Derrick Henry showcased an outstanding performance, rushing for a season-high 216 yards and matching his career best with four touchdown runs, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a crucial 41-24 victory against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. This win keeps Baltimore”s playoff aspirations alive as Henry”s remarkable display included three touchdown runs in the first half and another on a 25-yard scamper with just 1:56 remaining in the game.
This marked Henry”s seventh career game with over 200 rushing yards, placing him ahead of NFL legends Adrian Peterson and O.J. Simpson for the most such performances in league history. His 36 carries also set a new personal record.
The Ravens, now at 8-8, must rely on the Pittsburgh Steelers to lose against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday to maintain their playoff hopes. A Steelers victory would extinguish Baltimore”s chances. However, if the Browns win, the Ravens could still secure the AFC North title by defeating the Steelers in Pittsburgh on January 4.
Meanwhile, the Packers, who are now 9-6-1, faced their third consecutive loss, allowing the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North title. Green Bay had previously secured a playoff berth when the Detroit Lions fell to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday.
Both teams were without their starting quarterbacks; Lamar Jackson of Baltimore was sidelined due to a back injury, while Jordan Love of Green Bay was in concussion protocol. Replacements Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis stepped in effectively, with the game showcasing only one punt throughout its duration.
Willis completed 18 of 21 passes for a career-high 288 yards, along with one touchdown and two rushing touchdowns, before leaving the game after aggravating a shoulder injury. Huntley finished with a 16 of 20 passing performance, totaling 107 yards with one touchdown.
The game”s pivotal moment came from Green Bay”s struggle to contain Henry, as the Ravens dominated the ground game, outpacing the Packers 307-79. Following a disappointing fourth-quarter performance against the New England Patriots the previous week, where Henry saw minimal action, the Ravens ensured he was heavily involved from the start this time.
Henry”s early dominance allowed Baltimore to score on their first five possessions, establishing a 27-14 lead by halftime. He notched touchdown runs of 3 yards and 1 yard in the first quarter, becoming the first player since Olandis Gary in 1999 to achieve at least 15 carries in his team”s first two offensive series.
In the third quarter, Green Bay attempted to make a comeback, outscoring Baltimore 10-0. After a 24-yard field goal by Brandon McManus, Willis added an 11-yard rushing touchdown to narrow the gap to 27-24.
The Ravens quickly responded, with Henry converting a critical third-and-5, which set the stage for Huntley”s 10-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers early in the fourth quarter. Following Willis”s departure due to injury, backup Clayton Tune entered but was intercepted by Marlon Humphrey, allowing Henry to seal the game with another touchdown run.
It was a challenging night for the Packers, who suffered multiple injuries, including to safety Zayne Anderson (ankle), defensive lineman Jordon Riley (Achilles), and cornerback Kamal Hadden (ankle), among others.
The Ravens will next face the Steelers on January 4, while the Packers will visit the Vikings on the same date.
