Ravens Stay Alive Behind Henry’s Four Scores Performance, Houston Clinch Postseason Spot

The veteran running back accumulated a season-high 216 rushing yards and tied a personal best with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by beating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three scores in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard run with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh 200-yard game surpassed Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in league history.

His 36 carries constituted a career high.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must rely on the AFC North-leading Steelers fall at Cleveland on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would end the Ravens' playoff hopes. If the Cleveland win that game, the could capture the division title by beating 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 NFC North title. The Green Bay had already clinched a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both squads were without their first-string QBs as the Ravens' star QB deals with a back issue while the Packers' signal-caller is in the concussion protocol. The two backup quarterbacks – Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both productive in a game that saw only a single punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18 of 21 for a career-high 288 passing yards and one touchdown, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two scores before exiting after re-injuring a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16 of 20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The difference in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to contain Derrick Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

Henry didn’t touch the ball in the Ravens' last two possessions the previous week in a costly loss. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion locally all week.

The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock early and often. Henry’s dominance enabled the Ravens to score on their first five possessions and build a 13-point lead at the break.

Henry accumulated 15 carries in Baltimore’s first two series and finished each of them with scores. He tacked on another short TD run just before the end of the half.

Green Bay got back into the game by outplaying Baltimore ten to nothing in the third quarter.

After a field goal, the Packers forced the first punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad responded on their ensuing drive.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third down play. He ended the period with a long run. Those two plays set up a scoring strike from Huntley to his receiver.

Willis drove the Packers into Baltimore territory before hurting his shoulder and departing for the sideline. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Houston Texans Secure Playoff Spot With Win Over Los Angeles

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on the team's opening possessions, and the Texans went on to beat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday afternoon to secure a third straight postseason appearance.

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

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

The young QB's two explosive TDs shocked the defense and gave the Texans a 14-0 lead. On his first pass of the game, he found a wideout for a long touchdown. 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 yards.

Houston’s defense recorded third-down sacks on the opponent's first two possessions. The Chargers were forced to quick punts on multiple early drives.

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

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only resulted in a three points for the offense. Another takeaway did not yield any points.

The LA were stopped on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The intended receiver saw the ball bounce away, leading to the change of possession.

The Chargers' kicker 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 Texans' kicker made field goals from beyond 40 yards to help secure the victory.