NFL Week 17 Games Recap – Saturday, December 27, 2025

Texans Clinch Playoff Berth, Ravens Keep Hopes Alive

Houston Texans 20 – 16 Los Angeles Chargers
Baltimore Ravens 41 – 24 Green Bay Packers

Saturday’s Week 17 slate in the NFL delivered drama, standout performances, and playoff implications that could reshape the final stretch of the season. From Houston to Green Bay, fans witnessed thrilling action and historic milestones.

Key Points

Texans (11-5) win 8th straight, clinching third consecutive playoff berth.
C.J. Stroud throws two early TDs; Houston’s defense forces critical turnovers.
Chargers’ four-game winning streak ends; missed FG opportunities hurt chances.
Derrick Henry rushes for 216 yards, four TDs; sets Lambeau Field visitor record.
Ravens (8-8) keep playoff hopes alive, awaiting Steelers’ outcome.
Packers (9-6-1) lose third straight but had already secured a playoff berth.

Texans Clinch Third Straight Playoff Berth with Win over Chargers

The Houston Texans (11-5) extended their winning streak to eight games, the franchise's longest since 2018, by edging out the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 at SoFi Stadium. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was electric, throwing two explosive touchdown passes on the first two drives—one a 75-yard connection to Jayden Higgins and another 43-yard strike to Jaylin Noel.

Houston’s defense, widely regarded as the NFL’s best, played a pivotal role, forcing early sacks on Justin Herbert and stifling the Chargers’ first four possessions. Despite Herbert completing 21 of 32 passes for 236 yards, he was sacked five times and threw a critical interception at the Texans’ 1-yard line.

“Its what you fight for during the season, for an opportunity to be in the playoffs and go win it all,” said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. Rookie receiver Jaylin Noel added, “Any time you can stack wins like this is special and we just want to keep it going.”

The Chargers’ (11-5) four-game winning streak ended, and with the AFC West title already clinched by idle Denver, Los Angeles will aim to regroup in Week 18 against the Broncos. Key missed opportunities, including two missed field goals by Cameron Dicker, left the Chargers frustrated.

Houston will close its regular season at home against Indianapolis.

Derrick Henry Powers Ravens to Victory over Packers

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) kept their playoff dreams alive in Green Bay with a dominant 41-24 win over the Packers. Derrick Henry produced a career-defining performance, rushing for 216 yards—the most ever by a visiting player at Lambeau Field—and scoring four touchdowns, matching his career high.

Henry’s display moved him past legends like Adrian Peterson and O.J. Simpson for the most career 200-yard games and into 10th place on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 12,892 yards. He also moved into fourth place in career rushing touchdowns with 122.

“It's one of the greatest performances I've ever seen,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. Baltimore dominated early, scoring on their first five possessions, and Henry set the tone with touchdown runs on 15 of the team’s first 30 carries.

Both teams were missing their starting quarterbacks. Tyler Huntley replaced Lamar Jackson for Baltimore, while Malik Willis stepped in for Green Bay’s Jordan Love. Willis performed admirably, throwing for 288 yards and three total touchdowns, but Henry’s unstoppable rushing and key defensive plays sealed the win.

The Ravens now await the result of Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland to determine if they can still clinch the AFC North, with a potential Week 18 showdown against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. The Packers (9-6-1) dropped their third straight game, although their playoff spot was already secured.

Conclusion

Saturday’s games showcased why NFL Week 17 is often the most intense of the season. The Texans demonstrated the power of consistent execution and defense, while the Ravens relied on an all-time performance from Derrick Henry to keep their season alive. These games remind fans that the playoffs are not just about talent but timing, perseverance, and seizing critical moments. With only one week left, the stakes could not be higher as teams jockey for playoff positioning, proving once again that every play in December matters.

FAQ

Q: Who leads the Texans’ offensive success?
A: Rookie QB C.J. Stroud threw two touchdown passes early, helping Houston take control of the game.

Q: How did Derrick Henry impact the Ravens’ win?
A: Henry rushed for 216 yards and four touchdowns, setting records and driving Baltimore to a 41-24 victory.

Q: Are the Texans in the playoffs?
A: Yes, Houston clinched a playoff spot with their Week 17 win over the Chargers.

Q: What do the Ravens need to make the playoffs?
A: They need the Steelers to lose to Cleveland in Week 17 to keep playoff hopes alive, with a potential Week 18 game against Pittsburgh deciding the AFC North.

Q: Did the Packers still make the playoffs?
A: Yes, the Packers had already secured a playoff berth despite losing to Baltimore.

Sources

Thank you and Merry Christmas!