Ravens Stay Alive Powered by Derrick Henry's Four-Touchdown Performance, Texans Secure Postseason Spot

Derrick Henry ran for a year-best 216 yards and tied a personal best with four touchdown runs as the Baltimore Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by defeating the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday night.

The powerful back had three touchdown runs in the first half and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance surpassed two legendary runners for the highest total in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a personal record.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers fall at Cleveland on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would end the Ravens' playoff hopes. If the Browns win that game, the could capture the division title by defeating the Steelers on the road next week.

Green Bay (9-6-1) dropped their third consecutive game, enabling the Chicago Bears to clinch the division crown. The Green Bay had already clinched a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both teams were missing their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back injury while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two replacement starters – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that featured only a single punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a career-high 288 passing yards and a TD pass, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns before leaving after re-injuring a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16 of 20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The deciding factor in the matchup was the Packers' failure to contain Henry, who helped the Ravens outrush the Green Bay 307-79.

The star running back was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series the week before in a costly loss. The proven rusher's absence in the final period was a major point of discussion locally all week.

The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock early and often. Henry’s dominance enabled the offense to score on their initial five drives and take a 13-point lead at the break.

He accumulated 15 rushes in the team's first two series and finished each of them with scores. He tacked on another three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

Green Bay made it competitive by outplaying the Ravens 10-0 in the third period.

After a field goal, the Packers elicited the first punt of the night. The QB then ran for an 11-yard score to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He ended the period with a long run. Those key runs set up a scoring strike from Huntley to his receiver.

The Packers' quarterback led the offense into Baltimore territory before hurting his throwing shoulder and departing for the sideline. His backup threw an interception on his first attempt.

Houston Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot After Win Over Chargers

CJ Stroud threw for two long touchdowns on the team's opening possessions, and the Texans went on to defeat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 won their eighth in a row, their longest such streak in several seasons.

The Chargers (11-5) had their positive run snapped and handed the division crown to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he found a wideout for a 75-yard score. He later tossed a deep scoring pass on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense recorded key sacks on the opponent's first two possessions. The Chargers were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

The Chargers' quarterback, playing with a broken hand, was brought down on five occasions.

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only produced a field goal for the offense. Another takeaway did not yield any points.

The LA were denied on the goal line by a key defensive play. The intended receiver saw the pass bounce away, leading to the change of possession.

The Chargers' kicker missed a kick from close distance just before halftime and later missed an PAT attempt on the last possession after a late touchdown.

The Houston specialist made field goals from 41 and 44 yards to help secure the victory.