Ravens Remain in Contention Thanks to Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Outburst, Texans Clinch Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry rushed for a year-best 216 rushing yards and equaled a career high with four rushing scores 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 run with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance surpassed two legendary runners for the most in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a personal record.

The Ravens (8-8) now must rely on the division-leading Steelers lose at the Browns on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would extinguish the Ravens' playoff hopes. If the Browns 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 lost their third straight, enabling the Bears to secure the division crown. The Packers had previously secured a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both squads were missing their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back injury while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the league's head injury program. The two replacement starters – Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both effective in a contest that saw only one punt.

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

The difference in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to slow down Henry, who helped the Ravens outrush the Green Bay 307-79.

The star running back was not utilized in Baltimore’s final two series 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 got the ball early and often. Henry’s dominance allowed the Ravens to score on their first five possessions and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

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

Green Bay made it competitive by outplaying the Ravens 10-0 in the third quarter.

After a field goal, the Packers forced the initial punt of the night. The QB then ran for an 11-yard score to make it a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their ensuing drive.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He closed the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs paved the way for a touchdown pass from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

Willis drove the offense into Ravens' land before injuring his throwing shoulder and heading to the sideline. His backup threw an pick on his only pass.

Houston Texans Lock Up Postseason Berth With Victory Over Chargers

CJ Stroud threw for a pair of deep scores on the team's first two drives, and the Texans went on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers by four points 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 Chargers (11-5) had their four-game winning streak ended and handed the division crown to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs stunned the defense and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he found a wideout for a 75-yard score. 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.

The Texans' defensive unit forced third-down sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Los Angeles offense were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

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

An interception of the Texans' QB in the first half only resulted in a three points for the offense. Another takeaway did not yield any points.

The LA were denied on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The target saw the ball bounce away, leading to the turnover.

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 Houston specialist converted kicks from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the victory.