Baltimore Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Powered by Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Performance, Texans 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 Green Bay Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three touchdown runs in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard run with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance surpassed two legendary runners for the most in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a personal record.

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

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 lost their third straight, enabling the Bears to secure the NFC North title. The Green Bay had already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both squads were without their starting quarterbacks as the Ravens' star QB is sidelined by a back issue while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the league's head injury program. The two backup quarterbacks – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that featured only one punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and one touchdown, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns before exiting after aggravating a shoulder issue. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The deciding factor in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to slow down Henry, who helped the Baltimore outrush the Green Bay by a wide margin.

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

The coaching staff ensured he got the ball frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance allowed the offense to put points on the board on their initial five drives and take a 13-point lead at the break.

He 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 end of the half.

Green Bay got back into the game by outscoring Baltimore ten to nothing in the third quarter.

After a field goal, the defense forced the initial punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He closed the period with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs set up a scoring strike from Huntley to his receiver.

The Packers' quarterback drove the offense into Baltimore territory before hurting his throwing shoulder and heading to the locker room. His replacement threw an pick on his first attempt.

Houston Texans Secure Postseason Berth With Win Over Chargers

CJ Stroud threw for two long touchdowns on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Houston went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 won their eighth in a row, their best run in several seasons.

The Chargers (11-5) had their four-game winning streak ended and ceded the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his first pass of the game, he found a receiver for a 75-yard score. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense recorded key sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Los Angeles offense were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

The LA signal-caller, playing with a hand injury, was sacked five times.

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

The Chargers were stopped on the goal line by a crucial interception. The target saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the change of possession.

The placekicker missed a field goal from short range just before the break and later missed an PAT attempt on the team’s final drive after a score.

The Texans' kicker converted kicks from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the win.