TreVeyon Henderson wasn’t supposed to be the guy in New England - at least not right away. He opened the season buried on the depth chart, sitting behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson.
But fast forward to late December, and Henderson isn’t just getting touches - he’s dominating them. Now, he’s the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with +150 odds to take home the hardware.
That’s not hype. That’s production.
Henderson has racked up 773 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 143 carries - and most of that damage has come in the back half of the season. He’s running with vision, burst, and a level of confidence that’s rare for a rookie, especially one who wasn’t even in the starting mix to begin the year.
Last week against the Bills, in a game where New England struggled to keep pace, Henderson was a bright spot - a very bright spot. He piled up 148 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yard sprint that reminded everyone just how dangerous he is in the open field. That kind of home-run ability has been a game-changer for a Patriots offense that’s been searching for explosive plays all season.
And let’s not overlook the context here: Henderson is doing this with limited reps early on, in a system that hasn’t exactly been known for producing flashy rookie running backs. Yet here he is, closing in on the 1,000-yard mark - a milestone that once looked like a long shot, now well within reach.
He’s not just putting up numbers - he’s changing games. And he’s doing it with a mix of power, patience, and acceleration that’s turned him into one of the most exciting young backs in the league.
The Offensive Rookie of the Year race isn’t a one-man show, though. Tampa Bay’s Emeka Egbuka (+240) and Carolina’s Tetairoa McMillan (+285) are right there in the mix, both carving out strong campaigns of their own. But if Henderson keeps trending the way he is - and if he gets the touches to match - it’s going to be hard to argue against what he’s done down the stretch.
For a Patriots team that’s been in transition, Henderson has become a cornerstone piece. And for a rookie who started the year as an afterthought, he’s now on the verge of making franchise history.