Ravens Stay Alive Powered by Henry’s Four Scores Outburst, Texans Secure Playoff Berth

The veteran running back ran for a season-high 216 yards and matched a personal best with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens staved off elimination by beating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

The powerful back had three touchdown runs in the first half and then scored again on a 25-yard dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh 200-yard game moved him ahead of 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 division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers fall at the Browns on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would end Baltimore’s postseason dreams. If the Cleveland win that game, the could win the division title by defeating the Steelers on the road next week.

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 dropped their third consecutive game, enabling the Bears to clinch the NFC North title. The Green Bay had previously secured a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks 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 replacement starters – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a contest that saw only one punt.

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

The difference in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outrush the Packers 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s final two series 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 coaching staff ensured he touched the rock frequently from the outset. His powerful running enabled the Ravens to put points on the board on their initial five drives and take a 13-point lead at the break.

Henry accumulated 15 rushes in Baltimore’s first two series and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He added another short TD run just before the second quarter ended.

The Packers got back into the game by outscoring Baltimore 10-0 in the third period.

After a field goal, the Packers elicited the initial punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to make it a three-point game.

But the Ravens responded on their next series.

Henry ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He ended the third quarter with a long run. Those two plays set up a scoring strike from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

Willis led the offense into Ravens' land before injuring his shoulder and departing for the sideline. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Texans Secure Postseason Berth With Victory Over Los Angeles

CJ Stroud threw for two long touchdowns on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Texans went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to secure 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 four-game winning streak ended and handed the division crown to their rivals.

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

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

Houston’s defense forced key sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Chargers were forced to three-and-out on multiple early drives.

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

An interception of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only produced a field goal for the Chargers. Another interception failed to produce any points.

The Chargers were denied on the goal line by a crucial interception. The intended receiver saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a kick from short range just before halftime and later missed an PAT attempt on the last possession after a score.

The Houston specialist made kicks from 41 and 44 yards to help secure the victory.