Derrick Henry favored to lead league (again) in rushing yards

It sure doesn’t feel like Derrick Henry is slowing down anytime soon. The 6-3, 247 pound back is entering his sixth season in the league, once again coming off of a rushing title. Henry ended 2020 with 2,027 yards on the ground, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in Tennessee’s ultra-efficient offensive attack.

It was his second rushing title in as many years, coming off of his 1,540 yard season in 2019. Per BetOnline, Derrick Henry is the clear-cut favorite to lead the league in rushing yards once again in 2021.

The sportsbook has Henry at 3-1 odds to capture another rushing crown, followed by Dalvin Cook at 5-1. Nick Chubb was next, then Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Taylor rounded out the top five.

Henry will now be operating under new offensive coordinator Todd Downing, following Arthur Smith’s departure to Atlanta. The Titans acquired Julio Jones this offseason, forming a potent duo with emerging star A.J. Brown on the other side. Make no mistake though, this offense still runs through No. 22, but it will be interesting to see how Downing utilizes his trio of elite skill players. Without truly being able to key in on any of them, each should find plenty of space to operate this season, providing a big challenge for opposing defenses.

Speaking of those receivers, BetOnline gave each Jones and Brown 14-1 odds to lead the league in receiving yards in 2021. The two were tied for 7th on the list with Justin Jefferson and DK Metcalf. Stefon Diggs was the overall favorite at 8-1 odds, followed by Tyreek Hill and Calvin Ridley.