NFL MVP stock watch: Top 3 Stay Put
By Dustin Baker
4. Derrick Henry, RB (Tennessee Titans)
Last Week’s Ranking: 5th (+1)
Highest Ranking of Season: 3rd (-1)
2020 Stats: 271 Rushes, 1,317 Rushing Yards, 12 Rushing TDs, 4.9 Yards/Carry
Let’s be clear: The only reason Henry outranks Dalvin Cook in this analysis is his team’s current superiority to the Vikings. The Titans are owners of an 8-4 record and an AFC South division lead. Indeed, it’s odd that Henry’s stock increased when his team lost to the Cleveland Browns.
Henry had “only” 67 rushing yards during his team’s humbling experience at home vs. the Browns. But with Russell Wilson’s fall from grace, the rankings are juxtaposed.
Henry leads the NFL in rushing yards — again — and is a hallmark reason that the Titans are barrelling toward the playoffs. He’s rushed for 50+ yards in 21 consecutive games, a feat that is largely overlooked by most elements of national punditry. It is the 15th-longest such streak in NFL history.
Dalvin Cook is second on this active list with 11 straight games of 50+ rushing yards. Priest Holmes is the all-time leader with 38 games.
The Titans will be in a bad mood next weekend vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars — a team that is a perfect opponent for a rebound game.