NFL MVP stock watch, Week 7: Race Tightens Up

NFL MVP stock watch, Week 7: Derrick Henry enters the chat

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 18: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans 42-36 in overtime. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 18: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium on October 18, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

3. Derrick Henry, RB (Tennessee Titans)

Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked

Highest Ranking of Season: Unranked

2020 Stats: 123 Rushes, 588 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing TDs, 4.8 Yards/Carry, 8 Reception, 8 Receiving Yards

This marks the first time in 2020 that a running back enlists in the Stock Watch. If there was ever a week for a tailback to deserve the nod, Henry earned it Week 6. Henry pounded the Houston Texans for 212 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed 52 receiving yards in the triumphant effort. Hell, one of his scores was a walk-off rushing touchdown.

Henry is on pace to rush for 1,882 yards and 19 scores. He wants his damn respect, too. We’re giving it to him.

In the modern NFL, sustaining an otherworldly rushing season such as Henry’s is seldom. Why? Because all the craze is throwing the football to coagulate with football analytics. Running backs are now perceived to be entirely interchangeable players.

Paying the elite ones top-dollar is laughed at in some circles. Henry and Minnesota Vikings halfback, Dalvin Cook, are the league’s two top rushers. They were two of the men that inked colossal contract extensions last offseason.

If teams still prefer to employ a run-first offense (there are not many), running backs are still worth the money.