NFL MVP stock watch: Aaron Rodgers deserves 3rd MVP

3 of 6

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

4. Derrick Henry, RB (Tennessee Titans)

Last Week’s Ranking: 4th

Highest Ranking of Season: 3rd (-1)

2020 Stats: 378 Rushes, 2,027 Rushing Yards, 17 TDs, 5.4 Yards/Carry

For about a month in 2020, the consensus hinted that the Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings was the best halfback in the business. Hell, Derrick Henry even said so. But that turned out to be self-motivational talk for Henry. After the 27-year-old declared Cook the league’s best running back, Henry totally leapfrogged his competition.

All told, Henry broke the elusive 2,000-yard barrier and [by the way] chipped in 17 touchdowns. Much like Josh Allen’s candidacy, 2020 could have been a season that Henry’s achievements would win the MVP award. No such luck — three quarterbacks are just too good.

Henry’s 2020 season was the most rushing yards by a player since Adrian Peterson — an MVP winner — in 2012. It was also the third-most rushing yards in the last 20 years. All-time, this was the fifth-best campaign by running back in NFL history when adjudicated by rushing yards.

And, Henry will finish outside of the Top 3 for MVP voting. Can you believe that?

The Titans will need every centimeter of yardage from Henry this weekend at home vs. the Ravens.

Home/NFL