Ravens Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Thanks to Henry’s Four Scores Outburst, Houston Clinch Postseason Spot

Derrick Henry accumulated a year-best 216 rushing yards and tied a career high with four touchdown runs as the Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by toppling the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three scores in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh 200-yard rushing performance moved him ahead of Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a personal record.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the AFC North-leading Steelers lose at Cleveland on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would extinguish the Ravens' playoff hopes. If the Cleveland win that game, the could capture the AFC North by defeating the Steelers on the road next week.

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, enabling the Bears to clinch the NFC North title. The Packers had previously secured a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back issue while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two backup quarterbacks – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both effective in a game that featured only one punt.

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

The deciding factor in the game was the Packers' failure to contain Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Packers 307-79.

The star running back was not utilized 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 locally all week.

The Ravens made sure he got the ball frequently from the outset. His powerful running allowed the offense to put points on the board on their initial five drives and take a 13-point lead at the break.

He accumulated 15 rushes in Baltimore’s opening two drives and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on a further three-yard touchdown just before the end of the half.

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

After a field goal, the defense elicited the first punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He ended the period with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays paved the way for a scoring strike from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

Willis drove the Packers into Ravens' land before injuring his throwing shoulder and heading to the sideline. His replacement threw an pick on his only pass.

Texans Lock Up Postseason Berth After Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Houston went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday afternoon to secure 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 Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their four-game winning streak snapped and handed the division crown to their rivals.

The young QB's two explosive TDs shocked the defense 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 following possession.

Stroud connected on his first six attempts of the game. He finished with 244 passing yards.

The Texans' defensive unit recorded key sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

The LA signal-caller, playing with a hand injury, was brought down on five occasions.

An interception of Stroud in the second quarter only resulted in a three points for the Chargers. Another takeaway failed to produce any points.

The Chargers were denied on the goal line by a key defensive play. The intended receiver saw the ball bounce away, leading to the turnover.

The Chargers' kicker 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 score.

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