Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Austin Ekeler

Sunday, March 22, 5:21 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry isn't getting any younger, but his lead-back role appears to be safe, given that he faces minimal competition in the Baltimore backfield. The Ravens allowed Keaton Mitchell to depart in free agency, leaving Rasheen Ali and Justice Hill as the lone ball-carriers behind Henry. Hill has flashed flex appeal in PPR leagues from time to time, and the team still has faith that Ali can be a contributor. However, this is clearly still Henry's backfield, even at 32 years old. He was the overall RB8 last year, finishing inside the top eight for the fourth year in a row. He had 1,595 rushing yards, and he scored 16 rushing touchdowns for the second year in a row. The most underrated concern in Henry's game had nothing to do with his efficiency or role, but rather, his ball security. After fumbling just once between 2023 and 2024, he coughed up the football three times in 2025. Ball security issues won't cost him his job, but they could cost him some touches from time to time. Still, we're not overly concerned about Henry's outlook for 2026, as he remains a low-end RB1 option with such a clearly defined role. Managers in dynasty leagues could try to sell high on Henry before he becomes too old to trade, but they shouldn't settle for a discount simply because he's aging.