Ravens Remain in Contention Thanks to Derrick Henry's Four-Touchdown Performance, Texans Clinch Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry rushed for a year-best 216 yards and matched a personal best with four rushing scores as the Ravens staved off elimination by beating the Packers 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three scores in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard run with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh 200-yard game overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the most in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a career high.

The Ravens (8-8) now must hope the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers lose at the Browns on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would end Baltimore’s postseason dreams. If the Browns win that game, the Ravens the division title 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 missing their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson is sidelined by a back injury while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two replacement starters – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a contest that saw only one punt.

Willis went 18 of 21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and a TD pass, and he also ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns before leaving after aggravating a shoulder injury. Huntley was 16 of 20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The deciding factor in the matchup was the Packers' failure to contain Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Packers 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s last two possessions the week before in a narrow defeat. The veteran running back’s lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff ensured he got the ball early and often. His powerful running enabled the Ravens to score on their first five possessions and take a 13-point lead at the break.

Henry accumulated 15 carries in Baltimore’s first two series and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on a further short TD run just before the end of the half.

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

After a three-pointer, the Packers elicited the initial punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to make it 27-24.

But the Ravens answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down 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 Zay Flowers.

Willis drove the offense into Ravens' land before injuring his shoulder and departing for the sideline. His replacement threw an pick on his only pass.

Houston Texans Secure Playoff Spot After Win Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Houston went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday afternoon to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Texans (11-5) extended their winning streak to eight games, their longest such streak 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 two explosive TDs shocked the Chargers and gave Houston a two-score advantage. On his first pass of the game, he hit a receiver for a long touchdown. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

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

The Texans' defensive unit forced key sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

The Chargers' quarterback, playing with a hand injury, was sacked five times.

An interception of Stroud in the second quarter only resulted in a three points for the offense. Another interception failed to produce any points.

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

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a kick from close distance just before the break and later missed an extra point on the last possession after a score.

The Texans' kicker made field goals from beyond 40 yards to contribute to the victory.