Ravens Stay Alive Behind Derrick Henry's Four Scores Performance, Houston Secure Postseason Spot

The veteran running back ran for a season-high 216 rushing yards and tied a personal best with four touchdown runs as the Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by toppling the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry had three touchdown runs in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard run with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard game moved him ahead of two legendary runners for the most in NFL history.

His 36 carries represented a personal record.

The Ravens (8-8) now must hope the AFC North-leading Steelers fall at the Browns on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would extinguish the Ravens' playoff hopes. If the Cleveland win that game, the could capture the division title by beating the Steelers 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 Packers 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 the Packers' signal-caller is in the league's head injury program. The two backup quarterbacks – Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both productive in a contest that featured only a single punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a career-high 288 passing yards and one touchdown, 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 one touchdown.

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

The star running back was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series the previous week in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's absence in the final period was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff made sure he touched the rock frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance allowed the offense to put points on the board on their first five possessions and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

Henry totaled 15 rushes in the team's first two series and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He added another short TD run just before the end of the half.

The Packers made it competitive by outplaying Baltimore ten to nothing in the third period.

After a field goal, the Packers elicited the initial punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard score to make it 27-24.

But the Ravens responded on their ensuing drive.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He ended the period with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs set up a touchdown pass from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

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

Texans Lock Up Postseason Berth With Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on Houston’s first two drives, and the Houston went on to beat the Chargers by four points on Saturday to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

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

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

Houston’s defense recorded key sacks on the Chargers’ opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were forced to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

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

An interception of the Texans' QB in the first half only produced a field goal for the Chargers. Another interception failed to produce any scores.

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

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a field goal from short range just before the break and later missed an extra point on the last possession after a score.

The Texans' kicker converted kicks from beyond 40 yards to help secure the win.