Baltimore Remain in Contention Behind Derrick Henry's Four Scores Performance, Houston Secure Postseason Spot

The veteran running back accumulated a year-best 216 yards and tied a personal best with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens staved off elimination by defeating the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday evening.

Henry had three touchdown runs in the first half and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard run with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in NFL history.

His 36 carries marked a career high.

The Ravens (8-8) now must rely on the division-leading Steelers lose at the Browns on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would extinguish Baltimore’s postseason dreams. If the Cleveland win that game, the Ravens the division title by beating the Pittsburgh on the road next week.

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

Both squads were without their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back injury while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two backup quarterbacks – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a game that saw only one punt.

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

The difference in the game was Green Bay’s inability to contain Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay by a wide margin.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s final two series the week before in a costly loss. The veteran running back’s absence in the final period was a major point of discussion around Baltimore 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 initial five drives and build a 27-14 halftime lead.

Henry totaled 15 rushes in the team's opening two drives 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 10-0 in the third quarter.

After a three-pointer, the Packers forced the initial punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard score 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 paved the way for a touchdown pass from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

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

Texans Secure Playoff Spot With Win Over Chargers

CJ Stroud threw for a pair of deep scores on the team's first two drives, and the Houston went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday afternoon to clinch a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 extended their winning streak to eight games, their longest such streak in several seasons.

The Chargers (11-5) had their positive run ended and ceded the division crown to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs stunned the Chargers and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he found a receiver for a 75-yard score. 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 yards.

Houston’s defense forced key sacks on the Chargers’ opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were forced to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

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

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the first half only produced a three points for the offense. Another takeaway did not yield any points.

The Chargers were denied on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The intended receiver saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the change of possession.

The placekicker failed to convert a field goal from short range just before halftime and later pushed wide an extra point on the last possession after a late touchdown.

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