NFL MVP stock watch: Top 3 Stay Put

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 07: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills warms up prior to facing the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on December 07, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 07: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills warms up prior to facing the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on December 07, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 29: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans looks to hand the ball to teammate Derrick Henry #22 in the fourth quarter during their game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 29, 2020, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 29: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans looks to hand the ball to teammate Derrick Henry #22 in the fourth quarter during their game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 29, 2020, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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.