Baltimore Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Thanks to Derrick Henry's Four-Touchdown Outburst, Texans Secure Postseason Spot

The veteran running back ran for a year-best 216 rushing yards and equaled a career high with four touchdown runs as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by toppling the Packers 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry 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 Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts constituted a career high.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers fall at Cleveland on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would extinguish the Ravens' postseason dreams. If the Cleveland win that game, the could win the AFC North by beating the Pittsburgh on the road next week.

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 dropped their third consecutive game, enabling the Chicago Bears to clinch the division crown. The Green Bay had previously secured 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 the Packers' signal-caller is in the concussion protocol. The two replacement starters – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that saw only one punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a career-high 288 yards and one touchdown, and he also ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns before leaving after re-injuring a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The difference in the game was Green Bay’s inability to contain Derrick Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay by a wide margin.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s last two possessions the previous week in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion around Baltimore all week.

The Ravens ensured he got the ball early and often. Henry’s dominance enabled the offense to score 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 finished each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on a further three-yard touchdown just before the end of the half.

The Packers got back into the game by outscoring Baltimore ten to nothing in the third period.

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

But the Ravens responded on their ensuing drive.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He ended the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays set up a touchdown pass from Huntley to his receiver.

The Packers' quarterback led the offense into Ravens' land before injuring his throwing shoulder and heading to the locker room. His replacement threw an pick on his only pass.

Texans Secure Playoff Spot After Win Over Chargers

CJ Stroud threw for two long touchdowns on the team's first two drives, and the Texans went on to beat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to secure a third straight postseason appearance.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 won their eighth in a row, 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 pair of quick strikes shocked the Chargers and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a receiver for a long touchdown. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense forced third-down sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Los Angeles offense were held to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

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

An interception of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only produced a three points for the offense. Another interception did not yield any points.

The Chargers were denied 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 missed a field goal from close distance just before halftime and later pushed wide an extra point on the last possession after a late touchdown.

The Texans' kicker converted kicks from 41 and 44 yards to help secure the victory.