Derrick Henry Should Not Be Faded In Fantasy Football 2026

I’m not sure there is a single player in the NFL with whom I have a more complicated fantasy football relationship with than Derrick Henry.

For a decade now, I’ve doubted him. I’ve bagged on him for not catching passes. I’ve worried about negative game scripts. I’ve thought there was too much tread on the tires ...

And how has he responded? By stuffing me in a locker year after year across a variety of fantasy formats—redraft, DFS, dynasty and, of course, best ball.

So that leaves me with a predicament …

Do I finally capitulate in 2026, or do I quadruple down (what is the multiplicative for 10?) on this Henry fade?

I think my early lean was to keep fading—a broken clock will be right eventually—but then, of course, I see this post from Dwain McFarland:

With Keaton Mitchell gone and the Ravens once again projecting to be one of the most run-heavy teams in the league, it takes an absurd level of stubbornness not to embrace the Big Dog in 2026.

Ian does note here that a lot of his efficiency metrics (YYPC, success rate, etc.) dipped in 2025, but let’s be real … Henry is a TD/upside play. This man holds two of the three highest-scoring seasons from an RB age 30 or older during the last decade.

I’m not going to go buck wild here, but I will happily be clicking Henry in the middle of Round 2 when he’s available. This doesn’t even have to be about Henry; it’s about trusting our projections.

And if you want to get really sneaky with the Ravens’ backfield, don’t forget Justice Hill. As Dwain mentions in that same post, he has 1) a projectable role, 2) an inside track to RB2 and 3) isn’t getting drafted by anyone.

TAKE KING HENRY OVER OTHER RBs IN ROUND 2?

Get Draft Ready This Summer

It’s summer, which means that your fantasy drafts are right around the corner. That also means some really good spreads to enjoy with your friends as you pick your teams. Before you indulge, there’s another way to get ready for those drafts.

Start losing weight the right way through Hims today. Weight-loss treatment plans through Hims now include access to FDA-approved Wegovy® pills and injections to fit your lifestyle (no insurance required)—helping users lose up to 20% of bodyweight in 1 year.* It’s convenient, legit and refreshingly simple to get started. You’ll fill out an online assessment and, if a provider determines you're eligible, receive your prescription—you’ll also get a dedicated Care Team with 24/7 messaging and personalized support to guide you through treatment plans that fit your goals.

With a Weight Loss Membership, you can get started for just $39 in your first month, then $149/month thereafter.** Whether you’re chasing better energy, more confidence, or just want to feel more in control, Hims is here to help you stick to the plan (no matter if you go Zero or Hero RB).

We’re proud to have Hims as a Fantasy Life partner. Their support keeps this newsletter free, fun and full of trade panic and waiver wire regret.

LEARN MORE

_{*Along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise. In a 68-week clinical study of Wegovy®, about 1 in 3 adults with obesity or with overweight and weight-related medical problems achieved 20% weight loss. Average weight loss achieved was 15%. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.}

_{**$149/mo price includes medication only, if prescribed. An active Hims Weight Loss Membership is required ($39 for the first month, auto-renews at $149/month thereafter). Membership is billed separately and does not include or guarantee a prescription. Medication is not available without a membership. Membership fee is not included.}

_{Not available in all 50 states. Prescription required. Weight Loss by Hims is a holistic program that includes nutrition support, technological tools, and medications prescribed based on what your provider determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.}

Around the Watercooler

Your favorite football nerds is back and bringing you the latest news, content and memes from the NFL universe …

😭 We will miss you, Ian … but stoked you’ll be back on the Sunday show.

💥 A Year 2 breakout could happen for this QB. Better weapons incoming.

👀 How much does supporting cast matter for a quarterback? You be the judge.

🙌 Two WRs joining a rebuilding team. What could go right?

🙏 I was initially worried about Harold Fannin’s injury … but it seems like it’s not an issue?

0️⃣ An RB committee just might have a pair of right answers for Zero-RB drafters.

