Baltimore Remain in Contention Powered by Henry’s Four-Touchdown Outburst, Houston Clinch Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry accumulated a year-best 216 rushing yards and matched a career high with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens staved off elimination by toppling the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

The powerful back had three scores in the first half and then scored again on a 25-yard dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard game overtook two legendary runners for the most in league history.

His 36 carries marked a career high.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must rely on 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 beating the Pittsburgh on the road next week.

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

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

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

The deciding factor in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to stop Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Green Bay by a wide margin.

The star running back was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series 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 coaching staff ensured he touched the rock early and often. His powerful running enabled the offense to score on their initial five drives 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 another three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

The Packers got back into the game by outplaying Baltimore ten to nothing in the third quarter.

After a three-pointer, the defense elicited the initial punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He ended the period with a long run. Those key runs set up a touchdown pass from the quarterback to his receiver.

Willis led the Packers into Ravens' land before injuring his shoulder and departing for the locker room. His replacement threw an interception on his first attempt.

Texans Secure Postseason Berth After Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback connected on a pair of deep scores on Houston’s first two drives, and the Houston went on to defeat the 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 best run in several seasons.

The Chargers (11-5) had their positive run snapped and ceded the AFC West title to their rivals.

The young QB's two explosive TDs shocked the Chargers and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he found a wideout for a 75-yard score. He later threw a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense recorded third-down sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were forced to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

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

An interception of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only produced a field goal for the offense. Another takeaway did not yield any points.

The Chargers were denied on the goal line by a crucial interception. The target saw the pass bounce away, leading to the change of possession.

The Chargers' kicker missed a kick from short range just before halftime and later pushed wide an extra point on the team’s final drive after a late touchdown.

The Texans' kicker made kicks from 41 and 44 yards to help secure the victory.