Baltimore Remain in Contention Powered by Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Outburst, Texans Clinch Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry accumulated a season-high 216 yards and matched a personal best with four TDs on the ground as the Ravens staved off elimination by beating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

The powerful back had three touchdown runs 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 surpassed two legendary runners for the highest total in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a personal record.

The Ravens (8-8) now must hope the division-leading Steelers lose at the Browns on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would extinguish Baltimore’s playoff hopes. If the Cleveland win that game, the could capture the AFC North by defeating the Pittsburgh on the road next week.

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 dropped their third consecutive game, allowing the Bears to clinch the NFC North title. The Packers had already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both teams were missing their first-string QBs as the Ravens' star QB deals with a back issue while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two replacement starters – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a contest that featured only a single punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18 of 21 for a career-high 288 yards and a TD pass, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns before leaving after re-injuring a shoulder injury. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The difference in the game was the Packers' failure to contain Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Green Bay by a wide margin.

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 hot topic around Baltimore all week.

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

He totaled 15 rushes in Baltimore’s first two series and capped each of them with scores. He added another short TD run just before the second quarter ended.

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

After a three-pointer, the defense forced the first punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad responded on their ensuing drive.

Henry ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He ended the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays set up a touchdown pass from Huntley to his receiver.

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

Texans Secure Postseason Berth After Win Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on the team's opening possessions, and the Houston went on to beat the Chargers by four points on Saturday to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 won their eighth in a row, 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 stunned the defense and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he found a receiver for a 75-yard score. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

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

Houston’s defense forced third-down sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Los Angeles offense were held to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

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

An interception of Stroud in the first half only produced a three points for the Chargers. Another takeaway failed to produce any points.

The Chargers were denied on the goal line by a key defensive play. The intended receiver saw the pass pop off his hands, leading to the change of possession.

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

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