GREEN BAY, Wis. – Facing elimination, the Baltimore Ravens ensured they maximized the use of their premier running back, Derrick Henry, whose remarkable efforts were instrumental in a commanding 41-24 triumph over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday night.
Henry amassed a season-best 216 rushing yards, setting a record for the most yards ever gained by a visiting player at Lambeau Field, and equaled his personal best with four rushing touchdowns. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh hailed Henry's display as "one of the greatest performances" he has witnessed.
Following this victory, the Ravens hold an 8-8 regular season record and remain dependent on other results to advance to the playoffs. Their fate hinges on the outcome of the Steelers-Browns game on Sunday; a Steelers win would eliminate Baltimore from postseason contention, while a Browns victory would allow the Ravens to capture the AFC North by defeating the Steelers in Pittsburgh on January 4.
Henry expressed hope and faith in the team's journey, stating he will "be watching and praying" and hopes for an opportunity to compete meaningfully in Week 18.
The Packers, now at 9-6-1 and enduring a third consecutive loss, saw their defense concede its highest home points in 14 games. Their eventual defeat handed the NFC North title to the Chicago Bears, although Green Bay had already secured a playoff berth prior to this game due to a Lions loss. Interestingly, the Packers failed to punt in this game, a feat maintained over two consecutive matches—a rare occurrence linked historically to undefeated results.
Coach Matt LaFleur of the Packers acknowledged the impressive performance from Baltimore, admitting that the Ravens dominated throughout the contest to the detriment of his team.
Henry's scoring prowess included three touchdowns in the opening half and a late 25-yard touchdown run, contributing to a first-half 27-14 lead. His seventh career 200-yard rushing effort positioned him ahead of NFL legends Adrian Peterson and O.J. Simpson in this category.
Additionally, Henry's career rushing total increased to 12,892 yards, moving him into tenth place on the all-time list past Tony Dorsett. His 122 career rushing touchdowns elevated him to fourth on the NFL career leaderboard, surpassing Adrian Peterson. His 36 carries marked his career high, a drastic contrast to the previous week in which he was scarcely utilized in the closing quarters of a loss against New England.
Remarkably, Henry became the first player since 2020 to achieve both 200 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in a single game.
Both teams were without their regular starting quarterbacks due to injuries: Baltimore's Lamar Jackson was sidelined with a back issue, while Green Bay's Jordan Love was under concussion protocol. Their substitutes, Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis, delivered competent performances, with Willis achieving a career-best 288 passing yards and contributing three total touchdowns (one passing, two rushing).
Green Bay's inability to contain Henry was a decisive element, as Baltimore outgained the Packers on the ground 307 to 79 yards. Henry’s effectiveness allowed Baltimore to ring up scores on their initial five drives, setting a challenging tone early in the game.
The Packers did respond in the third quarter, outscoring the Ravens 10-0 and narrowing the deficit to 27-24, aided by Brandon McManus’ field goal and Willis’ rushing touchdown. Nonetheless, Baltimore countered swiftly as Henry contributed key runs leading to a touchdown pass from Huntley to Zay Flowers.
Later, Willis exited after a shoulder injury, replaced by Clayton Tune who threw an interception, enabling Henry to add a concluding rushing touchdown that essentially sealed the contest.
Green Bay also suffered significant injuries during the game, including ankle and knee issues for several defensive players and a concussion evaluation for a receiver. Several key players remained inactive throughout the game due to various injuries.
Looking ahead, Baltimore's next challenge is a divisional matchup in Pittsburgh on January 4, while Green Bay travels to Minneapolis on the same day.