Tag: Derrick Henry

Running Backs Rise, but Quarterbacks Still Dominate Early 2025 NFL MVP Race

Post author By Michael Smith
Post date June 10, 2025
No Comments on Running Backs Rise, but Quarterbacks Still Dominate Early 2025 NFL MVP Race

The 2024 NFL season witnessed a revival for running backs, with standout performances from Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. Henry led the league with 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, while Barkley posted a historic season with over 2,000 yards and a dominant postseason run that helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Despite their achievements, both were overlooked in MVP voting.

Barkley earned only one second-place vote, finishing third overall, while Ja’Marr Chase was the only other non-quarterback in the top 11. The MVP award remains heavily skewed toward quarterbacks, with no non-QB winning since Adrian Peterson in 2012.

The MVP race continues to center around quarterbacks, a trend that shows no signs of stopping. Players like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow are perennial favorites due to their outsized influence on game outcomes.

Although Barkley sparked a valid MVP debate with his exceptional season, the structural bias toward quarterbacks persists. Their weekly impact on team success still outweighs other positions in voters’ eyes, leaving even historically dominant seasons from RBs and WRs underappreciated.

Star Skill Players and Rising Quarterbacks Battle for Spotlight in MVP 2025 Conversation

Despite the MVP voting bias, returning non-QBs like Barkley and Chase are expected to remain in the conversation. Barkley’s repeat of his 2024 performance would solidify his elite status, while Chase, who achieved the rare receiving triple crown, should continue putting up gaudy stats with Burrow.

Yet, both face the same uphill battle for MVP recognition unless their teams show significant success. Chase, in particular, might see more attention if the Bengals post a stronger win-loss record.

Several quarterbacks are emerging as legitimate MVP dark horses. Jayden Daniels, last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, is poised to break out further in 2025 with added offensive weapons and a stronger line. Jared Goff remains consistent in Detroit, although he’ll need to overcome offensive line changes.

Meanwhile, Justin Herbert, known for his dazzling play, may need to thrive under Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy system to gain MVP momentum. These QBs are already on voters’ radars but must elevate their teams further to be serious contenders.

Unconventional MVP Hopefuls Face Obstacles but Possess Talent to Shake Up 2025 Race

Some players represent true dark-horse MVP potential. Travis Hunter, playing both WR and CB for the Jaguars, offers a rare two-way skillset that could turn heads if used heavily on both sides of the ball. Jalen Hurts, though a Super Bowl MVP, may be statistically overshadowed by Barkley in Philly’s offense.

Meanwhile, Jordan Love and Baker Mayfield face different hurdles—injuries and offensive system changes—but each has shown flashes of elite play that could revive their MVP cases if paired with team success.

C.J. Stroud is another name to watch as he seeks to bounce back from a sophomore slump caused by injuries and poor protection. With an upgraded offensive line and a restocked receiver corps, Stroud is in a position to return to his 2023 Rookie of the Year form and compete for MVP recognition.

The 2025 MVP race promises a compelling mix of returning elites, breakout stars, and unconventional candidates, but the dominance of the quarterback position in MVP voting is likely to continue shaping the outcome.

Tags Derrick Henry, NFL, Saquon Barkley

FEATURED

With new deal, Derrick Henry aims to keep thriving in Baltimore’s run game

Post author By Brian Anderson
Post date May 22, 2025
No Comments on With new deal, Derrick Henry aims to keep thriving in Baltimore’s run game

Derrick Henry joined the Baltimore Ravens at age 30 and had one of the best seasons of his career while teaming up with Lamar Jackson.

So why leave a good thing?

Henry has chosen to stick around, agreeing to a two-year, \$30 million extension last week, which includes \$25 million guaranteed. Though he was already signed for the upcoming season, this deal keeps him with the Ravens through 2026.

After rushing for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 — averaging a career-best 5.9 yards per carry — it was clear Henry didn’t want to change a situation that worked.

“I really enjoyed last season a lot,” Henry said. “Being able to play alongside a player like Lamar, the best player in the league, it was just dynamic and a lot of fun. There’s a lot of young guys on the offense and on this team, so I feel like they give me youth and give me a lot of energy.”

Henry currently ranks 19th on the all-time rushing list with 11,423 yards. Another strong season could move him into the top nine. Baltimore has been a strong place for running backs, especially with a healthy Jackson at quarterback.

The Ravens led the league in rushing over the past two seasons and have been in the top three since Jackson became the starter in 2018. While Jackson racks up rushing yards himself, his play helps create more chances for backs like Henry. In 2023, Henry ran for 1,167 yards at 4.2 yards per carry with Tennessee, but he looked refreshed in Baltimore.

“I’m just very grateful for this organization,” Henry said. “Just like last year, coming off the season I had, I wasn’t really happy, and I wanted to prove myself and just get an opportunity, and they gave me the opportunity. I’m very appreciative of how much they value me, to give me an extension, and I just want to show them how much it means to me, how much this organization means to me by the way I work and what I do on the field.”

