Baltimore Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Behind Henry’s Four Scores Outburst, Texans Secure Postseason Spot

Derrick Henry rushed for a season-high 216 rushing yards and matched a career high with four touchdown runs as the Baltimore Ravens staved off elimination by defeating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

The powerful back had three scores in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard run with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard game overtook two legendary runners for the highest total in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a career high.

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

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 dropped their third consecutive game, allowing the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North title. The Packers had previously secured a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both teams were missing their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back injury while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the league's head injury program. The two backup quarterbacks – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that saw only one punt.

Willis went 18 of 21 for a career-high 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-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

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

The star running back was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series the previous week in a costly loss. The veteran running back’s lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion around Baltimore all week.

The Ravens ensured he got the ball early and often. Henry’s dominance allowed the offense to put points on the board on their first five possessions and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

He accumulated 15 rushes in the team's opening two drives and finished each of them with scores. He added a further short TD run just before the end of the half.

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

After a three-pointer, the Packers elicited the initial punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to make it 27-24.

But the Ravens responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third-and-5. He closed the period with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs paved the way for a touchdown pass from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

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

Houston Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot After Win Over Los Angeles

CJ Stroud threw for two long touchdowns on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Texans went on to defeat the Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their positive run snapped and handed the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs shocked the Chargers and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a wideout for a 75-yard score. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the following possession.

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

Houston’s defense recorded key sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Chargers were forced to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

The LA signal-caller, competing with a hand injury, was brought down on five occasions.

An early pick 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 one-yard line by a crucial interception. The target saw the pass bounce away, leading to the turnover.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a kick from close distance just before the break and later pushed wide an PAT attempt on the last possession after a score.

The Texans' kicker made kicks from 41 and 44 yards to help secure the win.