🎯 Target these players in Guillotine Leagues^TM drafts. More than dart throws.

🎸 Changed the tune on this Colt. Could roam free.

💪 Remember Arian Foster? A true fantasy football legend.

🚫 Be very careful with these players. Draft at your own risk.

🤫 Sssh, don’t tell anyone. Here’s the best WR sleeper out there.

Can You Stomach The Floor That Comes With League-Winning Upside?

Variance isn’t always a bad thing.

In fantasy football, it can lead to high-upside opportunity if you take some stances on players others might be too worried about. Players who carry some risk and uncertainty, but also hold massive, league-winning potential.

🚀 TreVeyon Henderson | RB | NE

This time last year, we all expected Henderson’s immense talent to propel him to a starting role over Rhamondre Stevenson. At first, we were patient, understanding it might take a few games for the Patriots to fully commit to a rookie running back. So we kept waiting, daydreaming of the week Henderson took over the job.

It didn’t happen.

Even through another stretch of Stevenson fumbles, Henderson just didn’t take over the New England backfield. And to make things worse, the flashes were there, as the rookie drew three starts with Stevenson sidelined. The production, as expected, was awesome:

15.7 carries
88 rushing yards
4.0 targets
3.3 receptions
22 receiving yards
19 touches
24.3 PPR PPG

Upon Stevenson’s return, Henderson’s involvement did increase from the first eight weeks of the season. During Weeks 1-8, Henderson logged just 32% of the snaps, handled 29% of the rush attempts and averaged 8.6 touches per game. But following his three-week dress rehearsal as the starter, Henderson climbed to a 45% snap share, 53% rush share and 14.8 touches per game. This was it. Henderson’s promotion as New England’s RB1 was about to begin.

Not so fast.

During New England’s Super Bowl run, Stevenson re-emerged as the clear lead running back, logging 71% of the snaps and 61% of the rush attempts. Henderson averaged just 8.8 touches per game throughout the playoffs, while playing just 31% of the snaps during that stretch. Overall, in games Henderson and Stevenson were both active, the rookie averaged under 11 touches and just 8.4 PPR points per game.

Entering the 2026 season, I have zero idea what Josh McDaniels is going to do with this backfield. One would think the more explosive player who will only improve going into his sophomore season would naturally take on a larger role. But the Patriots trust Stevenson in all aspects, and while we want Henderson on the field, the veteran was pretty damn good last year, ranking third in yards per touch (5.9), 10th in yards per route run (1.45) and first in rushing yards over expected per attempt (+1.4).

Given his home run-hitting ability that could, in theory, relegate Stevenson to a backup role at any time, Henderson clearly has tantalizing upside. But Stevenson’s presence and strong play mean Henderson could finish 2026 anywhere between a FLEX option and a top-15 fantasy running back.

THREE MORE HIGH-RISK, HIGH-REWARD CLICKS

Titans Preview: Is Cam Ward The Rising Tide?

We love Year 2 quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson copied Dan Marino’s blueprint with monster sophomore campaigns—look up Marino’s jaw-dropping 1984 stats when you get a chance. Drake Maye followed suit last year. Could Cam Ward be the next second-year breakout and lift the whole Titans’ offense with him?

Ian Hartitz closes out his massive team previews project with the Tennessee Titans, who have some new pieces that could be intriguing plays later in drafts. If you want to find the other previews, visit our Fantasy Life Draft Guide, scroll to the bottom and click on the logo of the franchise you want to check out. Thanks again for continuing to come back for this great series, and best of luck to Ian in the future!

WHICH PASS CATCHERS WILL STAND OUT FOR THE TITANS?

AFC South Preview: Sneaky-Good Fantasy Options

It’s Part 8 of our Division Previews. Kendall and Ian close out the series with a look at the fantasy-relevant players on the Jaguars, Texans, Colts and Titans. Who are you targeting? Please subscribe to the Fantasy Life Show YouTube channel and catch every episode.

WHICH JAGUARS WR TO TARGET?