puts him on pace to break the single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set by Eric Dickerson in 1984—a record that has stood unchallenged for 40 years.

Let’s break it down: Barkley is averaging 124.9 rushing yards per game, and with five games left in the regular season, he needs to average 121.4 yards per game to surpass Dickerson’s mark. It’s worth noting that Barkley has the advantage of playing in a 17-game season, while Dickerson set his record in just 16 games. Still, the feat would be monumental, as only eight players in NFL history have ever eclipsed the 2,000-yard rushing mark.

The Eagles have leaned heavily on Barkley this season, and it’s paying off in a big way. After signing him to a three-year, $38 million free-agent deal, Philadelphia has shifted to a more run-heavy offense. Credit also goes to the Eagles’ offensive line, led by stars like Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Jordan Mailata, who reportedly pushed for the team to commit to the ground game during a meeting with head coach Nick Sirianni during the Week 5 bye. Since then, the Eagles have led the NFL with 442 rushing attempts, giving Barkley the opportunities he needs to shine.

Tracking Barkley’s Season: Week-by-Week Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at Barkley’s journey so far and how he stacks up against Dickerson’s legendary 1984 campaign:

• Week 1 vs. Green Bay Packers: Barkley debuted with 109 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a receiving score in a 34-29 win. Dickerson had 138 yards in his Week 1 game, putting Barkley 29 yards behind.
• Week 3 at New Orleans Saints: Barkley exploded for 147 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yard score. After this game, Barkley was 62 yards ahead of Dickerson’s pace.
• Week 7 at New York Giants: In a triumphant return to MetLife Stadium, Barkley rushed for 176 yards and a touchdown. He was 53 yards ahead of Dickerson after this game.
• Week 12 at Los Angeles Rams: Barkley delivered his best performance of the season with 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns, setting franchise records. He was 72 yards ahead of Dickerson after this game.

As of Week 13, Barkley has 1,499 rushing yards, 47 yards ahead of Dickerson’s pace at the same point in the season. With five games remaining, the stage is set for a thrilling finish.

What Lies Ahead for Barkley

Looking ahead, Barkley’s path to the record won’t be easy, but there are some favorable matchups on the horizon. Here’s a quick preview of the remaining games:

• Week 14 vs. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers rank as the sixth-worst defense in EPA per run allowed, making this a prime opportunity for Barkley to pad his stats.
• Week 16 at Washington Commanders: Barkley already torched the Commanders for 146 yards earlier this season, and their run defense has struggled mightily in recent weeks.
• Week 18 vs. New York Giants: If Barkley plays in this game, he’ll face a Giants team that has been vulnerable to explosive runs, especially without star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II.

However, there are also some challenges. The Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers could be tough, as their defense has allowed only one 100-yard rusher all season. Additionally, the Eagles’ playoff positioning could impact Barkley’s workload in the final weeks.

Can Barkley Make History?

With 1,499 yards through 12 games, Barkley is on pace for 2,123 yards, which would break Dickerson’s record by 18 yards. But as we’ve seen, anything can happen in the NFL. Barkley’s health, the Eagles’ game scripts, and the performance of opposing defenses will all play a role in determining whether he can etch his name in the record books.

One thing is certain: Saquon Barkley is having a season for the ages, and fans won’t want to miss a single moment as he chases history. Stay tuned as we continue to track his progress and see if he can achieve what only a handful of players have ever come close to accomplishing.