Baltimore Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Powered by Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Outburst, Texans Clinch Playoff Berth

The veteran running back ran for a year-best 216 rushing yards and equaled a career high with four touchdown runs as the Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by toppling the Packers by a score of 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 dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh 200-yard game overtook two legendary runners for the highest total in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a personal record.

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

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 lost their third straight, allowing the Chicago Bears to clinch the division crown. The Packers had already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both squads were without their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson is sidelined by a back issue while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two replacement starters – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that featured only a single punt.

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

The deciding factor in the game was the Packers' failure to stop Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outrush the Packers 307-79.

The star running back didn’t touch the ball in the Ravens' final two series the week before in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a hot topic locally all week.

The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock early and often. Henry’s dominance enabled the offense to put points on the board on their first five possessions and build a 13-point lead at the break.

Henry totaled 15 rushes in the team's first two series and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He added a further three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

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

After a field goal, the Packers elicited the first punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard score 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 down play. He closed the period with a long run. Those two plays paved the way for a touchdown pass from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

The Packers' quarterback drove the offense into Baltimore territory before hurting his shoulder and departing for the sideline. His replacement threw an interception on his first attempt.

Houston Texans Secure Playoff Spot With Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback connected on two long touchdowns on the team's first two drives, 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 Chargers (11-5) had their positive run snapped and handed the division crown to their rivals.

The young QB's pair of quick strikes stunned the Chargers and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he found a receiver for a long touchdown. He later threw a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense recorded key sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Los Angeles offense were forced to three-and-out on multiple early drives.

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

An early pick of Stroud in the first half only produced a three points for the Chargers. Another takeaway failed to produce any scores.

The Chargers were denied on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The target saw the pass pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a kick from close distance just before halftime and later pushed wide an PAT attempt on the team’s final drive after a score.

The Texans' kicker made kicks from beyond 40 yards to help secure the win.