Ravens Remain in Contention Powered by Derrick Henry's Four-Touchdown Outburst, Texans Clinch Postseason Spot

The veteran running back accumulated a season-high 216 yards and tied a personal best with four touchdown runs as the Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive 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 dash with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard game overtook two legendary runners for the most in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a career high.

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

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

Both teams were missing their first-string QBs as the Ravens' star QB deals with a back injury while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the league's head injury program. The two backup quarterbacks – Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that featured only one punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a career-high 288 passing yards and a TD pass, and he also ran for 60 yards and two scores before leaving after re-injuring a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The difference in the game was Green Bay’s inability to contain Henry, who helped the Ravens outrush the Packers 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in the Ravens' last two possessions 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 Ravens ensured he touched the rock early and often. Henry’s dominance enabled the offense to score on their first five possessions and take a 13-point lead at the break.

Henry accumulated 15 rushes in Baltimore’s first two series and finished each of them with scores. He added a further short TD run just before the end of the half.

The Packers got back into the game by outplaying Baltimore 10-0 in the third period.

After a three-pointer, the defense forced the first punt of the night. The QB then scrambled for an 11-yard score to make it 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad responded on their ensuing drive.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third-and-5. He ended the third quarter with a long run. Those two plays set up a scoring strike from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

The Packers' quarterback drove the offense into Ravens' land before hurting his shoulder and heading to the locker room. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot With Win Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback connected on two long touchdowns on the team's opening possessions, 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 Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their positive run snapped and ceded the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs shocked the defense and gave Houston a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a receiver for a long touchdown. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense forced third-down sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were forced to quick punts on multiple early drives.

The Chargers' quarterback, competing with a hand injury, was brought down on five occasions.

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

The LA were denied on the goal line by a key defensive play. The target saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

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

The Houston specialist made kicks from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the victory.