Ravens and Texans progress in NFL play-offs

On Saturday, the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans both claimed victories to secure their spot in the NFL play-offs.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were demolished by Baltimore’s run game, with the Ravens winning 28-14.

Derrick Henry, the quarterback, and Lamar Jackson both demonstrated why they are in contention to win the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award, respectively, with two of his rushing touchdowns.

Earlier, Houston’s defence stunned the Los Angeles Chargers to win 32-12 in the opening game of the Wildcard Weekend.

During the 17-game regular season, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert only had three interceptions, but he did so four times on Saturday alone.

Baltimore’s offence led the league for rushing yards this season, averaging 187.6 per game, and Henry had 186 himself against Pittsburgh.

The Ravens charged into a 21-0 lead by half-time, racking up 308 yards of offence while the Steelers had just 59.

They opened the scoring on their first possession, with Jackson making a 15-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman.

Henry then slammed over before Jackson executed some sublime footwork to make justice hill rest in the endzone.

Pittsburgh, who lost their last four games of the regular season, replied with a Van Jefferson touchdown, only for Henry to burst through for a 44-yard score.

George Pickens helped the Steelers cut the deficit once more late in the third quarter, but the extra point ended the game.

Herbert and the Chargers ended the regular season strongly to finish with an 11-6 record, which was better than Houston’s (10-7).

After the Texans took a 10-6 lead on their first two possessions, they kicked field goals on their subsequent two possessions.

Houston quarterback CJ Stroud fumbled a pass in front of his own endzone just before half-time, but he recovered to finish with a 34-yard pass halfway.

The pair connected once more for the opening touchdown of the game with a 37-yard pass to Nico Collins. Before the half, Houston even managed to add a field goal.

Following the latter, Ka’imi Fairbairn added a field goal following the second drive, which was followed by safety Eric Murray returning the first for a 38-yard touchdown to take the lead 20-6.

After Fairbairn’s third field goal, Los Angeles replied with an 86-yard touchdown from Ladd McConkey, but the Chargers ‘ attempt at an extra point summed up their night.

The loose ball was recovered by Houston’s D’Angelo Ross and tipped into the LA endzone to make it 25-12 after Cameron Dicker’s kick was blocked.

With 106 rushing yards scored, Joe Mixon won, while Derek Stingley Jr., who had 122 receiving yards, and Derek Collins finished with two interceptions.