Baltimore Remain in Contention Behind Derrick Henry's Four Scores Performance, Houston Clinch Postseason Spot

The veteran running back accumulated a year-best 216 rushing yards and tied a career high with four touchdown runs as the Baltimore Ravens staved off elimination by defeating the Green Bay Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

Henry had three scores 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 game overtook two legendary runners for the highest total in league history.

His 36 carries represented a personal record.

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

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 lost their third straight, allowing the Bears to secure the NFC North title. The Packers had previously secured a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both teams were without their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson deals with a back issue while the Packers' signal-caller is in the league's head injury program. The two replacement starters – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a contest that saw only one punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and one touchdown, and he also ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns before exiting after re-injuring a shoulder injury. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

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

The star running back was not utilized in Baltimore’s final two series the previous week in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's absence in the final period was a major point of discussion around Baltimore all week.

The Ravens ensured he got the ball frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance allowed the Ravens to score on their first five possessions and take a 13-point lead at the break.

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

The Packers made it competitive by outscoring Baltimore ten to nothing in the third period.

After a field goal, the defense elicited the first punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to make it 27-24.

But the Ravens answered on their next series.

Henry ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He closed the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs set up a scoring strike from the quarterback to his receiver.

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

Texans Lock Up Postseason Berth With Victory Over Los Angeles

CJ Stroud connected on two long touchdowns on the team's opening possessions, and the Houston went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a third consecutive playoff berth.

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

The Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their four-game winning streak snapped and handed 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 hit a wideout for a long touchdown. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the following possession.

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

The Texans' defensive unit forced key sacks on the Chargers’ opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were forced to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

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

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only resulted in a field goal for the offense. Another interception failed to produce any scores.

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

The placekicker failed to convert a kick from short range just before halftime 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.