Ravens Stay Alive Powered by Henry’s Quadruple-TD Performance, Texans Clinch Postseason Spot

The veteran running back rushed for a year-best 216 rushing yards and equaled a career high with four TDs on the ground as the Baltimore Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by beating the Green Bay Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

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

His 36 carries constituted a career high.

The Ravens (8-8) now must hope the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers fall at the Browns on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would end the Ravens' postseason dreams. If the Cleveland win that game, the Ravens the AFC North by beating the Steelers on the road next week.

The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 dropped their third consecutive game, allowing the Bears to secure the NFC North title. The Packers had already clinched a postseason spot earlier in the week.

Both teams were missing their first-string QBs as the Ravens' star QB is sidelined by a back injury while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the league's head injury program. The two backup quarterbacks – Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a contest that featured only one 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 scores before exiting after aggravating a shoulder issue. The Ravens' backup 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 Baltimore outrush the Green Bay 307-79.

Henry was not utilized in Baltimore’s last two possessions the previous week in a narrow defeat. The veteran running back’s absence in the final period was a hot topic locally all week.

The Ravens 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 capped each of them with scores. He tacked on a further short TD run just before the second quarter ended.

Green Bay made it competitive by outscoring the Ravens 10-0 in the third quarter.

After a field goal, the defense elicited the initial punt of the night. Willis then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their next series.

The workhorse back ran for a key gain on a third-and-5. He ended the period with a long run. Those key runs set up a scoring strike from Huntley to Zay Flowers.

Willis drove the offense into Baltimore territory before hurting his shoulder and heading to the locker room. His backup threw an pick on his first attempt.

Texans Secure Postseason Berth With Win Over Los Angeles

The Texans' quarterback threw for two long touchdowns on the team's opening possessions, and the Houston went on to defeat the Chargers by four points on Saturday to clinch a third consecutive playoff berth.

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

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

Stroud’s two explosive TDs stunned the Chargers and gave Houston a two-score advantage. On his first pass of the game, he hit a receiver for a 75-yard score. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

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

The Texans' defensive unit recorded key sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Los Angeles offense were held to quick punts on multiple early drives.

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

An interception of Stroud in the second quarter only produced a three points for the offense. Another interception did not yield any scores.

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

The Chargers' kicker missed a kick from close distance just before halftime and later pushed wide 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.