Derrick Henry Steps Into Leadership Role as Ravens Aim to Turn Season Around

If Jackson was healthy enough to start on Sunday, then Vegas might have given the AFC side a favorable odd. However, with Cooper Rush as the Ravens’ starter, the Rams are -7.5 point favorites to steal a win in week six.

Henry is unbothered by the odds.

Don’t let the circumstances [1-4] dictate our future. Just stay focused. We can turn this thing around and get what we want to get out of the season. We just have to lock in, and everybody has just got to do more and hold each other accountable. Leaders lead, and let it translate to Sundays, which it hasn’t these last couple of weeks, but I told them, We just have to keep working, and I believe that it will [translate].

Derrick Henry said via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley

The Ravens and the Rams have met nine times in the past, with the AFC North franchise team winning on 6 occasions (the Ravens are on a five-game winning streak). According to the Football Database, their last fixture took place in 2023.

Baltimore won 37-31 in overtime. Ravens quarterback Jackson completed 24 passes for 316 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, while Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw for 294 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Derrick Henry has emerged as a surprise trade candidate

Adding Henry was viewed as a massive win for Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. The All-Pro rusher wanted to move back close to his home in Dallas after leaving the Titans. However, the Cowboys never called the Pro Bowler.

If Saquon Barkley hadn’t rushed for 2005 yards, then Henry would definitely have been in the pole position to win the OPOY award. The 31-year-old had 325 carries for 1921 yards (fourth time crossing 1500+ rushing yards) and a league-best 16 rushing touchdowns.

When he rushed for 169 yards in week one of the current campaign, everyone thought Henry would build on that in the following weeks. However, he has yet to touch 100 yards since then. In fact, he has accumulated just 148 yards in the four weeks since then.

Henry went from averaging 113.0 yards per game last year to 63.4 in 2025. To make matters worse, Henry has fumbled the ball three times and lost possession twice, adding to his frustrations.

If the situation in Baltimore doesn’t improve soon, then teams may approach the Ravens and ask about Henry’s trade value. Bleacher Report’s trade expert Kristopher Knox wrote:

While benching Henry wouldn’t really solve any of Baltimore’s offensive issues, moving him ahead of the trade deadline could make a ton of sense. The 31-year-old would be more valuable on a championship-caliber roster, and the Ravens could get out from under the two-year, $30 million extension he signed during the offseason.

It will be a long shot, but anything is possible in the NFL. For now, Henry’s focus is on the next game. He has faced the Rams once in his NFL career. Back in 2017, while still a part of the Titans, Henry rushed 8 times for 25 yards in a 27-23 defeat.