Baltimore Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Thanks to Henry’s Four-Touchdown Outburst, Texans Clinch Postseason Spot

The veteran running back ran for a season-high 216 rushing yards and tied a career high with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by beating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three scores in the first half and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard dash with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh 200-yard rushing performance overtook two legendary runners for the most in league history.

His 36 carries represented a career high.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must rely on the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers fall at the Browns on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would extinguish Baltimore’s postseason dreams. If the Browns 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, allowing the Bears to secure the division crown. The Packers had previously secured a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks as the Ravens' star QB is sidelined by a back issue while the Packers' signal-caller is in the league's head injury program. The two replacement starters – Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both productive in a contest that featured only one punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and one touchdown, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two scores before exiting after aggravating a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16 of 20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The difference in the game was the Packers' failure to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Baltimore outrush the Green Bay by a wide margin.

Henry was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series the week before in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion locally all week.

The coaching staff made sure he got the ball frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance allowed the offense to score on their first five possessions and take a 13-point lead at the break.

Henry totaled 15 carries in the team's first two series and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on another three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

Green Bay made it competitive by outscoring 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 touchdown to cut the deficit to a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their next series.

Henry ran for a key gain on a third down play. He closed the third quarter with a long run. Those key runs set up a scoring strike from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

Willis drove the Packers into Ravens' land before hurting his throwing shoulder and heading to the sideline. His replacement threw an interception on his only pass.

Houston Texans Secure Postseason Berth With Win Over Los Angeles

The Texans' quarterback connected on two long touchdowns on the team's opening possessions, and the Houston went on to defeat the Chargers by four points on Saturday afternoon to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.

The Texans (11-5) won their eighth in a row, their best run in several seasons.

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

Stroud’s pair of quick strikes shocked the Chargers and gave the Texans a 14-0 lead. On his first pass of the game, he found a receiver for a long touchdown. He later tossed a deep scoring pass on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense forced key sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Chargers were forced to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

The Chargers' quarterback, playing with a broken hand, was brought down on five occasions.

An interception of Stroud in the second quarter only resulted in a field goal for the Chargers. Another interception failed to produce any scores.

The LA were stopped on the goal line by a key defensive play. The target saw the pass bounce away, leading to the turnover.

The placekicker missed a field goal from close distance just before the break and later pushed wide an PAT attempt on the team’s final drive after a late touchdown.

The Texans' kicker converted kicks from beyond 40 yards to contribute to the victory.