Baltimore Remain in Contention Behind Derrick Henry's Four Scores Outburst, Texans Clinch Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry ran for a year-best 216 yards and matched a career high with four touchdown runs as the Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by toppling the Green Bay Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry 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 200-yard rushing performance overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the most in league history.

His 36 carries represented a personal record.

The Ravens (8-8) now must hope the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers fall at the Browns on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would end the Ravens' playoff hopes. If the Cleveland win that game, the Ravens the division title by beating the Pittsburgh on the road next week.

Green Bay (9-6-1) dropped their third consecutive game, allowing the Bears to clinch the NFC North title. The Packers had already clinched a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both squads were missing their first-string QBs as the Ravens' star QB deals with a back issue while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the league's head injury program. 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 one touchdown, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns before exiting after re-injuring a shoulder issue. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The difference in the matchup was the Packers' failure to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

The star running back didn’t touch the ball in the Ravens' final two series the week before in a costly loss. The veteran running back’s absence in the final period was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The Ravens ensured he touched the rock frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance enabled the Ravens 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 touchdown runs. He tacked on another short TD run just before the second quarter ended.

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

After a three-pointer, the defense forced the initial punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to make it a three-point game.

But the Ravens answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He ended the period with a long run. Those two plays set up a touchdown pass from Huntley to his receiver.

The Packers' quarterback led the Packers into Baltimore territory before injuring his throwing shoulder and departing for the locker room. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Houston Texans Secure Playoff Spot With Victory Over Los Angeles

CJ Stroud threw for a pair of deep scores on the team's first two drives, and the Houston went on to defeat the Chargers by four points on Saturday afternoon to clinch a third consecutive playoff berth.

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

The Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their four-game winning streak ended and handed the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs stunned the Chargers and gave the Texans 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 next drive.

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

The Texans' defensive unit forced third-down sacks on the Chargers’ opening drives. The Chargers were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

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

An interception of Stroud in the second quarter only resulted in a field goal for the offense. Another interception failed to produce any scores.

The Chargers were denied on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The intended receiver saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the change of possession.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a kick from short range just before the break and later missed an PAT attempt on the last possession after a late touchdown.

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