Ravens Stay Alive Powered by Henry’s Quadruple-TD Outburst, Texans Secure Playoff Berth

The veteran running back accumulated a year-best 216 yards and matched a personal best with four rushing scores as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by beating the Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday night.

Henry had three scores 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 career 200-yard rushing performance overtook Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the most in NFL history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a career high.

The Baltimore Ravens, now 8-8 now must hope the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers lose at Cleveland on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would end the Ravens' postseason dreams. If the Cleveland 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, enabling the Chicago Bears to clinch the division crown. The Packers had already clinched a playoff berth 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 concussion protocol. The two replacement starters – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both productive in a contest that saw only one punt.

Willis went 18-for-21 for a career-high 288 passing yards and one touchdown, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns before exiting after re-injuring a shoulder injury. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.

The difference in the matchup was Green Bay’s inability to contain Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Packers by a wide margin.

Henry didn’t touch the ball in Baltimore’s final two series the previous week in a costly loss. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion around Baltimore all week.

The Ravens ensured he touched the rock early and often. His powerful running allowed the Ravens to put points on the board on their initial five drives and build a 27-14 halftime lead.

Henry accumulated 15 carries in the team's first two series and finished each of them with scores. He tacked on a further three-yard touchdown just before the second quarter ended.

Green Bay made it competitive by outscoring Baltimore ten to nothing in the third period.

After a three-pointer, the defense forced the initial punt of the night. The QB then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-24.

But the Baltimore squad answered on their next series.

Henry ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He closed the period with a long run. Those two plays paved the way for a scoring strike from the quarterback to his receiver.

The Packers' quarterback led the Packers into Ravens' land before hurting his throwing shoulder and departing for the sideline. His replacement threw an pick on his only pass.

Texans Secure Postseason Berth After Victory Over Los Angeles

The Texans' quarterback connected on a pair of deep scores on the team's first two drives, and the Texans went on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

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 ended and handed the division crown to their rivals.

Stroud’s pair of quick strikes shocked the defense and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his first pass of the game, he found a receiver for a long touchdown. He later tossed a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

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

Houston’s defense recorded third-down sacks on the opponent's opening drives. The Chargers were forced to quick punts on multiple early drives.

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

An interception of Stroud in the second quarter only resulted in a three points for the offense. Another interception failed to produce any scores.

The Chargers were stopped on the one-yard line by a key defensive play. The target saw the pass pop off his hands, leading to the turnover.

The placekicker missed a kick from short range just before halftime and later pushed wide an extra point on the last possession after a score.

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