Baltimore Stay Alive Powered by Derrick Henry's Four-Touchdown Outburst, Texans Secure Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry ran for a season-high 216 rushing yards and matched a personal best with four TDs on the ground as the Ravens staved off elimination by defeating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three scores in the opening two quarters 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 game overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the most in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a personal record.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must rely on the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers lose at Cleveland on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would end the Ravens' postseason dreams. If the Browns win that game, the Ravens the division title by beating the Steelers on the road next week.

Green Bay (9-6-1) dropped their third consecutive game, enabling the Chicago Bears to secure the division crown. The Packers had previously secured a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both teams were missing their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson is sidelined by 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.

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 issue. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The difference in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to contain Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

The star running back was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series the week before in a costly loss. The veteran running back’s lack of fourth-quarter usage was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff made sure he touched the rock frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance allowed the offense to put points on the board on their initial five drives and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

Henry accumulated 15 carries in Baltimore’s opening two drives and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He added another short TD run just before the end of the half.

Green Bay made it competitive by outplaying Baltimore ten to nothing in the third quarter.

After a three-pointer, the Packers elicited the initial punt of the night. The QB then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to make it a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their next series.

Henry ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He closed the period with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays paved the way for a touchdown pass from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

Willis led the offense into Baltimore territory before injuring his shoulder and departing for the locker room. His replacement threw an interception on his first attempt.

Texans Secure Playoff Spot After Victory Over Los Angeles

The Texans' quarterback connected on a pair of deep scores on the team's first two drives, and the Texans went on to beat the Chargers by four points on Saturday afternoon to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.

The Texans (11-5) extended their winning streak to eight games, their best run in several seasons.

The Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their positive run snapped and ceded the division crown to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs shocked the Chargers and gave the Texans a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a wideout for a 75-yard score. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense recorded key sacks on the opponent's first two possessions. The Los Angeles offense were held to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

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

An interception of Stroud in the first half only produced a three points for the offense. Another interception did not yield any scores.

The LA were denied on the one-yard line by a key defensive play. 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 missed an PAT attempt on the last possession after a late touchdown.

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