As the Denver Broncos gear up for Sunday’s AFC Championship clash with the New England Patriots, there’s one name that might not be front and center in the scouting reports-but absolutely should be: rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson.
While Ramondre Stevenson has been the Patriots' workhorse down the stretch, it’s Henderson-wearing No. 32-who brings the fireworks. The Broncos just saw what happens when the middle of their run defense gets exposed. James Cook and the Bills made that painfully clear in the Divisional Round, with Cook racking up 117 yards on 24 carries by attacking the heart of Denver’s front.
The Patriots likely took notes. Expect them to lean into a two-headed ground game, using Stevenson’s bruising, between-the-tackles style to wear down the defense.
But when the Broncos start to feel the fatigue? That’s when Henderson becomes a problem.
Henderson isn’t just fast-he’s explosive. The kind of back who doesn’t need much of a crease to turn a routine carry into a highlight.
We’ve already seen it this season. A 65-yard sprint to the end zone against Buffalo.
A 147-yard, two-touchdown performance on just 14 carries. He’s shown that once he gets into the open field, you’re not catching him.
Period.
And that’s what makes him such a dangerous X-factor heading into this game. The Patriots have been strategic with his usage, but that doesn’t mean he’s been quiet.
On the year, Henderson racked up 911 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, averaging a strong 5.1 yards per carry. That’s not just efficient-that’s game-breaking production, especially for a rookie.
What makes the Stevenson-Henderson combo so effective is the contrast in styles. Stevenson grinds you down.
He softens up the defense with physicality and patience. Then Henderson hits the field with fresh legs and track-star speed, and suddenly the defense is chasing shadows.
For the Broncos, the key will be staying disciplined-gap sound, assignment sharp, and ready for the change of pace. Because if Henderson finds daylight, he’s not just flipping field position-he’s flipping momentum. And in a game with a Super Bowl berth on the line, one big run could be the difference.