Ravens Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Behind Henry’s Four Scores Performance, Houston Secure Playoff Berth

The veteran running back rushed for a year-best 216 yards and equaled a career high with four touchdown runs as the Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by toppling the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday evening.

The powerful back had three scores in the first half and then scored again on a 25-yard run with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh 200-yard game moved him ahead of Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the most in league history.

His 36 carries represented a career high.

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

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

Both squads were missing their first-string QBs as the Ravens' star QB deals with 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 productive in a contest that saw only a single punt.

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

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

The star running back was not utilized in the Ravens' final two series the week before in a narrow defeat. The veteran running back’s lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion locally all week.

The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock frequently from the outset. His powerful running allowed the Ravens to score on their first five possessions and build a 27-14 halftime lead.

He accumulated 15 rushes in the team's opening two drives and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He added a further short TD run just before the second quarter ended.

Green Bay got back into the game by outplaying the Ravens ten to nothing 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 score to cut the deficit to a three-point game.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their ensuing drive.

Henry ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He ended the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays paved the way for a touchdown pass from Huntley to his receiver.

The Packers' quarterback drove the offense into Ravens' land before injuring his shoulder and departing for the locker room. His backup threw an interception on his only pass.

Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot With 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 defeat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Houston Texans, now 11-5 extended their winning streak to eight games, their best run in several seasons.

The Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their four-game winning streak snapped and ceded the AFC West title to their rivals.

Stroud’s pair of quick strikes stunned the defense and gave the Texans a 14-0 lead. On his first pass of the game, he found a wideout for a 75-yard score. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

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

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

The LA signal-caller, competing with a hand injury, was sacked five times.

An interception of the Texans' QB in the first half only produced a field goal for the Chargers. Another takeaway did not yield any points.

The LA were denied on the one-yard line by a crucial interception. The target saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

The placekicker failed to convert a field goal from short range just before halftime and later pushed wide an PAT attempt on the team’s final drive after a score.

The Texans' kicker made field goals from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the win.