Ravens Remain in Contention Powered by Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Performance, Texans Secure Playoff Berth

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

The powerful back had three touchdown runs in the opening two quarters and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the most in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a career high.

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

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, allowing the Chicago Bears to secure the NFC North title. 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 Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two backup quarterbacks – Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that saw only a single punt.

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

The difference in the matchup was the Packers' failure to stop Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

Henry was not utilized 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 around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff made sure he touched the rock early and often. His powerful running enabled 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 scores. He tacked on another three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

Green Bay got back into the game by outscoring the Ravens ten to nothing in the third period.

After a three-pointer, the defense elicited the initial punt of the night. The QB then ran for an 11-yard score to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad responded on their ensuing drive.

Henry ran for a key gain on a third-and-5. He ended the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays set up a touchdown pass from the quarterback to his receiver.

Willis led the offense into Ravens' land before hurting his throwing shoulder and heading to the sideline. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot With Win Over Los Angeles

CJ Stroud threw for two long touchdowns on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Houston went on to defeat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch 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 positive run ended and handed the division crown to their rivals.

The young QB's two explosive TDs stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his first pass of the game, he found a wideout for a long touchdown. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the next drive.

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

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

The LA signal-caller, competing with a broken hand, was sacked five times.

An interception of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only resulted in a three points for the Chargers. Another takeaway did not yield any scores.

The Chargers were denied on the one-yard line by a key defensive play. The target saw the pass bounce away, leading to the turnover.

The placekicker failed to convert a field goal from close distance just before halftime and later missed an extra point on the team’s final drive after a late touchdown.

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