Baltimore Remain in Contention Powered by Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Outburst, Houston Secure Playoff Berth

Derrick Henry ran for a season-high 216 rushing yards and equaled a personal best with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by beating the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three touchdown runs in the first half and then scored again on a 25-yard run with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard game overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a personal record.

The Ravens (8-8) now must hope the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers lose at the Browns on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would extinguish the Ravens' postseason dreams. If the Cleveland win that game, the could capture the division title by defeating the Steelers on the road next week.

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, allowing the Chicago Bears to clinch the division crown. The Packers had previously secured a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both teams were missing 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 backup quarterbacks – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a contest that saw only one punt.

The Packers' fill-in went 18-for-21 for a personal-best 288 passing yards and a TD pass, and he also ran for 60 yards and two scores before exiting after re-injuring a shoulder injury. Huntley was 16 of 20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

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

Henry was not utilized in the Ravens' last two possessions the week before 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 made sure he touched the rock frequently from the outset. Henry’s dominance enabled the Ravens to score on their initial five drives and build a 13-point lead at the break.

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

Green Bay made it competitive by outplaying the Ravens ten to nothing in the third quarter.

After a three-pointer, the defense forced the initial punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard score to make it a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their ensuing drive.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third-and-5. He closed the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays set up a touchdown pass from the quarterback to his receiver.

Willis drove the Packers into Ravens' land before hurting his shoulder and heading to the locker room. His backup threw an interception on his only pass.

Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot After Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback threw for two long touchdowns on the team's first two drives, and the Houston went on to beat the 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 Chargers (11-5) had their four-game winning streak snapped and handed the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s two explosive TDs shocked the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a wideout for a 75-yard score. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

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

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

The Chargers' quarterback, playing with a broken hand, was sacked five times.

An early pick of the Texans' QB in the first half only resulted in a field goal for the offense. Another interception failed to produce any points.

The Chargers were denied on the goal 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 field goal from close distance just before halftime and later missed an extra point on the last possession after a late touchdown.

The Houston specialist made field goals from beyond 40 yards to help secure the win.