Ravens, Texans progress in NFL play-offs

NFL players 1

The Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans both won on Saturday to book their places in week two of the NFL play-offs.

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

Running back Derrick Henry had two rushing touchdowns while quarterback Lamar Jackson showed why he is in contention to retain the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award.

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

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert gave up just three interceptions during the 17-game regular season, but was intercepted four times on Saturday alone.

Both Baltimore and Houston were the higher seed so played at home, and they took full advantage to progress to next week’s Divisional Round.

Ravens run riot against the Steelers

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 barged over before Jackson showed some sublime footwork to escape the pressure before finding Justice Hill 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.

The Steelers cut the deficit again late in the third quarter through George Pickens, but the extra point proved to be the game’s final score.

The Ravens finished with 299 rushing yards – a franchise record for the post-season – with Jackson contributing 81 while passing for two touchdowns and 175 yards.