Baltimore Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Thanks to Henry’s Four Scores Outburst, Texans Clinch Postseason Spot

Derrick Henry ran for a season-high 216 rushing yards and equaled a career high with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three touchdown runs in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the most in league history.

His 36 carries marked a personal record.

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

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 lost their third straight, enabling the Chicago Bears to secure the division crown. The Green Bay had already clinched a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both teams were missing their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson is sidelined by a back issue while the Packers' signal-caller is in the league's head injury program. The two replacement starters – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a contest that saw only a single punt.

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

The deciding factor in the matchup was the Packers' failure to contain Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series the week before 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 touched the rock early and often. Henry’s dominance allowed the offense to put points on the board on their initial five drives and take a 13-point lead at the break.

He totaled 15 carries in the team's first two series and finished each of them with scores. He added a further three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

Green Bay made it competitive by outplaying Baltimore ten to nothing in the third quarter.

After a three-pointer, the defense elicited the first punt of the night. The QB then scrambled for an 11-yard score to make it 27-24.

But the Ravens responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He closed 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 shoulder and heading to the sideline. His replacement threw an interception on his only pass.

Houston Texans Secure Postseason Berth With Win Over Los Angeles

CJ Stroud threw for two long touchdowns on the team's opening possessions, and the Texans went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers by four points on Saturday to secure a third straight postseason appearance.

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

The Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their four-game winning streak snapped and ceded the division crown to their rivals.

The young QB's two explosive TDs stunned the defense and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he found a receiver for a 75-yard score. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense recorded third-down sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Chargers were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

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

An early pick of Stroud in the first half only resulted in a three points for the Chargers. Another takeaway did not yield any points.

The Chargers were stopped on the goal line by a crucial interception. The target saw the ball bounce away, leading to the turnover.

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

The Texans' kicker made field goals from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the win.