Baltimore’s support for the run game is clear. In 2023, Gus Edwards had a career-high 810 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns with the Ravens. But with the Chargers the following year, he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry.

The Ravens have shown they don’t see every running back as the same — something reflected in their commitment to Henry.

“I think he fits Baltimore as a city and what the city stands for,” said running backs coach Willie Taggart. “When you always watched the Ravens play, it was always dominating and physical, and when you watch Derrick run, it’s dominating and physical. You think about our city. We’re dominating and physical, so I think he just fit everything about Baltimore and the Ravens’ organization.”

Henry quickly put concerns about his age to rest with his strong performance last season, and Baltimore believes he can keep doing that.

“If you look at the performance he had last year — one of his better years — and that’s nine years in. That’s big time, but Derrick works hard. It’s important to him,” Taggart said. “He wants to win a Super Bowl, and I know he’s going to do everything he can to help this football team accomplish that.”

Tags Derrick Henry

NFL (American Football)

Derrick Henry Contemplates Future with Titans Following Playoff Elimination

Post author By Richard Tudor
Post date December 18, 2023
No Comments on Derrick Henry Contemplates Future with Titans Following Playoff Elimination

Following a disheartening 19-16 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, Tennessee running back Derrick Henry expressed contemplation about his future, especially as the defeat officially extinguished the Titans’ playoff hopes.

Reflecting on the situation, Henry, known for living in the present, acknowledged the possibility that this moment could mark the conclusion of his tenure with the Titans. Disappointed by the premature elimination from playoff contention with three games remaining, he expressed a desire to conclude his time with the team on a stronger note.

The Titans face a crucial decision regarding the 29-year-old Henry, who is poised to enter free agency after the expiration of his four-year, $50 million contract signed in 2020. With a projected $91.8 million in cap space this offseason, Tennessee has the financial flexibility to retain Henry, but the emergence of rookie Tyjae Spears, who logged 410 snaps just one less than Henry this season, adds a layer of complexity to the decision.

Henry’s performance on Sunday marked a low point in his starting career, managing only 9 yards on 16 carries. This starkly contrasted with his recent average of 203.6 rushing yards in the past five games against Houston. Despite his personal struggles, Henry acknowledged the team’s collective shortcomings, crediting the Texans as the superior side with answers for every challenge.

In the current season, Henry has accumulated 214 carries for 875 yards and 10 touchdowns across 14 games. His impressive career stats include 9,210 rushing yards, the second-highest in Oilers/Titans history behind Eddie George, and a franchise-leading 88 rushing touchdowns.

Looking ahead, the Titans have a home game against the Seattle Seahawks, followed by a trip to Houston, before concluding the season at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Henry expressed his commitment to giving his all in these final three games, aiming to leave everything on the field.

Tags Derrick Henry

NFL (American Football)

Tennessee Titans Confirm No Plans to Trade Derrick Henry

Post author By Michael Smith
Post date October 29, 2023
No Comments on Tennessee Titans Confirm No Plans to Trade Derrick Henry

According to sources in the NFL, the Tennessee Titans have communicated to Derrick Henry that they have no immediate plans to trade him despite receiving inquiries from other teams interested in the Pro Bowl running back. However, this assurance does not necessarily rule out the possibility of a trade by the approaching 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday; it’s simply an indication of their current intent.

Many within the league believe that, given Henry’s significance to the Titans, it would be reasonable for the organization to explore potential trade options. Henry is on an expiring contract and is set to become a free agent after this season. Moreover, with Henry turning 30 in January and a remaining salary of $6.4 million for this season, accommodating his contract might not be straightforward for another team.

While there has been speculation linking Henry to the Dallas Cowboys, sources indicate that the Cowboys have not expressed any interest in trading for the NFL’s 2020 Offensive Player of the Year.

Should a trade involving Henry materialize, it would likely require an agreement to modify his contract for salary cap considerations by the end of the day on Monday. This is a crucial requirement as it precedes the NFL’s trade deadline by 24 hours.

Thus, while the Titans have informed Henry of their reluctance to trade him, the situation remains fluid, and the pivotal moment will be at 4 p.m. on Monday. Despite Henry’s notable achievements and abilities, the level of interest in him across the NFL is somewhat muted due to factors such as his age, production, expiring contract, and cost for the remainder of this season.

This season, Henry has accumulated 425 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns in six games, although his yards per carry average of 4.3 is the lowest it has been in a single season since 2017. Notably, Henry boasts 8,760 career rushing yards, the highest among active players.

Earlier in the week, the Titans made a significant trade by sending two-time Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for safety Terrell Edmunds and two draft picks. The Titans, with a current record of 2-4, have faced a challenging start to the season and will be playing against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, with quarterbacks Will Levis and Malik Willis stepping in for the injured starter, Ryan Tannehill.

