On a record-setting Christmas Day, Lamar Jackson etched his name into the NFL history books and solidified his case for a third MVP award in a dominant 31-2 Baltimore Ravens victory over the Houston Texans. Jackson broke Michael Vick’s NFL career rushing record for quarterbacks with an electrifying 48-yard touchdown run, reaching a career-best speed of 21.25 mph. The moment encapsulated the Ravens’ relentless performance, as they moved closer to securing the AFC North title.
Jackson’s milestone came in the third quarter, pushing his career rushing total to 6,110 yards, eclipsing Vick’s 6,109. The 27-year-old quarterback was elated after the game, reflecting on the impact of surpassing one of his idols.
The Ravens (11-5) have already clinched their third straight playoff berth, but their sights remain set on the division crown. Baltimore needs a Week 18 win over Cleveland to secure the AFC North, as Pittsburgh (10-6) continues to stumble with a third straight loss on Wednesday against Kansas City.
Baltimore’s win was a complete team effort, starting with a Derrick Henry touchdown on a 2-yard run in the first quarter. Henry’s 16th rushing touchdown of the season set a franchise record, surpassing Ray Rice (2011) and Mark Ingram (2019). Henry also rushed for 147 yards, anchoring the Ravens’ ground attack.
The Texans (9-7), despite already clinching the AFC South, struggled offensively. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 185 yards but was intercepted once and sacked five times, while Joe Mixon was limited to just 26 rushing yards. Houston’s only points came from a second-quarter safety when rookie Kamari Lassiter dropped Henry in the end zone.
Baltimore entered halftime leading 17-2—the first such halftime score in NFL history. The turning point came late in the second quarter when Jackson orchestrated a 99-yard drive. After scrambling to evade the rush, he connected with Mark Andrews for a 67-yard gain, setting up Isaiah Likely’s 9-yard touchdown reception to pad the lead.
The second half opened with a Texans’ turnover, as Kyle Hamilton intercepted Stroud’s pass. Two plays later, Jackson broke free for his record-breaking touchdown run, extending the lead to 24-2.
Jackson’s final stat line included 168 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and 87 rushing yards, all in just over three quarters of action. He exited the game early in the fourth quarter with the outcome decided, giving way to backup Josh Johnson.
The Ravens’ defense dominated, holding Houston to just 2.3 yards per carry and limiting their red-zone opportunities. Rookie Kamari Lassiter’s safety and Hamilton’s interception were among the highlights of a suffocating performance.
Adding to the Christmas spectacle was a Super Bowl-caliber halftime show by Beyoncé, which electrified fans at M&T Bank Stadium and further cemented the day as unforgettable.
The Ravens now prepare to host the Cleveland Browns next week, with a division title on the line. Meanwhile, the Texans will look to bounce back against the Titans in their regular-season finale.
With Jackson at the helm and momentum building, Baltimore’s playoff aspirations look stronger than ever. If his historic performance against Houston is any indication, Lamar Jackson’s 2024 season may end with more than just broken records.
