Baltimore Stay Alive Powered by Henry’s Four Scores Outburst, Texans Clinch Postseason Spot

Derrick Henry ran for a year-best 216 yards and matched a personal best with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by beating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry had three scores in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard dash with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard game overtook two legendary runners for the highest total in NFL history.

His 36 carries represented a career high.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the AFC North-leading Steelers fall at the Browns on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would extinguish the Ravens' postseason dreams. If the Cleveland win that game, the could win the AFC North by beating the Pittsburgh on the road next week.

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, allowing the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North title. The Green Bay had already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both squads were missing their first-string QBs as the Ravens' star QB is sidelined by a back injury while the Packers' signal-caller is in the concussion protocol. The two replacement starters – Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both effective in a contest that featured only one punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 yards and one touchdown, 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 a scoring pass.

The difference in the game was Green Bay’s inability to contain Derrick Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Packers 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s 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 Ravens ensured he touched the rock frequently from the outset. His powerful running enabled the offense to put points on the board on their first five possessions and build a 13-point lead at the break.

He totaled 15 carries in Baltimore’s opening two drives and capped each of them with scores. He tacked on a further three-yard touchdown 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 defense forced the initial punt of the night. The QB then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Ravens answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third-and-5. He closed the third quarter with a long run. Those key runs set up a touchdown pass from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

The Packers' quarterback drove the offense into Baltimore territory before hurting his shoulder and heading to the sideline. His replacement threw an interception on his only pass.

Houston Texans Lock Up Postseason Berth With Win Over Chargers

CJ Stroud connected on two long touchdowns on Houston’s first two drives, and the Texans went on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers by four points on Saturday to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Texans (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 snapped and handed the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s pair of quick strikes stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a wideout for a long touchdown. He later threw a 43-yard TD on the following possession.

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

The Texans' defensive unit forced third-down sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Chargers were forced to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

The LA signal-caller, playing with a hand injury, was brought down on five occasions.

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

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

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a kick from close distance just before the break and later pushed wide an PAT attempt on the last possession after a late touchdown.

The Houston specialist converted kicks from beyond 40 yards to help secure the win.