Tags Derrick Henry

NFL (American Football)

Fantasy Football 2023: Check Out these Players You Can Get at a Good Price and Others You Can Sell for More During Week 4

Post author By Collins Abia
Post date October 1, 2023
No Comments on Fantasy Football 2023: Check Out these Players You Can Get at a Good Price and Others You Can Sell for More During Week 4

As we enter Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season, it is starting to become clear who will be the best players this year and who will disappoint us. But it’s still early.

We still have some things to figure out. There are some popular players I’m changing my mind about (keep reading), but there are some players I still believe in (like Josh Jacobs).

Here are the best people to buy low and sell high in fantasy this week.

Buy Cheap Players

1. Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts QB)

Last week, Minshew Mania came back, and some fantasy managers might not know how well Richardson played in his first two NFL games. In Week 1, he scored 21 pretend football points, and in Week 2, he got 18 points in just one half before getting hurt.

He has been really good at scoring touchdowns so far, getting four already in just a little more than five quarters of play. You might want to think about trading for him now before he becomes even more valuable.

Buy Cheap Players — Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts QB (Credits: Stampede Blue)

2. Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans RB)

The idea that Henry was not good in fantasy performance after one bad game doesn’t make sense. The Browns have a really strong defense, being the best in the whole league in stopping the other team and preventing them from scoring.

Last week, they not only stopped Henry but also the whole Titans team from scoring. But that is okay; it happens sometimes in pretend football. In the first two weeks of the season, Henry got around 14 points against the Saints (who are also good at stopping runners) and about 19 points against the Chargers.

Henry does not have to worry about playing less this season; he is actually in charge of the ball a lot, leading the NFL in team touch percentage, which is how often his team gives him the ball (almost half the time!).

The Titans have a lucrative schedule coming up, and Henry should get over 20 touches per game, as usual. It’s also worth noting that Henry will play against the Texans twice in the fantasy playoffs (Week 15 and Week 17). It’s a defense that Henry has absolutely dominated for years.

3. Karen Williams (Los Angeles Rams RB)

No running back has played more offensive snaps this season than Williams. The second-year pro is playing a whopping 86.1% of the Rams’ offensive snaps, according to Next Gen Stats.

He has also scored the second-highest number of points (19) for his position in 2023. He might not always score points super efficiently, but he scored a lot, and that is really important in fantasy games.

Even though not many people know him well, and he did not do as well in pretend football in Week 3, he is a hardworking player who might not get noticed as much. Imagine him like a great shirt you find on sale!

4. Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals WR)

Would you believe me if I told you that Tee Higgins achieved as many goals as Mike Evans? Higgins has given up just ten runs in his first three games, so I think it’s hard to understand.

Higgins has had at least eight targets in every game but has averaged less than 25 yards and no touchdowns in two of those three games.

The good news is that over the next three weeks, the Bengals will face three defenses that are ranked last against the pass: the Titans, Cardinals, and Seahawks. This should make things much easier for the Bengals’ passing attack as they look to get back on track. Talent usually comes first, and Higgins’ production should increase as the season progresses.

Sell High Players

1. Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints RB)

It may seem strange to trade a player who is returning from a three-game suspension and has yet to play this season, but I think Kamara’s fantasy value may be at its peak.

Many pretend football team managers are looking for a really good runner, and Kamara is a well-known player. People might want to trade him quickly before he plays again on Sunday. But we should remember that Kamara did not score a lot in pretend football last year.

Sell High Players — Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints RB (Credits: New Orleans Saints)

He did well in some games, but in 10 games, he scored 12 or fewer fantasy points. In five of those, he scored less than eight points. When Chris Olove became a stronger player, it seemed like Kamara might get the ball less in the second part of 2022.

The experienced player will likely still be a good second-best runner for the rest of the season, no matter who the quarterback is. But right now, it might be hard to exchange him for something even better. Something to think about is swapping Kamara for someone like Derrick Henry, another good runner.

2. Cortland Sutton (Denver Broncos WR)

The Dolphins had to play very badly for Sutton to have a really great fantasy day. Sutton has not scored a lot of pretend football points in a single game with Russell Wilson as the starting QB.

Actually, since Wilson started, Sutton has scored 13 points or less in almost every game except for four games. After a good pretend football week, you might think about trading Sutton for a younger player like Tank Dell, who could be even better in the future.

3. Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons TE)

Fantasy team managers really like the idea of having Kyle Pitts in their fantasy team, but he has not been as exciting as they hoped. He is never been a top scorer, and he does not find it as enjoyable.

In more than half of the games he has played since 2022, Pitts has scored less than five pretend football points. He has only scored more than ten fantasy football points twice during this time.

People might think he could do a lot better, but the coach, Arthur Smith, has said that he is not focused on making sure Pitts gets the ball a lot in pretend football games.

The young tight end did quite well in fantasy performance in Week 3, especially compared to how he has been doing. He caught the ball five times and gained 41 yards, which is good for him.

This might make other fantasy team managers think he is more valuable. In your pretend football league, there will always be someone who thinks Kyle Pitts is amazing. If you find that person, you might want to trade with them.

Tags Anthony Richardson, Derrick Henry, Tee Higgins