Baltimore Remain in Contention Powered by Henry’s Four Scores Performance, Texans Secure Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry ran for a year-best 216 yards and matched a personal best with four touchdown runs as the Baltimore Ravens staved off elimination by defeating the Packers 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three touchdown runs in the first half and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard run with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance overtook two legendary runners for the highest total in league history.

His 36 carries constituted a personal record.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the division-leading Steelers fall at the Browns on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would end Baltimore’s playoff hopes. If the Browns win that game, the could capture the division title by beating the Steelers on the road next week.

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, allowing the Bears to secure the division crown. The Packers had already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both teams were without 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 one punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18 of 21 for a career-high 288 passing yards and a TD pass, and he also ran for 60 yards and two scores before exiting after aggravating a shoulder injury. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The difference in the matchup was the Packers' failure to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Green Bay by a wide margin.

Henry didn’t touch the ball in the Ravens' last two possessions the week before in a costly loss. The proven rusher's absence in the final period was a major point of discussion around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff ensured he got the ball frequently from the outset. His powerful running allowed the Ravens to score on their first five possessions and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

He totaled 15 rushes in Baltimore’s opening two drives and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on another three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

The Packers got back into the game by outscoring the Ravens 10-0 in the third quarter.

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

But the Ravens answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He closed the period 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 Baltimore territory before injuring his throwing shoulder and heading to the sideline. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot After Win Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on the team's opening possessions, and the Houston went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.

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 positive run ended and handed the division crown to their rivals.

The young QB's two explosive TDs stunned the defense and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a receiver for a 75-yard score. He later threw a 43-yard TD on the following possession.

He completed his first six attempts of the game. He finished with 244 yards.

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

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

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only resulted in a field goal for the offense. Another takeaway failed to produce any scores.

The Chargers were stopped on the goal line by a crucial interception. The intended receiver saw the pass pop off his hands, leading to the change of possession.

The placekicker failed to convert a field goal from short range just before the break and later missed an PAT attempt on the last possession after a late touchdown.

The Texans' kicker converted kicks from beyond 40 yards to contribute to the victory.