Baltimore Stay Alive Behind Derrick Henry's Four-Touchdown Performance, Houston Clinch Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry accumulated a year-best 216 yards and equaled a career high with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Green Bay Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.

Henry had three touchdown runs in the opening two quarters and then found the end zone once more on a 25-yard run with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh 200-yard rushing performance overtook two legendary runners for the highest total in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a personal record.

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

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

Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks as the Ravens' star QB is sidelined by a back issue 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 contest that featured only a single punt.

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

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

Henry didn’t touch the ball in Baltimore’s final two series the previous week in a narrow defeat. The veteran running back’s lack of fourth-quarter usage was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The Ravens made sure he touched the rock frequently from the outset. His powerful running allowed the offense to put points on the board on their initial five drives and build a 13-point lead at the break.

Henry accumulated 15 carries in the team's first two series and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He added a further three-yard touchdown just before the end of the half.

Green Bay made it competitive by outplaying Baltimore 10-0 in the third quarter.

After a field goal, the Packers forced the initial punt of the night. The QB then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to make it a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad responded on their next series.

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

The Packers' quarterback led the offense into Baltimore territory before hurting his throwing shoulder and heading to the sideline. His replacement threw an pick on his only pass.

Texans Secure Playoff Spot With Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback threw for a pair of deep scores on the team's first two drives, and the Texans went on to defeat 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 longest such streak 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 shocked the defense and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his first pass of the game, he hit a wideout for a long touchdown. He later tossed a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

He connected on his first six throws of the game. He ended the day with 244 passing yards.

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

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

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

The LA were stopped on the goal line by a key defensive play. The intended receiver saw the ball bounce away, leading to the change of possession.

The Chargers' kicker missed a field goal from short range just before the break and later missed an extra point on the last possession after a late touchdown.

The Texans' kicker converted kicks from 41 and 44 yards to help secure the win.