If the NFL season started and ended in Week 13 between 2018-2019, Derrick Henry would be the MVP. The fourth-year RB out of Alabama ended last season with an incredible performance. Given how his first three seasons were playing out, this was an aberration.
Henry did not top fantasy football rankings in August. He was not a favorite to be near the top of rushing leaders in 2019. And he was certainly not even an afterthought in the MVP discussion for this season. In the past calendar year, however, there might not be a greater player at his position.
The Titans’ star RB stands at 6′ 3″ and weighs 238 pounds. These metrics are typically reserved for goal line ‘backs. When the Tennessee Titans swiped Dion Lewis away from the Patriots in 2018, this was precisely how Henry’s role was envisioned. He has clearly broken that mold.
Over the past three games, Derrick Henry has 496 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. Over the past sixteen games, equaling one NFL season, Derrick Henry has 1725 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. Only Christian McCaffrey rivals this production, and Henry is accomplishing most of it in a traditional RB-role, on the ground.
The Tennessee Titans feature a good defense, a decent offensive line, and average QB play. They are the prototypical 9-7 team that can sneak into a Saturday Wild Card matchup every year. Head Coach Mike Vrabel is a motivator. He has made Derrick Henry believe that he could be the MVP in this league. If he can do that for the rest of his football team, the Titans might just surprise everyone in January.
