Derrick Henry ran for a year-best 216 rushing yards and matched a career high with four TDs on the ground as the Ravens remained in the postseason hunt by defeating the Green Bay Packers by a score of 41-24 on Saturday evening.
Henry had three scores in the first half and then scored again on a 25-yard dash with under two minutes remaining in the game. His seventh career 200-yard game surpassed Adrian Peterson and OJ Simpson for the highest total in NFL history.
His 36 rushing attempts constituted a personal record.
The Ravens (8-8) now must hope the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers lose at the Browns on Sunday. A Steelers victory in Cleveland would end the Ravens' playoff hopes. If the Browns win that game, the could win the division title by defeating the Pittsburgh on the road next week.
The Packers, falling to 9-6-1 lost their third straight, enabling the Chicago Bears to secure the NFC North title. The Green Bay had already clinched a playoff berth earlier in the week.
Both squads were missing their starting quarterbacks as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson is sidelined by a back issue while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol. The two replacement starters – Baltimore’s Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis – were both productive in a contest that featured only one punt.
Willis went 18 of 21 for a personal-best 288 yards and a TD pass, and he also ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns before leaving after re-injuring a shoulder injury. Huntley was 16-for-20 for 107 yards with a scoring pass.
The difference in the game was Green Bay’s inability to stop Henry, who helped the Ravens outgain on the ground the Green Bay by a wide margin.
The star running back was not utilized in Baltimore’s final two series the week before in a costly loss. The proven rusher's absence in the final period was a major point of discussion locally all week.
The coaching staff ensured he touched the rock frequently from the outset. His powerful running allowed the Ravens to score on their initial five drives and take a 27-14 halftime lead.
He totaled 15 carries in Baltimore’s first two series and capped each of them with touchdown runs. He tacked on another short TD run just before the second quarter ended.
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 first punt of the night. The QB then scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown to make it 27-24.
But the Ravens answered on their next series.
Henry ran for a key gain on a third down play. He closed the period with a 30-yard burst. Those key runs paved the way for a scoring strike from Huntley to Zay Flowers.
Willis drove the Packers into Ravens' land before hurting his throwing shoulder and departing for the sideline. His backup threw an interception on his first attempt.
Texans Lock Up Playoff Spot With Victory Over Chargers
CJ Stroud connected on two long touchdowns on Houston’s opening possessions, and the Houston went on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a third straight postseason appearance.
The Houston Texans, now 11-5 won their eighth in a row, their longest such streak in several seasons.
The Chargers (11-5) had their four-game winning streak ended and handed the division crown to their rivals.
Stroud’s pair of quick strikes shocked the Chargers and gave the Texans a two-score advantage. On his first pass of the game, he hit a receiver for a long touchdown. He later threw a deep scoring pass on the next drive.
He completed his first six attempts of the game. He ended the day with 244 yards.
Houston’s defense forced third-down sacks on the opponent's first two possessions. The Los Angeles offense were forced to three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.
The Chargers' quarterback, competing with a hand injury, was brought down on five occasions.
An interception of the Texans' QB in the second quarter only produced a three points for the Chargers. Another takeaway did not yield any scores.
The Chargers were stopped on the goal line by a key defensive play. The target saw the pass bounce away, leading to the change of possession.
The placekicker missed a kick from short range just before the break and later missed an extra point on the team’s final drive after a late touchdown.
The Houston specialist converted field goals from 41 and 44 yards to contribute to the victory.
