Ravens Remain in Contention Powered by Henry’s Four Scores Performance, Texans Clinch Postseason Spot

Derrick Henry rushed for a year-best 216 rushing yards and equaled a personal best with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens staved off elimination by toppling the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three scores 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 game overtook two legendary runners for the highest total in NFL history.

His 36 carries marked a personal record.

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

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

Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson is sidelined by 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 contest that featured only one punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and one touchdown, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns before leaving after aggravating a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The deciding factor in the matchup was the Packers' failure to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Packers 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s last two possessions 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 Ravens made sure he touched the rock frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance enabled the offense to put points on the board on their initial five drives and build a 27-14 halftime lead.

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

The Packers made it competitive by outscoring the Ravens 10-0 in the third quarter.

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

But the Baltimore squad responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He ended the third quarter with a long run. Those key runs paved the way for a touchdown pass from the quarterback to his receiver.

The Packers' quarterback drove the Packers into Baltimore territory before injuring his shoulder and departing for the sideline. His backup threw an pick on his only pass.

Houston Texans Lock Up Postseason Berth After Victory Over Los Angeles

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on Houston’s first two drives, and the Texans went on to defeat the Chargers by four points on Saturday to secure a third straight postseason appearance.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 extended their winning streak to eight games, 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 pair of quick strikes shocked the Chargers and gave Houston a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he found a wideout for a long touchdown. He later tossed 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 forced key sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Los Angeles offense were held to three-and-out on multiple early drives.

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

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

The Chargers were stopped on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The target saw the pass pop off his hands, leading to the change of possession.

The placekicker failed to convert a field goal from short range just before halftime and later missed an PAT attempt on the last possession after a late touchdown.

The Houston specialist converted field goals from beyond 40 yards to contribute to the victory.