Ravens Stay Alive Thanks to Henry’s Quadruple-TD Performance, Texans Secure Playoff Berth

The veteran running back ran for a year-best 216 rushing yards and equaled a career high with four rushing scores as the Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by beating the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry had three touchdown runs in the first half and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance overtook two legendary runners for the highest total in NFL history.

His 36 carries represented a personal record.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must rely on the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers fall at Cleveland on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would end the Ravens' playoff hopes. If the Browns win that game, the could capture the division title by defeating the Pittsburgh on the road next week.

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 dropped their third consecutive game, allowing the Chicago Bears to secure the division crown. The Packers had previously secured a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both teams were missing their starting quarterbacks as the Ravens' star QB is sidelined by a back injury while the Packers' signal-caller is in the league's head injury program. The two replacement starters – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that saw only a single 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 injury. Huntley was 16 of 20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The deciding factor in the matchup was the Packers' failure to stop Derrick Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

Henry didn’t touch the ball in the Ravens' final two series the week before in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a hot topic locally all week.

The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock early and often. His powerful running allowed the Ravens to score on their initial five drives and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

He totaled 15 carries in the team's first two series and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on a further short TD run 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 elicited 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 Ravens responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He ended the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs paved the way for a touchdown pass from the quarterback to his receiver.

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

Texans Secure Postseason Berth After Win Over Chargers

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

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

The Chargers (11-5) had their four-game winning streak snapped and handed the division crown to their rivals.

The young QB's two explosive TDs stunned the Chargers and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a wideout for a 75-yard score. He later tossed a deep scoring pass on the next drive.

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

The Texans' defensive unit forced key sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Chargers were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

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

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

The LA were denied on the goal line by a crucial interception. The intended receiver saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

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

The Houston specialist made kicks from beyond 40 yards to contribute to the victory.