Fantasy Upside
What a bust-out year it was for Derrick Henry, as he led the NFL in rushing with over 1,500 yards on 303 carries, averaging 5.1 yards-per-attempt. He also scored 18 times, after totaling 23 in his first three NFL seasons. As the workhorse, Henry rushed for 100 yards on six occasions, including five of the final six contests to help the Titans qualify for the playoffs. His combination of size and speed makes him a load to bring down.
Fantasy Downside
You’ve got to wonder about the toll all those touches did on Henry last year. Counting the playoffs, he had a combined 409, so some will worry about him breaking down as the ’20 season wears on. Possibly more worrisome is his lack of involvement in the passing attack, especially if the Titans find themselves behind by multiple scores, as Henry has never caught even 20 passes in a season. Tennessee selected Darrynton Evans in the third-round and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Henry sees a reduced workload to keep him as fresh as possible.
Bottom Line
In Arthur Smith’s grind-it-out offensive approach Henry is the perfect back. After taking over as Tennessee’s No. 1 back the past two seasons, the 26-years-old has totaled 2,599 yards on the ground and 30 total touchdowns. If he’s able to make it through all 16 games, he’ll be the favorite to lead the NFL in rush attempts, yards and scores. Heck, he did all of that in ’19 in just 15 games. Playing under a new four-year deal, he should be primed for another stellar season.
Week 17 at Houston Texans
Derrick Henry sat out last week's meaningless game to rest his hamstring injury but will be back this week. The issue should be better, but hamstrings can be tricky. He had 21 carries for 86 yards and failed to score two weeks ago against the Texans, which was actually his worst game since early November. He's been that good. Something along those lines would seem to be his floor. But because he doesn't catch many passes, he's touchdown-dependent for big weeks. Despite that, he's a low-end RB1 play this week.
Week 16 vs. New Orleans Saints
The Titans got behind last week and Derrick Henry, who also was nursing a hamstring injury all week, had an "off" game, gaining 86 yards on 21 carries. He failed to score a touchdown for the first time since Week 8, which made it a tough start given his lack of production in the passing game. The Saints have allowed just six rushing touchdowns to running backs this season, so it will be tough sledding for Henry again this week, but given his workload, he's a must-start.
Week 15 vs. Houston Texans
Derrick Henry posted his fourth consecutive 100-yard rushing game last week, carrying the ball 18 times for 103 yards and a score. He added one catch for six yards, but also is dealing with a hamstring injury. He'll find a way to play in this one given its gravity, but the hamstring is troublesome. Otherwise, he's got a great matchup and should produce another 100-yard game this week.
Week 14 at Oakland Raiders
Derrick Henry continues to strike a blow for running backs who don't catch the ball as he ran for 149 yards and a touchdown last week on 26 carries. He did match his season-high in receptions with three for 16 yards, giving him some bonus points you can't necessarily count on from week to week. But the Raiders have allowed the sixth-most points to opposing running backs this season, so there's no reason to think Henry won't post his fourth consecutive game with 100 or more rushing yards. Keep riding the big back.
Week 13 at Indianapolis Colts
Derrick Henry is heating up again at the right time, coming off a 159-yard game that gives him over 300 rushing yards and four touchdowns in his past two. The Colts have been the third-best fantasy defense against running backs, but Henry did have 84 yards on 15 carries against them earlier this season. He'll get more than 15 carries in this game. Henry should be considered a solid RB1 play this week.
Week 12 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Henry had plenty of time to rest up after his 23-carry, 188-yard outing against the Chiefs with the Titans on a bye last week. Now, he could have a shot at topping those numbers. The Jaguars allow an NFL-worst 5.6 yards per carry and no team wants to run it like the Titans do. Henry was limited by the Jaguars to 44 yards on 17 carries earlier this season, but he could feast in this game. He's an RB1 and in not that far off from being the top running back start of the week.
Week 10 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Derrick Henry had 13 carries for 63 yards and three receptions for 36 yards, scoring once on the ground and once in the air last week against Carolina. The Chiefs have allowed 11 total touchdowns to the running back position this season and Henry is one of the top touchdown makers in the league. He's a nice play as an RB1 this week if the Titans can keep this close enough to keep running the ball. And his three catches last week in a game in which they trailed throughout is promising.
Week 9 at Carolina Panthers
Derrick Henry had better results than most last week against Tampa Bay, rushing for 75 yards on 16 carries while adding one catch for eight yards. But he did fail to score for just the third time this season. That could change this week against the Panthers, who have allowed 10 touchdowns on the ground to opposing running backs this season as well as two through the air. Henry should be a solid RB1 start this week assuming he gets his normal 20ish touches.
Week 8 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Derrick Henry had a strong start last week against the Chargers, running for 90 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries and catching a 12-yard touchdown pass, as well. Tampa Bay's run defense, however, has been no joke this season, leading the way in fantasy football in stopping running backs. Henry will get volume, but you should fade him as an RB1 play this week, using him as more of an RB2 in this tough matchup.
