Ravens Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Powered by Henry’s Four-Touchdown Outburst, Houston Clinch Postseason Spot

The veteran running back accumulated a year-best 216 rushing yards and tied a personal best with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by defeating the Packers 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry had three touchdown runs 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 overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts marked a career high.

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

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, allowing the Bears to secure 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 deals with a back injury while the Packers' signal-caller is in the league's head injury program. The two backup quarterbacks – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive 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 ran for 60 yards and two scores before exiting after re-injuring a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The difference in the game was Green Bay’s inability to slow down Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

The star running back was not utilized in Baltimore’s last two possessions the previous week in a costly loss. The veteran running back’s lack of fourth-quarter usage was a hot topic locally 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 27-14 halftime lead.

He accumulated 15 carries in Baltimore’s first two series and capped each of them with scores. He added another three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

The Packers got back into the game by outscoring the Ravens 10-0 in the third period.

After a three-pointer, the Packers forced the initial punt of the night. The QB then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their ensuing drive.

Henry ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He closed the period with a long run. Those key runs set up a touchdown pass from the quarterback to his receiver.

Willis led the Packers into Baltimore territory before injuring his shoulder and departing for the sideline. His replacement threw an pick on his only pass.

Houston Texans Lock Up Postseason Berth With Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback connected on two long touchdowns on the team's first two drives, and the Texans went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers by four points on Saturday 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 Chargers (11-5) had their four-game winning streak snapped and ceded the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s pair of quick strikes shocked the defense and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw 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 attempts of the game. He finished with 244 yards.

Houston’s defense forced third-down sacks on the opponent's first two possessions. The Los Angeles offense were forced to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.

The Chargers' quarterback, competing with a hand injury, was brought down on five occasions.

An interception of Stroud in the first half only resulted in a field goal for the offense. Another interception failed to produce any points.

The Chargers were stopped on the goal line by a key defensive play. The intended receiver saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

The Chargers' kicker missed a kick from close distance just before halftime and later missed an PAT attempt on the last possession after a late touchdown.

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