Ravens Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Powered by Derrick Henry's Four Scores Outburst, Texans Secure Playoff Berth

The veteran running back ran for a season-high 216 yards and matched a personal best with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens staved off elimination by toppling the Packers 41-24 on Saturday evening.

Henry had three touchdown runs in the first half and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard run with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard game surpassed Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the most in NFL history.

His 36 carries represented a personal record.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers lose at Cleveland on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would end the Ravens' postseason dreams. If the Browns win that game, the could capture the division title by beating the Steelers on the road next week.

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 lost their third straight, enabling the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North title. The Packers had previously secured a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both teams were without their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back injury while the Packers' signal-caller is in the concussion protocol. The two backup quarterbacks – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a game that saw only a single punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18 of 21 for a personal-best 288 yards and a TD pass, and he also ran for 60 yards and two scores before exiting after re-injuring a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The deciding factor in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

The star running back was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series the week before in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The Ravens ensured he touched the rock frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance enabled the Ravens to score on their initial five drives and build a 27-14 halftime lead.

Henry totaled 15 carries in the team's first two series and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on another short TD run just before the second quarter ended.

The Packers made it competitive by outplaying the Ravens ten to nothing in the third period.

After a field goal, the Packers forced the initial punt of the night. The QB then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to make it a three-point game.

But the Ravens answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He ended the period with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays paved the way for a touchdown pass from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

The Packers' quarterback led the Packers into Ravens' land before injuring his shoulder and departing for the locker room. His replacement threw an interception on his only pass.

Houston Texans Lock Up Postseason Berth After Win Over Chargers

CJ Stroud connected on two long touchdowns on Houston’s first two drives, and the Houston went on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers by four points on Saturday afternoon to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 extended their winning streak to eight games, their longest such streak in several seasons.

The Chargers (11-5) had their positive run snapped and ceded the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s pair of quick strikes stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his first pass of the game, he hit a wideout for a long touchdown. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

He completed his first six throws of the game. He ended the day with 244 yards.

Houston’s defense recorded third-down sacks on the Chargers’ opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were held to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

The LA signal-caller, competing with a hand injury, was sacked five times.

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the first half only resulted in a field goal for the Chargers. Another takeaway failed to produce any scores.

The Chargers were stopped on the one-yard line by a key defensive play. The target saw the pass pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

The placekicker missed a kick from close distance just before the break and later missed an extra point on the last possession after a score.

The Texans' kicker converted kicks from beyond 40 yards to help secure the win.