In a move that has electrified the football world and validated a transformative offseason for the Baltimore Ravens, Pro Football Focus (PFF)has officially ranked Derrick Henry as the No. 1 running back entering the 2025 NFL season. This announcement not only solidifies Henry’s return to dominance but also justifies why the Baltimore Ravens were named the No. 1 team on PFF’s NFL roster power rankings heading into the new season.
After a blockbuster signing that shocked the AFC North, the Ravens added the former Titans superstar to an already loaded offensive roster. The results are already paying dividends — at least in preseason projections. Henry’s resurgence and the Ravens’ calculated moves this offseason have analysts calling the franchise “the most complete and dangerous team in football.”
Major Statement from PFF Analyst
PFF senior analyst Mike Renner weighed in on the decision to rank Henry atop the list, stating:
What Derrick Henry is bringing to Baltimore is more than just his raw power and unmatched durability — it’s a culture shift. He’s the kind of presence that lifts everyone around him. You now have a team with Lamar Jackson at MVP level, a deep receiving corps, and now the most physical runner in football. If you’re not picking Baltimore to go all the way, you’re not watching closely enough.”
Why Derrick Henry Deserves the No. 1 RB Spot
At 31, Henry continues to defy the typical running back decline. In 2024, he rushed for 1,325 yards and 12 touchdowns with Tennessee, all while dealing with stacked boxes and minimal passing support. PFF graded him the highest in yards after contact per attempt (4.1) and forced missed tackles (78) — both elite metrics that hint he’s far from slowing down.
Now in Baltimore, Henry joins a dynamic offense that includes:
Lamar Jackson, 2-time NFL MVP
Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, emerging playmakers
Mark Andrews, top-5 tight end
A top-5 offensive line anchored by Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum
Ravens’ Offense: Built to Dominate
The Ravens’ new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, plans to implement a versatile zone/power hybrid run scheme that could maximize Henry’s downhill style while preserving his workload. Paired with Jackson’s dual-threat capability, defenses will be forced into impossible decisions — stack the box and risk Lamar burning you deep, or drop back and get steamrolled by King Henry.
As NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah put it on Twitter:
“Baltimore has gone from dangerous to outright terrifying. Derrick Henry in that scheme? It’s game over for a lot of defenses this year.”
Conclusion: Baltimore is Built for a Super Bowl Run
With the defense still top-tier — led by Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, and a deep pass rush rotation — and now an offense that features a Hall of Fame-caliber back in Henry, the Ravens are rightfully earning the NFL’s top spot in preseason rankings.
PFF’s list is more than just hype — it’s a warning.
The Ravens aren’t just good. They’re ready to dominate.