Ravens Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Thanks to Henry’s Quadruple-TD Performance, Houston Secure Postseason Spot

The veteran running back rushed for a year-best 216 rushing yards and matched a career high with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by beating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

Henry had three scores in the first half and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard dash with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh 200-yard game overtook two legendary runners for the highest total in league history.

His 36 carries marked a career high.

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

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, allowing the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North title. 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 the Packers' signal-caller is in the concussion protocol. The two replacement starters – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that saw only a single punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and one touchdown, and he also ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns before exiting after re-injuring a shoulder injury. The Ravens' backup was 16 of 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 Ravens outgain on the ground the Packers 307-79.

Henry didn’t touch the ball in Baltimore’s last two possessions the previous week in a costly loss. The proven rusher's absence in the final period was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff made sure he touched the rock early and often. His powerful running enabled the offense to put points on the board on their initial five drives and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

He accumulated 15 rushes in Baltimore’s first two series and finished each of them with scores. He added another three-yard touchdown just before the end of the half.

Green Bay got back into the game by outplaying Baltimore 10-0 in the third quarter.

After a three-pointer, the Packers forced the first punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Ravens answered on their ensuing drive.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He closed the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays paved the way for a scoring strike from the quarterback to his receiver.

Willis led the Packers into Ravens' land before injuring his shoulder and departing for the locker room. His replacement threw an pick on his first attempt.

Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot With Win Over Chargers

CJ Stroud connected on two long touchdowns on the team's first two drives, 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) extended their winning streak to eight games, their best run 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.

The young QB's two explosive TDs shocked the Chargers and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his first pass of the game, he hit a wideout for a long touchdown. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

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

The Texans' defensive unit recorded third-down sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Chargers were held to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

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

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the first half only produced a three points for the offense. Another takeaway failed to produce any points.

The Chargers were stopped on the one-yard line by a key defensive play. The intended receiver saw the ball 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 pushed wide an PAT attempt on the team’s final drive after a late touchdown.

The Houston specialist made field goals from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the win.