Texans Clinch Playoff Berth as Ravens Keep Hopes Alive with Victory Over Packers
Derrick Henry rushed for a season-high 216 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 41-24 win over the Green Bay Packers, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Henry's performance marked his 7th career 200-yard rushing game, the most in NFL history. The Ravens improved to 8-8 but still need the Steelers to lose to the Browns in Week 18 for a chance to win the AFC North.
Green Bay's loss dropped their record to 9-6-1, enabling the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North. The Packers had already secured a playoff spot earlier due to the Detroit Lions' loss. The Ravens managed without Lamar Jackson, who was sidelined by a back injury, and with Jordan Love in concussion protocol. Quarterbacks Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis split playing time, with Willis completing 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and two rushing touchdowns before leaving with a shoulder injury. Huntley added 16 completions on 20 attempts for 107 yards and one touchdown.
The Ravens dominated on the ground, outrushing the Packers 307-79, with Henry carrying 36 times, including a crucial 25-yard run that contributed to a 27-14 halftime lead.
Meanwhile, CJ Stroud led the Houston Texans to a 20-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, throwing two long touchdown passes on the team's first two drives. This win clinched a third consecutive playoff berth for the Texans, who improved to 11-5 and extended their winning streak to eight games. The Chargers, who had a four-game winning streak, ended with this loss, which also sealed the AFC West division title for the Denver Broncos. Defensively, Derwin James Jr. intercepted Stroud in the second quarter, with Stroud finishing the game with two interceptions.
