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

The veteran running back accumulated a year-best 216 yards and tied a personal best with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by toppling the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday night.

The powerful back had three scores in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard dash with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance surpassed Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a career high.

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

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

Both teams were without their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson 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 effective in a game that saw only a single punt.

The Packers' fill-in 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 issue. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The deciding factor in the game was Green Bay’s inability to stop Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in the Ravens' last two possessions the week before in a narrow defeat. The veteran running back’s lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion locally all week.

The Ravens ensured 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 13-point lead at the break.

Henry totaled 15 carries in Baltimore’s opening two drives and capped each of them with scores. He tacked on a further short TD run just before the second quarter ended.

The Packers got back into the game by outplaying Baltimore 10-0 in the third quarter.

After a three-pointer, the defense forced the first punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Ravens answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He ended the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs set up a scoring strike from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

Willis led the offense into Ravens' land before hurting his throwing shoulder and heading to the locker room. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot With Win Over Los Angeles

The Texans' quarterback threw for two long touchdowns on Houston’s first two drives, and the Houston went on to beat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a third consecutive playoff berth.

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.

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

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

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

The Chargers' quarterback, competing with a hand injury, was brought down on five occasions.

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only produced a field goal for the Chargers. Another takeaway failed to produce any scores.

The LA were stopped on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The intended receiver saw the ball bounce away, leading to the change of possession.

The Chargers' kicker missed a field goal from short range just before the break and later pushed wide an PAT attempt on the team’s final drive after a score.

The Houston specialist made kicks from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the win.