Derrick Henry, Ravens trample Packers: Winners and losers of Saturday's game

In a dramatic Week 17 matchup with major playoff implications, the Baltimore Ravens delivered a statement performance by defeating the Green Bay Packers 41‑24 on Saturday night. The game featured standout individual efforts, injuries, and strategic adjustments that shaped the contest from start to finish. For Baltimore, the win keeps their playoff hopes alive and underscores the team’s dominance at the line of scrimmage. For Green Bay, the loss represents a disappointing end to their NFC North title aspirations and highlights areas of concern as they head into the final week of the regular season.

Ravens running back Derrick Henry was the most striking performer of the night. Henry carried the ball 36 times, totaling 216 rushing yards and four touchdowns. This effort marked his seventh career game with over 200 rushing yards, moving him ahead of legendary players in NFL history for the most 200-yard rushing games. Henry’s dominance on the ground set the tone for Baltimore’s offense and allowed the Ravens to control the game’s tempo. He helped Baltimore maintain possession for over 40 minutes, limiting the Packers’ opportunities to respond.

Henry’s performance also elevated his standing in the NFL’s all-time rushing lists. He moved into fourth place for career rushing touchdowns and cracked the top ten for career rushing yards, highlighting both his longevity and elite productivity. His physical style proved overwhelming for the Packers’ defensive front, which struggled to contain him. Baltimore’s offensive line was equally critical, creating consistent running lanes and enabling Henry to break multiple big plays.

Quarterback Tyler Huntley played a key supporting role in the Ravens’ win. With star quarterback Lamar Jackson inactive due to a back injury, Huntley completed 16 of 20 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 60 yards. His efficiency kept drives alive and his mobility added another threat to Baltimore’s offense, helping the team maintain momentum even without their franchise quarterback.

For Green Bay, backup quarterback Malik Willis showed promise before leaving the game early in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury. Willis completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and two rushing touchdowns, displaying strong decision-making and athleticism. His dual-threat capability kept the Packers competitive in the early stages, but his exit dealt a blow to Green Bay’s comeback chances.

The Packers’ rushing attack struggled significantly, managing only 19 total rushing yards as a group. Key defensive injuries, including defensive tackle Jordan Riley and cornerback Kamal Hadden, further tilted the advantage toward Baltimore. The Ravens exploited these gaps on both sides of the ball, dominating time of possession and scoring opportunities.

This win improves Baltimore’s record to 8‑8, keeping them in contention for the AFC North title, though their playoff fate depends on other Week 17 outcomes. They face a crucial Week 18 matchup where a victory, combined with favorable results elsewhere, could secure a deeper playoff run.

Green Bay fell to 9‑6‑1 with the loss and were eliminated from NFC North title contention due to Chicago’s performance in another game. While the Packers still earned a playoff berth as the NFC’s seventh seed, the decisive defeat exposed weaknesses that could be exploited by stronger teams in the postseason. The offense showed promise with Willis at quarterback, but the defense’s inability to contain Henry and manage the clock remains a key concern.

The game highlighted the contrast between a balanced Ravens attack anchored by a historic rushing performance and a resilient but flawed Packers effort. Baltimore’s victory not only extended their postseason aspirations but also showcased their ability to perform cohesively without their star quarterback. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s loss underscored defensive vulnerabilities and the challenges of sustaining offensive momentum without their starting quarterback.

Overall, the matchup served as a showcase of individual excellence, strategic coaching, and the impact of injuries on the outcome of critical NFL contests. Derrick Henry’s performance will be remembered as one of the most dominant rushing displays of the season, while the Ravens demonstrated their capacity to compete at a high level under challenging circumstances. The Packers, meanwhile, must address their defensive struggles and reliance on backup quarterback play as they prepare for the postseason.