Ravens Stay Alive Behind Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Performance, Houston Secure Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry ran for a year-best 216 rushing yards and tied a personal best with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by toppling the Green Bay Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

The powerful back had three touchdown runs in the first half and then scored again on a 25-yard run 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 NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a career high.

The Ravens (8-8) now must hope the AFC North-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 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 Packers had already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both teams were without their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back issue 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 productive in a contest that saw only a single punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and a TD pass, and he also ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns before leaving after aggravating a shoulder issue. Huntley was 16 of 20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The deciding factor in the matchup was the Packers' failure to stop Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Packers by a wide margin.

Henry didn’t touch the ball in the Ravens' final two series the previous week in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion locally all week.

The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock frequently from the outset. His powerful running allowed the Ravens to put points on the board on their initial five drives and build a 27-14 halftime lead.

He accumulated 15 rushes in Baltimore’s opening two drives and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on another three-yard touchdown just before the end of the half.

The Packers made it competitive by outplaying Baltimore 10-0 in the third period.

After a three-pointer, the Packers elicited the first punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to a three-point game.

But the Ravens responded on their next series.

Henry ran for a key gain on a third-and-5. He closed the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs paved the way for a touchdown pass from the quarterback to his receiver.

Willis drove the offense into Ravens' land before hurting his throwing shoulder and departing for the sideline. His replacement threw an interception on his only pass.

Texans Secure Postseason Berth With Win Over Los Angeles

CJ Stroud connected on two long touchdowns on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Houston went on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Texans (11-5) won their eighth in a row, their longest such streak in several seasons.

The Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their positive run snapped and handed the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he hit 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 passing yards.

Houston’s defense forced key sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Chargers were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

The Chargers' quarterback, playing with a hand injury, was sacked five times.

An early pick of Stroud in the first half 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 target saw the pass pop off his hands, leading to the change of possession.

The Chargers' kicker missed a kick from short range just before halftime and later pushed wide an PAT attempt on the last possession after a late touchdown.

The Texans' kicker converted kicks from 41 and 44 yards to help secure the win.