Derrick Henry Dominates as Ravens Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff aspirations alive with a commanding 41–24 victory over the Green Bay Packers on December 28, 2025. In this crucial game, star running back Derrick Henry showcased an outstanding performance, rushing for a career-high 216 yards on 36 carries while scoring four touchdowns. His early dominance set a tone that the Packers struggled to counteract throughout the match.

Henry scored on Baltimore’s first two drives, demonstrating his explosive ability. By halftime, he had already achieved 106 rushing yards and three touchdowns, a feat that placed the Ravens firmly in a controlling position. This performance has led to scrutiny regarding the Ravens’ strategy, particularly from former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert, who questioned the team’s prior use of Henry. Benkert stated, “Maybe if the Ravens decided to use Derrick Henry like this last week, they’d still have real playoff hopes.”

This game was not just significant for its immediate impact; it also marked a historic milestone for Henry. His performance propelled him into the NFL’s top ten all-time rushing leaders, surpassing Cowboys legend Tony Dorsett to claim the tenth spot with 12,892 career rushing yards. Henry now trails behind only nine legendary backs, including Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. Seven of the nine players ahead of him are already enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with Frank Gore as a semifinalist and Adrian Peterson ineligible for induction at this time.

Henry’s impact extended beyond rushing yards; he also moved past Peterson for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns in NFL history with his third score on Saturday night. This performance brought him to just three touchdowns shy of Marcus Allen for third place. Additionally, the game marked Henry’s 32nd outing with multiple rushing touchdowns, placing him behind only Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson. His record of seven career 200-yard rushing games remains unmatched in NFL history.

With starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sidelined due to a back contusion, the Ravens relied heavily on Henry to support backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. This strategy proved effective, as the victory not only boosted team morale but also kept their playoff hopes alive. Currently, Henry is just 368 yards away from surpassing Eric Dickerson for ninth place on the all-time rushing list.

Henry’s remarkable performance has brought attention to the Ravens’ offensive strategies, igniting discussions about how they can maximize their star player’s potential in critical moments. As the regular season progresses, Baltimore will be eager to learn from this victory and build on the momentum generated by Henry’s impressive display.