Baltimore Remain in Contention Thanks to Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Performance, Houston Clinch Postseason Spot

The veteran running back rushed for a season-high 216 rushing yards and equaled a career high with four touchdown runs as the Baltimore Ravens staved off elimination by toppling the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three scores in the opening two quarters 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 Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the most in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a career high.

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

Green Bay (9-6-1) dropped their third consecutive game, allowing the Chicago Bears to secure the NFC North title. The Green Bay had already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back injury while the Packers' signal-caller is in the league's head injury program. The two backup quarterbacks – Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both effective in a game that saw only one punt.

Willis went 18 of 21 for a personal-best 288 yards and a TD pass, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two scores before leaving after aggravating a shoulder issue. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The difference in the game was the Packers' failure to contain Henry, who helped the Ravens outrush the Packers 307-79.

Henry didn’t touch the ball in the Ravens' final two series the week before in a narrow defeat. The veteran running back’s absence in the final period was a hot topic locally all week.

The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock frequently from the outset. His powerful running enabled the offense to score on their first five possessions and take a 27-14 halftime lead.

Henry accumulated 15 rushes in Baltimore’s opening two drives and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He added another three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

The Packers got back into the game by outplaying the Ravens ten to nothing in the third quarter.

After a field goal, the Packers elicited the first punt of the night. The QB then scrambled for an 11-yard score to make it a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their ensuing drive.

Henry ran for a key gain on a third-and-5. He closed the third quarter with a long run. Those key runs paved the way for a touchdown pass from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

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

Houston Texans Lock Up Postseason Berth After Victory Over Chargers

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

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

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

The young QB's pair of quick strikes stunned the defense and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he found a receiver for a 75-yard score. He later threw a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

Stroud connected on his first six throws of the game. He finished with 244 yards.

The Texans' defensive unit recorded key sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Chargers were held to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

The Chargers' quarterback, 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 offense. Another takeaway failed to produce any points.

The Chargers were stopped on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The intended receiver saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the change of possession.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a field goal from short range just before halftime and later missed an PAT attempt on the team’s final drive after a late touchdown.

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