Ravens Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Thanks to Derrick Henry's Four Scores Performance, Texans Clinch Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry accumulated a season-high 216 yards and matched a career high with four touchdown runs as the Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by beating the Packers 41-24 on Saturday evening.

Henry had three touchdown runs in the first half and then scored again on a 25-yard run with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh 200-yard rushing performance surpassed two legendary runners for the highest total in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a personal record.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers lose at Cleveland on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would extinguish the Ravens' postseason dreams. If the Browns win that game, the could capture the AFC North by beating the Pittsburgh on the road next week.

Green Bay (9-6-1) dropped their third consecutive game, allowing the Chicago Bears to clinch the division crown. The Green Bay had previously secured a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back injury while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the league's head injury program. The two replacement starters – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a game that saw only one punt.

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

The deciding factor in the game was the Packers' failure to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Packers by a wide margin.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s final two series the week before in a costly loss. The veteran running back’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. Henry’s dominance allowed the Ravens to score on their initial five drives and build a 13-point lead at the break.

He totaled 15 carries in Baltimore’s first two series and capped each of them with scores. He added a further three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

Green Bay made it competitive by outplaying the Ravens 10-0 in the third period.

After a three-pointer, the Packers forced the first punt of the night. The QB then ran for an 11-yard score to cut the deficit to a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He closed the period with a long run. Those key runs paved the way for a scoring strike from Huntley to his receiver.

Willis drove the Packers into Ravens' land before injuring his throwing shoulder and heading to the sideline. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Houston Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot After Win Over Los Angeles

CJ Stroud connected on a pair of deep scores on Houston’s first two drives, and the Houston went on to beat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Texans (11-5) extended their winning streak to eight games, their best run in several seasons.

The Chargers (11-5) had their positive run ended and ceded the division crown to their rivals.

The young QB's pair of quick strikes stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a wideout for a 75-yard score. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

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

The Texans' defensive unit recorded key sacks on the opponent's first two possessions. The Chargers were forced to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

The Chargers' quarterback, competing with a hand injury, was brought down on five occasions.

An interception of Stroud in the second quarter only resulted in a field goal for the offense. Another interception did not yield any points.

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

The placekicker missed a kick from short range just before the break and later pushed wide an extra point on the team’s final drive after a score.

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