NFL MVP stock watch, Week 8: Rodgers storms back

NFL MVP stock watch, Week 8: Aaron Rodgers storms back

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 25: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with Jace Sternberger #87 after a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at NRG Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 25: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball in the second half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Nissan Stadium on October 25, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Steelers defeated the Titans 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

5. Derrick Henry, RB (Tennessee Titans)

Last Week’s Ranking: 3rd (-2)

Highest Ranking of Season: 3rd

2020 Stats: 143 Rushes, 663 Rushing Yards, 7 Rushing TDs, 4.6 Yards/Carry,10 Reception, 81 Receiving Yards

The Pittsburgh Steelers asphyxiate the run as a rule of thumb. On the whole, they stifled Derrick Henry and the Titans, sending Mike Vrabel’s team to its first loss of 2020. Early on, the game was a rout. Pittsburgh was brutalizing Tennessee, and a let-up did not feel imminent. However, the Titans are a scrappy football team and did manage to tighten the game up.

Henry notched 20 carries for 75 yards, a pedestrian showcase for the 26-year-old. He chipped in a big touchdown that pulled the Titans within three points early in the fourth quarter. It would not be quite enough. The game remained at a three-point deficit until Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski was granted the opportunity to tie the contest. He missed.

Atop the NFL’s rushing leaderboard is where Henry sits, nevertheless. Behind him in second place is Kansas City’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who is a full game’s worth of production behind Henry (112 yards).

Next up for Henry is the Cincinnati Bengals — a team that should be kinder to him than Pittsburgh.

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