Fantasy outlook: Analyzing Darrell Henderson Jr.’s value in dynasty leagues
The backfield of the Los Angeles Rams is viewed as a fantasy gold mine due to the dynamic of the offense. While Cam Akers is considered the starter for the Rams, Darrell Henderson Jr. is still expected to have a decent-sized role in 2022.
Over the past two seasons, Henderson has rushed for at least 600 yards and found the end zone five times on the ground. The Memphis product has also caught 15-plus passes in the past two seasons, proving to be a solid option in the passing game out of the backfield.
As Henderson enters a pivotal year of his career, what is his value in dynasty fantasy football leagues in 2022?
Draft projection
In the fantasy football community, Henderson is being viewed as a top-tier ‘handcuff’ option for Akers, which means he’s a viable backup to have in case Akers gets injured or his role gets reduced. Given how people view Henderson on the Rams, he owns an ADP (average draft position) of 154, according to FantasyPros.
Besides being a backup to Akers, Henderson’s current ADP is where it’s at likely due to the uncertainty surrounding his future. Henderson is an unrestricted free agent in 2023, and with the Rams taking Kyren Williams in this year’s draft, they could be preparing to move on from him after this season.
Where is Henderson being taken compared to other running backs in dynasty leagues?
Position ranking
There are 32 teams in the NFL that have starting running backs, so most teams aren’t going to have two running backs that are considered top 32 options at the position in dynasty leagues. Henderson is the 50th running back being selected in dynasty drafts, putting him around guys like Khalil Herbert and Kenneth Gainwell.
With Akers missing basically all of last season, Henderson was RB27 while sharing touches with Sony Michel. Michel was RB30 on the season, so it’s not like Henderson was the clear-cut No. 1 running back on the Rams in 2021.
Seeing that Henderson will be the immediate backup to Akers, and get snaps in an offense that scores points consistently, he is a decent value pick in the later rounds.
Long-term value
The long-term value of Henderson in dynasty leagues could be very different a year from now than it is today. Once again, Henderson is set to become a free agent next offseason, allowing him to re-sign with the Rams or join a new team.
While Akers has had his injury woes, Henderson has also dealt with injuries here and there, and he’s even dealing with a soft-tissue injury that kept him sidelined for a portion of OTAs, which isn’t helping his case. When Henderson is on the field, though, he’s a powerful runner that has improved as a receiver since entering the NFL.
Teams around the NFL would love to add a player from Sean McVay’s offense, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Henderson garner a decent contract that allows him to compete for a starting job elsewhere in 2023. Also, with Henderson not turning 25 years old until August, he appears to be a massive value in dynasty leagues if he can carve out a larger role, whether it be on the Rams or another team.
1
1
