Ravens Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Powered by Derrick Henry's Four-Touchdown Outburst, Texans Secure Postseason Spot

The veteran running back rushed for a year-best 216 yards and matched a personal best with four touchdown runs as the Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by defeating the Green Bay Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry had three touchdown runs in the opening two quarters and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard run with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh 200-yard game surpassed Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in league history.

His 36 carries marked a personal record.

The Ravens (8-8) now must hope the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers lose at Cleveland on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would extinguish Baltimore’s playoff hopes. If the Browns win that game, the Ravens the AFC North by defeating the Steelers on the road next week.

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, enabling the Bears to secure the NFC North title. The Green Bay had already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both squads 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 – Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both effective in a game that featured 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 ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns before exiting after re-injuring a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The deciding factor in the game was the Packers' failure to contain Henry, who helped the Baltimore outrush the Green Bay 307-79.

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

The coaching staff made sure he touched the rock frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance allowed the Ravens to score on their first five possessions and build a 27-14 halftime lead.

He totaled 15 rushes in Baltimore’s first two series and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on another short TD run just before the end of the half.

Green Bay made it competitive by outscoring the Ravens 10-0 in the third period.

After a three-pointer, the defense forced the first punt of the night. The QB then ran for an 11-yard score to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Ravens answered on their ensuing drive.

Henry ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He ended the period with a long run. Those key runs paved the way for a scoring strike from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

Willis drove the Packers 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 Postseason Berth With Win Over Los Angeles

CJ Stroud threw for a pair of deep scores on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Houston went on to beat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday afternoon to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 extended their winning streak to eight games, their best run 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 stunned 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 43-yard TD on the following possession.

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

Houston’s defense forced key sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were forced to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

The LA signal-caller, competing with a hand injury, was sacked five times.

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

The Chargers were denied on the goal line by a key defensive play. The intended receiver saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a field goal from close distance just before halftime and later pushed wide an extra point on the team’s final drive after a late touchdown.

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