Ravens Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Behind Henry’s Four-Touchdown Performance, Houston Clinch Playoff Berth

The veteran running back ran for a season-high 216 rushing yards and tied a personal best with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the 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 dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance moved him ahead of two legendary runners for the highest total in league history.

His 36 carries constituted a career high.

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

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

Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson is sidelined by 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 effective in a game that saw only a single punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and one touchdown, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two scores before exiting after aggravating a shoulder issue. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

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

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

The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock frequently from the outset. His powerful running enabled the offense to score on their initial five drives and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

He accumulated 15 rushes in Baltimore’s first two series 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 outscoring Baltimore ten to nothing in the third period.

After a three-pointer, the defense 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 two plays set up a scoring strike from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

The Packers' quarterback led the Packers into Baltimore territory before injuring his throwing shoulder and heading to the sideline. His replacement threw an interception on his only pass.

Texans Secure Playoff Spot With Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback connected on two long touchdowns on the team's opening possessions, and the Houston went on to beat the Chargers by four points on Saturday to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Texans (11-5) won their eighth in a row, their best run in several seasons.

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

Stroud’s two explosive TDs stunned the defense and gave Houston a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a receiver for a 75-yard score. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the following possession.

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

The Texans' defensive unit recorded third-down sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were forced to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

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

An interception of Stroud in the second quarter only produced a field goal for the Chargers. Another interception did not yield any scores.

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

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

The Texans' kicker made field goals from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the victory.