Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Derrick Henry Bottled Up In Ravens Debut

By Jared Smola | Updated on Fri, Sep 6 2024 12:25 PM UTC
Derrick Henry Headshot

Ravens RB Derrick Henry carried five times for 17 yards and the season's first TD in Thursday night's loss to the Chiefs. But Kansas City's defense -- and game script -- limited him to just 29 scoreless yards on eight carries the rest of the way. Baltimore trailed for close to three-quarters of this game, and Henry was regularly pulled in passing situations for RB Justice Hill. Henry failed to catch either of his two targets.

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised by anything we saw in this one. Henry has rarely played in obvious passing situations at any point of his career. In this one, he ran a route on just 29% of dropbacks -- right in line with his 30% route rate from last season. It's worth noting that Baltimore tried to get him the ball on a screen on the first drive of the game. Henry won't be a total zero in the passing game going forward, but expect him to continue ceding reps to Hill.

The good news is that the Ravens won't face negative game script like this most games. Henry handled 13 of 14 RB carries in Kansas City and will rack up some big rushing numbers when the Ravens play with the lead.

That should start in Week 2 in a home game against the Raiders. That's followed by a likely shootout in Dallas.

Waiver Wire Targets

RB Justice Hill was busy in this one, catching six of eight targets for 52 yards. He ran a route on 55% of pass plays.

The same game script that hurt Henry's production boosted Hill's. He's clearly set to handle the majority of passing downs for the Ravens, but don't expect this many routes or targets going forward.

Hill is worth an add in deeper PPR leagues, but we're not expecting him to be a reliable weekly starter.

Jared Smola Author Image
Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks 1st among 133 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 100

2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 100

3:31pm UTC 4/21/25

Draft capital is important for incoming fantasy rookies, but context is often lost on the draft class. See how the top skill positions match up in the top 100 prospects

Read More »
Jaxson Dart Dynasty Value: Big Arm, Bigger Question Marks

Jaxson Dart Dynasty Value: Big Arm, Bigger Question Marks

12:28pm UTC 4/19/25

QB Jaxson Dart has the arm strength and rushing upside to be a fantasy difference-maker. Is he a beacon of light in a dim QB class? Or are we reaching for a mediocre talent in a QB-starved league?

Read More »
Video: Top QB Prospects of 2025

Video: Top QB Prospects of 2025

8:41pm UTC 4/17/25

Cam Ward looks like the No. 1 pick -- but is that enough to make him a high-value superflex asset? Should you target or pass on Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders in your dynasty rookie draft? Let's talk through the top prospects PLUS three sleepers.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »