Ravens Remain in Contention Thanks to Derrick Henry's Quadruple-TD Performance, Houston Clinch Playoff Berth

The veteran running back rushed for a year-best 216 yards and matched a career high with four touchdown runs as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by toppling the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday evening.

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 200-yard rushing performance moved him ahead of two legendary runners for the most in league history.

His 36 rushing attempts represented a career high.

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

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost their third straight, enabling the Bears to clinch the NFC North title. The Packers had already clinched a playoff berth earlier in the week.

Both teams were without their starting quarterbacks as the Ravens' star QB is sidelined by a back injury while the Packers' signal-caller is in the concussion protocol. The two backup quarterbacks – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Green Bay’s Malik Willis – were both effective in a game that featured only a single punt.

Willis went 18 of 21 for a personal-best 288 yards and a TD pass, and he also rushed for 60 yards and two scores before leaving after re-injuring a shoulder injury. The Ravens' backup was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with one touchdown.

The difference in the game was the Packers' failure to contain Henry, who helped the Baltimore outgain on the ground the Green Bay by a wide margin.

The star running back was not utilized in the Ravens' last two possessions the week before in a narrow defeat. The proven rusher's lack of fourth-quarter usage was a major point of discussion locally all week.

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

He totaled 15 carries in the team's first two series and capped each of them with scores. He added a further short TD run just before the end of the half.

Green Bay made it competitive by outplaying the Ravens ten to nothing in the third quarter.

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

But the Ravens answered on their ensuing drive.

The workhorse back ran for a crucial first down on a third down play. He ended the third quarter with a long run. Those two plays paved the way for a touchdown pass from the quarterback to Zay Flowers.

Willis led the offense into Ravens' land before injuring his shoulder and heading to the sideline. His replacement threw an pick on his only pass.

Houston Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot With Win Over Chargers

The Texans' quarterback connected on a pair of deep scores on Houston’s first two drives, and the Texans went on to defeat the Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to secure a third straight postseason appearance.

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 four-game winning streak ended and ceded the AFC West title to their rivals.

The young QB's pair of quick strikes shocked the defense and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his initial throw of the game, he hit a receiver for a long touchdown. He later tossed a deep scoring pass on the following possession.

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

Houston’s defense forced key sacks on the Chargers’ first two possessions. The Chargers were forced to three-and-out on multiple early drives.

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 resulted in a three points for the offense. Another interception failed to produce any scores.

The Chargers were denied on the goal line by a key defensive play. The target saw the ball pop off his hands, leading to the change of possession.

The Chargers' kicker failed to convert a kick from short range just before halftime and later missed an extra point on the team’s final drive after a late touchdown.

The Texans' kicker made field goals from beyond 40 yards to contribute to the win.