Derrick Henry believes Dalvin Cook is the league’s top running back

Although good, Derrick Henry believes there’s a running back better than him. 

There’s plenty of good running backs in the NFL, but how many are great? When looking at the stat lines entering Week 12, Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook and Tennessee’s Derrick Henry are the front-runners for 2020.

The Vikings and Titans runners have been on fire for their offense in 2020, helping them remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. However, only one can claim the top spot for RB1 each year by grabbing the rushing title. Most people would likely assume that each runner would pick themselves, right?

Not if you’re Henry you don’t.

During this week’s press conference, Henry said that if the season ended today, Cook would be his pick to the league’s best to begin the new decade.

“Dalvin Cook is having a phenomenal season,” Henry told reporters. “Right now, I would say he’s the best back in football. Just week after week, always dominating. Always having a great game. Running the ball. Catching the ball. Very explosive.”

One superstar recognizes another super star’s potential

Cook and Henry have met already on the field this season back in Week 3. The Vikings might have lost, but Cook had one of his better games, rushing for 181 yards and a touchdown. Henry followed close behind with 118 yards and a pair of scores.

Through 11 weeks, Cook and Henry remain the only two backs to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in 2020, with the latter lead by 10 yards. However, the Vikings superstar is currently averaging more yards per outing than Henry. (118.8 to 107.9) and has four more touchdowns.

“He is doing a great job this year,” Henry elaborated on Cook. “That guy’s just been incredible the whole year. He runs hard, runs through tackles, makes guys miss. He’s just been balling.”

If it wasn’t such a QB-driven award, both runners should be in contention for the league MVP after illustrious starts this season. Instead, the two should make the race to the rushing crown a fun one for fans that still love running backs as lead options in the NFL.