Ravens Stay Alive Behind Henry’s Quadruple-TD Outburst, Texans Secure Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry accumulated a year-best 216 rushing yards and equaled a career high with four TDs on the ground as the Ravens staved off elimination by toppling the Green Bay 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 run with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard game overtook two legendary runners for the most in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a personal record.

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

Green Bay (9-6-1) dropped their third consecutive game, enabling the Bears to clinch the NFC North title. The Green Bay had previously secured a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both teams were without their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with 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 effective in a game that featured only one punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18 of 21 for a personal-best 288 yards and a TD pass, and he also ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns before exiting after aggravating a shoulder injury. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The deciding factor in the game was the Packers' failure to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Baltimore outrush the Green Bay 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series the previous week in a costly loss. The veteran running back’s absence in the final period was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff made sure he got the ball early and often. Henry’s dominance allowed the Ravens to score on their first five possessions and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

He accumulated 15 rushes in Baltimore’s opening two drives and finished 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 outscoring Baltimore ten to nothing in the third period.

After a field goal, the defense forced the first punt of the night. The QB then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He ended the period with a long run. Those key runs paved the way for a scoring strike from the quarterback to his receiver.

The Packers' quarterback led the Packers into Baltimore territory before injuring his shoulder and departing for the locker room. His replacement threw an pick on his first attempt.

Houston Texans Secure Playoff Spot After Win Over Los Angeles

The Texans' quarterback threw for two long touchdowns on Houston’s first two drives, and the Houston went on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers by four points on Saturday to secure 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 four-game winning streak snapped and handed the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs shocked the Chargers and gave Houston a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a receiver for a long touchdown. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

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

The Texans' defensive unit forced third-down sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Chargers were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

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

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the first half only produced 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 ball bounce away, leading to the turnover.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a field goal from short range just before the break and later missed an PAT attempt on the team’s final drive after a score.

The Houston specialist converted kicks from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the win.