The most important player to every AFC teams’ playoff hopes

Tennessee Titans (8-6)

Most important player: RB Derrick Henry

I don’t know what’s happened to Derrick Henry over the last two weeks, but I like it. In the Titans’ last two games, Henry has rushed for 238 yards and 170 yards. He’s also totaled six rushing TDs. Before those two games, Henry’s highest rushing total of the season was 58 yards.

In order for the Titans to make the playoffs, they have to keep feeding Henry the ball. He’s the most important player to this AFC teams’ playoff hopes because he can keep the opposing offense off the field.

Henry’s rushing attack over the last two games hasn’t translated to QB Marcus Mariota being more effective. He’s been average at best, finishing with passer ratings of 75.3 and 70.4. That’s usually not what happens when a RB is running so well, but in this case it’s been okay.

Mariota hasn’t had to be anything more than average. Henry is making up for anything Mariota has lacked over the last two weeks. With Henry running like this, Mariota hasn’t had as many chances to throw the ball. That might actually be a good thing.

It’s unfair to ask Mariota to be an elite passer every game. That’s not who he is. He has those games every once in a while, but it’s not going to happen every game. That’s why Henry must continue running the ball like he has been.