Ravens Stay Alive Behind Henry’s Four Scores Performance, Texans Secure Postseason Spot

Derrick Henry accumulated a year-best 216 yards and equaled a career high with four rushing scores as the Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by beating the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry had three touchdown runs in the first half and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard run with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts constituted a personal record.

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

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, enabling the Chicago Bears to secure the NFC North title. The Packers had previously secured a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both squads were without their first-string QBs as the Ravens' star QB is sidelined by a back issue while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the league's head injury program. The two replacement starters – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a contest that saw only a single punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and one touchdown, and he also ran for 60 yards and two scores before leaving after aggravating a shoulder injury. Huntley was 16 of 20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The difference in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outrush the Packers by a wide margin.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s final two series the previous week in a costly loss. The veteran running back’s absence in the final period was a major point of discussion locally all week.

The coaching staff ensured he got the ball early and often. Henry’s dominance allowed the Ravens to score on their first five possessions and build a 13-point lead at the break.

He totaled 15 rushes in Baltimore’s first two series and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He added another three-yard touchdown just before the end of the half.

Green Bay got back into the game by outplaying Baltimore ten to nothing in the third period.

After a field goal, the Packers forced the initial punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard score to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their next series.

Henry ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He ended the third quarter with a long run. Those two plays paved the way for a scoring strike from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

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

Houston Texans Secure Playoff Spot After Win Over Chargers

CJ Stroud connected on a pair of deep scores on the team's first two drives, and the Texans went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers by four points on Saturday afternoon to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 won their eighth in a row, their best run in several seasons.

The Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their positive run snapped and handed the division crown to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs shocked the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he found a receiver for a long touchdown. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

Stroud connected on his first six throws of the game. He finished with 244 yards.

The Texans' defensive unit recorded key sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Chargers were forced to three-and-out on multiple early drives.

The Chargers' quarterback, playing with a broken hand, was sacked five times.

An interception of the Texans' QB in the first half only resulted in a three points for the Chargers. Another interception did not yield any scores.

The LA were denied on the goal line by a key defensive play. The intended receiver saw the ball bounce away, leading to the turnover.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a field goal from close distance just before halftime and later missed an extra point on the last possession after a score.

The Houston specialist made field goals from beyond 40 yards to help secure the win.