2022-23 NFL Bold Predictions: Saquon Barkley Throws It Back to 2018 & Other RB Predictions

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley headlines three bold running back predictions for the upcoming NFL season.

2022-23 NFL Bold Predictions

Saquon Barkley Leads NFL in Yards From Scrimmage

After leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage en route to winning the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year, it’s been all downhill for Barkley. 

He’s expected to be utilized more frequently in the passing attack this season, and the Giants also beefed up their offensive line through free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft. Additionally, former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll projects to be an upgrade for the entire offense as a first-year head coach for the New York Giants.

FanDuel Sportsbook has Barklay listed at +6000 to win the 2022 AP Offensive Player of the Year Award, and leading the league in yards from scrimmage would certainly put him on the map for the honor.

https://twitter.com/PFF_Giants/status/1536714277012242432

Now, Barkley just needs to avoid being traded and stay healthy, and the New York offensive line has to also clear the way. 

Not a lot to ask.

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Dameon Pierce Leads Rookies in Rushing Yards

A powerful and balanced runner, Pierce has the potential to quickly secure a sizable share of the backfield touches for the Houston Texans.

He’s probably a long shot to win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and is listed at +2800 to pull off the feat at Caesars Sportsbook. However, considering the opportunity for Pierce to separate himself from the pack in Houston, pacing rookies in rushing yards is definitely in play this season.

Veterans Rex Burkhead and Marlon Mack will be involved, but they’re unlikely to prove to be better short-yardage or goal-line options, and Pierce also enters the NFL healthy and fresh. The rookie piled up just 100 touches and 19 receptions in his final season with the Florida Gators last year, after all.

With so many teams turning to a committee approach out of the backfield, Pierce might have the golden ticket of opportunity to turn heads and have a standout rookie campaign. 

The Texans will want to know what they have in this year’s fourth-round selection, too.

Javonte Williams Doesn’t Come Close to Flirting with Rushing Lead

There’s every reason to expect Williams to have a sizable impact this season, but FanDuel also has him listed at a short +2000 to lead the NFL in rushing yards. 

Most concerning is that Williams isn’t even the clear-cut starter for the Denver Broncos, as veteran running back Melvin Gordon started 16 of 17 games last season, and the two backs tied with 203 carries in 2021.

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1539345424498188288

It would take an enormous workload shift for Williams to even enter the NFL rushing-leader conversation, and Gordon showed no signs of slowing down in his age-28 season last year.

Plus, new quarterback Russell Wilson will be able to create more opportunities through the air for the offense, which in turn won’t need to lean as heavily on the rushing attack.

A Gordon injury is the only clear avenue for Williams to take a run at a rushing title, and the veteran has suited up for double-digit games in each of his seven years in the league.

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