Should I Start Derrick Henry?

Friday, October 2, 5:27 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry will face the Tennessee Titans for the first time in his career in Week 4 and is positioned for another bell-cow week. Last week against the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Henry turned his 26 rushing attempts into 89 yards and two touchdowns, while also logging one reception for zero yards. The 32-year-old running back is dominating the Ravens' rush share, averaging 84% across the first three games. The Ravens are a heavy favorite in Week 4, which is likely to benefit Henry, who leads all qualified rushers in attempts (41), yards (220), and touchdowns (2) when playing with a lead. However, the Ravens' wounded offensive line raises concerns, with starting center Jovaughn Gwyn (ankle) and backup center Ethan Pocic (knee) both ruled out ahead of Week 4. Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (toe), who missed Week 3, is questionable heading into the weekend after two limited practices to start the week and missing Friday due to rest. The Titans' run defense ranks top 12 in yards per rushing attempt allowed, but gives up an average of 126 rushing yards per game, and they have the third-highest opposition rush rate of 54%. Also, the Titans' interior linemen are allowing the fifth-fewest yards before contact per carry (0.8) and have the seventh-highest rate of hitting ball carriers at or behind the line of scrimmage (44.2%), according to Next Gen Stats. This should not deter managers from starting Henry, RotoBaller's sixth-ranked running back, with confidence in Week 4 as their fantasy team's RB1.