Baltimore Remain in Contention Thanks to Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Outburst, Texans Secure Postseason Spot

The veteran running back ran for a season-high 216 rushing yards and matched a career high with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by toppling the Packers 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry had three touchdown runs in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard dash with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance moved him ahead of Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in league history.

His 36 carries represented a personal record.

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

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 lost their third straight, allowing the Bears to clinch the division crown. The Packers had previously secured a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks as the Ravens' star QB deals with a back issue while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two backup quarterbacks – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a contest that featured only one punt.

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

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

The star running back was not utilized in Baltimore’s last two possessions the previous week in a costly loss. The proven rusher's absence in the final period was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The Ravens made sure he got the ball frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance allowed the offense to put points on the board on their first five possessions and build a 13-point lead at the break.

He totaled 15 rushes in the team's opening two drives and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on a further short TD run just before the end of the half.

Green Bay got back into the game by outscoring the Ravens 10-0 in the third period.

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

But the Baltimore squad answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He closed the third quarter with a long run. Those two plays paved the way for a touchdown pass from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

The Packers' quarterback drove the Packers into Baltimore territory before hurting his shoulder and departing for the sideline. His replacement threw an interception on his first attempt.

Houston Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot With Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback connected on a pair of deep scores on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Houston went on to defeat 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 longest such streak in several seasons.

The Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their positive run snapped and ceded the division crown to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs shocked the defense and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his first pass of the game, he hit a wideout for a long touchdown. He later tossed a deep scoring pass on the next drive.

Stroud connected on his first six throws of the game. He ended the day with 244 passing yards.

The Texans' defensive unit recorded key sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Chargers were forced to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

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

An interception of Stroud in the second quarter only produced 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 failed to convert a kick from short range just before the break and later missed an PAT attempt on the last possession after a late touchdown.

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