5 Sleeper NFL MVP bets to jump on for the 2020 season
5. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans | NFL MVP odds: +5000
By the simple fact that Derrick Henry is not a quarterback, he has to be considered a sleeper bet to win NFL MVP in 2020. Even if his odds weren’t at +5000, the fact that the last seven winners have been signal-callers doesn’t work in the running back’s favor.
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If there is going to be a non-quarterback that wins the award this season, though, Henry is my best bet to be that guy. Part of that is due to his talent and production, both of which are immense. But it’s also relatively easy to paint the narrative for Henry to insert himself into the conversation.
Henry led the NFL in rushing last season, running for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns on 303 carries and also adding 206 receiving yards and two more touchdowns. However, he was even more impressive at the end of the year and in the postseason.
Over his final six regular-season games, Henry rushed for 896 yards and 10 scores on 139 carries. He continued that in three playoff games with 446 yards and two touchdowns on 83 carries. That nine-game stretch also included an incredible four games of 180+ yards and five with over 150 yards.
Though Ryan Tannehill will be asked to push the ball downfield, the Titans offense goes through Henry. If he can hold up for a 16-game season and produce at that type of level, he’s going to tear up the NFL with his rushing. And if that leads Tennessee back to the playoffs, giving him credit by, in turn, giving him MVP love isn’t a difficult thing to see happening.