Ravens Remain in Contention Behind Henry’s Four Scores Performance, Houston Clinch Postseason Spot

The veteran running back ran for a year-best 216 rushing yards and tied a career high with four TDs on the ground as the Ravens staved off elimination by defeating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

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 moved him ahead of two legendary runners for the most in NFL history.

His 36 carries represented a career high.

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

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

Both teams were missing their first-string QBs as the Ravens' star QB is sidelined by 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 effective in a game that featured only one punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a career-high 288 yards and a TD pass, and he also ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns before leaving after re-injuring a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The deciding factor in the matchup was the Packers' failure to slow down Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s last two possessions the week before in a costly loss. The veteran running back’s lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion around Baltimore all week.

The coaching staff made sure he got the ball 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 carries in the team's opening two drives and finished each of them with touchdown runs. He added another three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

Green Bay got back into the game by outplaying the Ravens 10-0 in the third period.

After a field goal, the defense elicited the initial punt of the night. Willis then ran for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to a three-point game.

But the Ravens answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He closed the period with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays paved the way for a touchdown pass from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

Willis drove the Packers into Baltimore territory before injuring his shoulder and departing for the locker room. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Texans Secure Postseason Berth With Victory Over Chargers

CJ Stroud connected on two long touchdowns on Houston’s first two drives, and the Houston went on to defeat the Chargers by four points on Saturday afternoon to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.

The Texans (11-5) won their eighth in a row, their best run in several seasons.

The Los Angeles Chargers, also 11-5 had their positive run snapped and ceded the division crown to their rivals.

The young QB's two explosive TDs stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a receiver for a long touchdown. He later tossed a 43-yard TD on the next drive.

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

The Texans' defensive unit recorded third-down sacks on the Chargers’ opening drives. The Chargers were forced to quick punts 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 produced a three points for the offense. Another takeaway failed to produce any scores.

The Chargers were denied on the goal line by a key defensive play. The intended receiver saw the pass bounce away, leading to the turnover.

The placekicker missed a field goal from short range just before the break and later pushed wide an extra point on the team’s final drive after a late touchdown.

The Houston specialist converted kicks from beyond 40 yards to contribute to the win.