Baltimore Remain in Contention Powered by Derrick Henry's Four Scores Outburst, Houston Clinch Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry ran for a season-high 216 yards and matched a personal best with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by beating the Packers 41-24 on Saturday night.

The powerful back had three scores in the opening two quarters and then scored again on a 25-yard run with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance moved him ahead of two legendary runners for the most in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts constituted a career high.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers fall at the Browns on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would end the Ravens' playoff hopes. If the Cleveland win that game, the could win 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 clinch the division crown. The Packers had already clinched a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both teams were without their starting quarterbacks 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 – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a contest that saw only one punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18-for-21 for a career-high 288 yards and a TD pass, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns before exiting after aggravating a shoulder injury. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

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

Henry 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 hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock early and often. Henry’s dominance allowed the Ravens to put points on the board on their initial five drives and build a 27-14 halftime lead.

Henry totaled 15 rushes in Baltimore’s opening two drives and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He added a further short TD run just before the end of the half.

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

After a field goal, the defense forced the first punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard score to make it 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 ended the period with a long run. Those two plays paved the way for a scoring strike from the quarterback to his receiver.

Willis led the Packers into Ravens' land before injuring his shoulder and departing for the sideline. His backup threw an pick on his only pass.

Texans Secure Playoff Spot After Win Over Los Angeles

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Houston went on to beat the 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 Chargers (11-5) had their positive run snapped and ceded the division crown to their rivals.

Stroud’s pair of quick strikes stunned the defense and gave the Texans a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a receiver for a 75-yard score. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the following possession.

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

Houston’s defense forced key sacks on the Chargers’ opening drives. The Chargers were forced to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

The Chargers' quarterback, playing with a broken hand, was brought down on five occasions.

An interception of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only produced a three points for the offense. Another interception failed to produce any points.

The Chargers were stopped on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The target saw the pass pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a kick from close distance just before halftime and later pushed wide an extra point on the last possession after a late touchdown.

The Texans' kicker converted field goals from beyond 40 yards to contribute to the victory.