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Will Derrick Henry Post Another 100-Yard Rushing Game in 2018?

Eric Thompson

by Eric Thompson in NFL Football

Updated Mar 27, 2020 · 8:43 PM PDT

Derrick Henry Titans RB
Oddsmakers think Derrick Henry's breakout effort against the Jaguars was a one-off. With only three games left this year, will Henry have another big day? Photo by Mario957 (Wiki Commons) [CC License]
  • Derrick Henry racked up 238 rushing yards against the Jaguars last week
  • It was the first time this season he topped the century mark on the ground and sportsbooks don’t see him breaking 100 yards again this year
  • Is there value in betting Henry to ball out again?

In the NFL’s annual Thursday Night travesty between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars, Derrick Henry actually gave casual fans a reason to watch.

In rushing for 238 yards, including a record-tying 99 yard scamper, Henry gave us more highlights than the previous 10 games between these rivals combined.

Henry also led the Titans to their best offensive output of the season. With Tennessee still in the thick of the playoff race, you’d think they’d lean on their thumping back a little more down the stretch. Well, oddsmakers don’t see it that way.

Odds Henry Will Post Another 100-yard Rushing Game

Derrick Henry – Total +100 Rushing Yard Games in 2018 Regular Season Odds
Over 1.5 +175
Under 1.5 -260

Before last game, Henry’s rushing high on the season was 58 yards. He also averaged 10.7 carries per game and 3.7 yards per carry prior to Thursday night.

In a 16-game season, understandable that one great game doesn’t move the betting needle much. Otherwise, we’d still be taking the UNDER on Jonas Gray props.

Projected Rushing Yards for Henry in Week 15

Derrick Henry – Total Rushing Yards in Week 15 Odds
Over 56.5 -120
Under 56.5 -120

However, Henry isn’t a one-hit wonder.

He’s a capable NFL running back that has rarely gotten to be the lone wolf, always splitting carries with a backfield mate. It’s possible he has another big game this year if he gets enough snaps. But is it worth betting?

Tennessee Titans Remaining Opponents

Titans Remaining Opponents Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game Yards Per Carry Allowed
Week 15: New York Giants 121.8 4.4
Week 16: Washington Redskins 112.3 4.5
Week 17: Indianapolis Colts 102.9 3.8

There’s no ’85 Bears on their schedule, that’s for sure.

The Titans should be able to have success running the ball against all of these teams, but whether the game script dictates they can will be another thing. After all, Tennessee fell behind the friggin Jets 16-0!

There’s no team they can’t make look good.

Even if the Titans aren’t falling in a hole early, will Henry be able to run wild?

Last week, when he was averaging a grotesque 14 yards per touch, he played 40% of offensive snaps to Dion Lewis’ 63%. Though both backs have an identical 145 carries on the year, Lewis plays 65% of the time to Henry’s 35%.

Considering this coaching staff seems to forget Henry even exists for stretches, like when they handed the ball to their tight end on a crucial fourth and one, there’s no reason to think an increased workload is coming.

Best Bet

Henry has only topped 100 yards four times in his entire career, and in each game, his average gain per carry was 6.7 yards or higher.

If you bet on Henry to go over a hundred again in 2018, you’re banking on a level of efficiency that should pay out much higher than +175.

Even taking him to top 57 yards next week is a bad bet. Those three previous games he topped the century mark? The following outings he went for 13, 20, and 28 yards on the ground.

Henry, it was fun for a night. But this isn’t going to turn into a thing.

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