Ravens Stay Alive Powered by Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Outburst, Houston Clinch Postseason Spot

The veteran running back rushed for a season-high 216 rushing yards and tied a career high with four rushing scores as the Ravens staved off elimination by defeating the Green Bay Packers 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 dash with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh 200-yard game overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in league history.

His 36 carries constituted a personal record.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the division-leading Steelers fall at Cleveland on Sunday. A Pittsburgh win in Cleveland would end Baltimore’s postseason dreams. If the Browns win that game, the could win the AFC North by beating 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 already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both teams were without their first-string QBs as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson is sidelined by a back injury while the Packers' signal-caller 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 game that saw only a single punt.

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

The deciding factor in the matchup was the Packers' failure to slow down Derrick Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Packers by a wide margin.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s final two series the week before in a costly loss. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a hot topic around Baltimore all week.

The Ravens ensured he touched the rock early and often. Henry’s dominance enabled the offense to put points on the board on their first five possessions and take a 13-point lead at the break.

He totaled 15 rushes in the team's first two series and capped each of them with scores. He added another three-yard touchdown just before the end of the half.

Green Bay got back into the game by outscoring the Ravens ten to nothing in the third period.

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

But the Baltimore squad responded on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third-and-5. He ended the third quarter with a 30-yard burst. Those two plays set up a scoring strike from the quarterback to his receiver.

Willis led the Packers into Baltimore territory before hurting his shoulder and heading to the sideline. His backup threw an interception on his only pass.

Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot With Victory Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback connected on a pair of deep scores on the team's opening possessions, and the Houston went on to beat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday afternoon to clinch a third consecutive playoff berth.

The Texans (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 handed the division crown to their rivals.

Stroud’s pair of quick strikes stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a 14-0 lead. On his initial throw of the game, he found a wideout for a long touchdown. He later tossed a deep scoring pass on the next drive.

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

Houston’s defense recorded key sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Chargers were forced to quick punts on three of their first four possessions.

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

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

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

The placekicker missed a kick from short range just before the break and later pushed wide an PAT attempt on the last possession after a score.

The Texans' kicker converted kicks from beyond 40 yards to contribute to the win.