Ravens Remain in Contention Behind Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Performance, Texans Secure Postseason Spot

Derrick Henry accumulated a season-high 216 rushing yards and tied a personal best with four TDs on the ground as the 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 found the end zone once more on a 25-yard dash with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh 200-yard game surpassed two legendary runners for the highest total in league history.

His 36 carries marked a personal record.

The Ravens (8-8) now must rely on the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers fall at the Browns on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would extinguish the Ravens' postseason dreams. If the Cleveland win that game, the Ravens the division title by beating the Steelers on the road next week.

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

Both teams were without their starting quarterbacks as the Ravens' star QB deals with a back injury while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two backup quarterbacks – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a contest that featured only a single punt.

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

The deciding factor in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to contain Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay by a wide margin.

The star running back didn’t touch the ball in Baltimore’s last two possessions the week before in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff made sure he got the ball early and often. His powerful running allowed the Ravens to put points on the board on their initial five drives and build a 27-14 halftime lead.

Henry totaled 15 carries in Baltimore’s first two series and capped each of them with scores. He added a further 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 quarter.

After a field goal, the defense forced the first punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard score to cut the deficit to a three-point game.

But the Ravens responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He closed the period with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs paved the way for a scoring strike from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

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

Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot After Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on the team's first two drives, and the Texans went on to beat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday afternoon to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.

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

The Chargers (11-5) had their four-game winning streak snapped and ceded the AFC West title to their rivals.

The young QB's pair of quick strikes shocked the defense and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. 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 connected on his first six attempts of the game. He finished with 244 yards.

Houston’s defense recorded key sacks on the opponent's first two possessions. The Chargers were held to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

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

An interception of Stroud in the first half only produced a three points for the offense. Another interception failed to produce any points.

The LA were stopped on the goal line by a crucial interception. The intended receiver saw the pass pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

The placekicker failed to convert a kick from short range just before the break and later missed an extra point on the team’s final drive after a score.

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