Should I Start Derrick Henry?

Saturday, October 10, 1:56 AM

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry takes on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5, but he will be without his starting quarterback, Lamar Jackson (ankle), who was ruled out due to injury Friday afternoon. In Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans, Henry gained 73 yards on 23 carries, scored a first-half touchdown, and caught both targets for six yards. While the entire offense gets a downgrade with Lamar's absence, fantasy managers are relying on Henry's volume to keep him in RB1 range. Quarterback Tyler Huntley last started with Henry in Week 17 last year against the Green Bay Packers. In that game, Derrick Henry posted 2025 season-highs of 216 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Moreover, Henry's 28.5 touches per game with Huntley is the highest he's averaged with any starting quarterback with at least two games together, according to NextGen Stats. However, the Falcons' stout run defense has allowed the league's fewest rushing yards per game (48.3) and has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs through four weeks. There is also a concern that the Ravens, who are road underdogs, will be playing from behind Sunday night, which may limit Henry's opportunities given his limited involvement in the air or hurry-up offense. Despite playing with a backup quarterback against one of the league's best run defenses, Henry remains a low-end RB1 because of his talent and expected rushing volume, and he should be in all lineups this week.