I want to start this article by wishing you all a very Happy New Year! It’s been a whirlwind of a year for me, and I haven’t been as consistent with my writing as I’d like. But with a new year comes new goals, and I’m determined to get back on track. Let’s dive in.

The Eagles face a tough decision ahead of Sunday’s game against the Giants: Should they rest Saquon Barkley or let him chase Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record? Personally, I’m on the fence but leaning toward rest, and recent reports suggest the Eagles are leaning this way as well. Let’s break down both options and weigh the pros and cons.

Sitting Saquon

The most obvious reason to sit Saquon is to give him some much-needed rest. Barkley hasn’t had a break since Week 5 due to the Eagles’ early bye, and this is a rare chance to help key starters recover before the playoffs. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed, so there’s nothing to gain from playing starters—except the risk of injury.

Remember last season’s Week 18 game against the Giants? A.J. Brown injured his knee and missed the Wild Card matchup against the Bucs. Jalen Hurts dislocated his finger, and Sydney Brown tore his ACL. None of those injuries were worth the risk. With the Super Bowl as the ultimate goal, losing a player like Saquon for the postseason could derail everything. The smart play may be to rest him and avoid temptation.

Chasing the Record

Now imagine this: Saquon is just 15 yards away from breaking Dickerson’s record. He takes a handoff, breaks free for 40 yards, and the record is his. The Linc erupts in celebration, and the starters come off the field. What a perfect way to head into the playoffs.

Saquon is universally respected by his teammates, and breaking the record would only strengthen the already great chemistry on this team. As much as Jeffrey Lurie cares about the team’s success, you know he’d love the record to be attached to the Eagles’ franchise.

Plus, let’s not forget Eric Dickerson’s complaints about the 17-game season. While he claims Saquon would have an unfair advantage, it’s worth noting that Dickerson himself broke O.J. Simpson’s record by playing two extra games. Hypocrisy aside, Saquon could break the record with fewer carries, which would be an even greater accomplishment.

Adding to the drama, Saquon would set the record against his former team—the Giants—who chose to invest in one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL instead of paying an elite running back. Talk about poetic justice.

So, What Should the Eagles Do?

I’m torn. Right after the win against the Cowboys, I was convinced the Eagles should rest Saquon and avoid the risk of injury. But as the week has gone on, I’ve wavered. Breaking the record could be an incredible momentum booster heading into the playoffs. Ultimately, I think the decision should come down to what Saquon wants.

Barkley has been unselfish all year, and I doubt that changes now. While the risk of injury is real, the potential reward could be huge. Either way, the Eagles’ coaching staff will have to weigh these factors carefully. No matter what they decide, there’s sure to be a debate among fans.