NFL bettors are frustrated by Saquon Barkley's decision to slide instead of scoring a late touchdown.

The Packers were predicted to prevent Barkley from scoring a touchdown by bettors.

NFL bettors are frustrated by Saquon Barkley's decision to slide instead of scoring a late touchdown.
NFL bettors are frustrated by Saquon Barkley's decision to slide instead of scoring a late touchdown.

On Sunday evening, a multitude of bettors supported Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley to score a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in their wild-card playoff game.

During the 2024 season, Barkley demonstrated that he was not only the best running back in the NFL but also the smartest.

Saquon Barkley runs off the field
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley leaves the field after the wild-card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

With 1:09 remaining in the game, he received the ball and sprinted for 17 yards. He had a clear path ahead of him and could have scored easily, but opted to slide to conserve time and ensure an Eagles victory.

The most popular pro bet on Barkley for a touchdown at any time was at BetMGM, according to Yahoo Sports. He was also the third most popular leg of parlays at ESPNBet, the network reported.

Saquon Barkley takes the ball
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hands the ball off to running back Saquon Barkley during the playoff game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Regardless, Barkley said stats didn’t matter at that point.

"Winning is the only thing that matters, regardless of the stats," he stated, according to Pro Football Talk. "It doesn't matter if we score 400 points or win 3-0; all that matters is the victory."

Barkley stated that scoring wasn't tempting, but rather, the priority was to get the first down and maintain it.

Saquon Barkley runs
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia won the game, 22-10, with him finishing with 119 yards on 25 carries.

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by Ryan Gaydos

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