The Lions beat the Texans 26-23 on November 10, 2024, in one of the most improbable comebacks in NFL history.
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff threw a career-high five interceptions, yet the Lions rallied from a 23-7 halftime deficit to win on Jake Bates’ 52-yard field goal as time expired.
This victory marked the Lions’ eighth consecutive win, improving them to 8-1 for the first time since 1954. The game showcased individual brilliance amid chaos, with multiple players posting career performances in both triumph and adversity.
Game Summary Table
| Category | Detroit Lions | Houston Texans |
| Final Score | 26 | 23 |
| Record After Game | 8-1 | 6-4 |
| Halftime Score | 7 | 23 |
| Total Yards | 299 | 271 |
| Passing Yards | 240 | 232 |
| Rushing Yards | 59 | 39 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 2 |
| Third Down | 4/10 (40%) | 6/15 (40%) |
| Time of Possession | 27:34 | 32:26 |
| Key Player | Jake Bates (2/2 FG) | Ka’imi Fairbairn (4/5 FG) |
| Game Winner | 52-yard FG as time expired | Missed 58-yard FG attempt |
Final Score and Game Summary
The Detroit Lions defeated the Houston Texans 26-23 at NRG Stadium on Sunday Night Football. Detroit completed their largest comeback of the season, overcoming a 16-point halftime deficit despite quarterback turnovers that would typically doom most teams.
The Lions became the first team to win after throwing five or more interceptions since Atlanta beat Arizona 23-19 on November 18, 2012. Houston led 23-7 at the break but was shut out in the second half, managing just 16 total yards in their final four possessions.
Quarterback Performance Comparison
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
- Completion: 15 of 30 attempts (50.0%)
- Passing yards: 240 yards
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 5 (career-high)
- Passer rating: 59.7
- Notable: 200th career touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta
Goff’s five interceptions came at crucial moments but didn’t break his mental fortitude. The nine-year veteran entered the game with just four interceptions all season and hadn’t thrown one in five consecutive games.
His previous career high was four picks in December 2018 against Chicago while with the Rams.
C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
- Completion: 19 of 33 attempts (57.6%)
- Passing yards: 232 yards
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 2 (both in second half)
- Passer rating: 64.2
- Sacks taken: 4
Stroud struggled in the second half after a strong opening performance. His two critical interceptions to Carlton Davis III shifted momentum decisively toward Detroit.
The young quarterback took responsibility postgame, stating he needed to reward the defense’s turnover creation with points.
Defensive Game-Changers
Carlton Davis III (Detroit Lions)
- Interceptions: 2 (career-high)
- Targets allowed: 2 receptions for 16 yards on 6 targets
- Target EPA: -11.6 (ninth-fewest in NFL this season)
- PFF Grade: 91.3 (highest among Week 10 cornerbacks)
- Passer rating allowed: 9.2
Davis delivered his breakout performance as a Lion. His first-half interception on the opening drive of the third quarter gave Detroit prime field position.
His second pick came in the end zone, preventing a potential Texans touchdown that would have extended their lead.
Kamari Lassiter (Houston Texans)
- Interceptions: 2
- Key moment: End-zone pick of Goff’s Hail Mary attempt
- Status: Left in third quarter with concussion
The rookie cornerback led Houston’s franchise-record five-interception performance. His picks came at crucial moments but the Texans offense couldn’t capitalize on the extra possessions.
Special Teams Excellence
Jake Bates (Detroit Lions)
- Field goals: 2 of 2 attempts
- Distance: 52 yards (game winner), 58 yards
- Season record: Perfect on field goal attempts
- Background: Former Michigan Panthers USFL kicker
Bates delivered the defining moment with his 52-yard walk-off field goal. The former soccer player turned brick salesman became the Lions’ unlikely hero, maintaining perfect accuracy through his rookie NFL season.
Ka’imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans)
- Field goals: 4 of 5 attempts
- Distances: 34, 29, 56, missed 58-yard attempt
- Season record: 11 field goals from 50+ yards (tied NFL record)
Fairbairn’s missed 58-yarder with 1:51 remaining proved costly. The veteran kicker had been automatic from long range all season but couldn’t deliver when Houston needed it most.
Rushing Attack Breakdown
Detroit Lions Ground Game
- David Montgomery: 12 carries, 32 yards, 1 touchdown
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 19 carries, 71 yards
- Team total: 22 attempts, 59 yards (2.7 yards per carry)
The Lions struggled establishing their running game early but found rhythm in the second half. Montgomery’s 3-yard touchdown cut the deficit to 23-13, starting the comeback momentum.
Houston Texans Rushing Stats
- Joe Mixon: 25 carries, 46 yards, 1 touchdown
- Team total: 22 attempts, 39 yards (1.8 yards per carry)
Both teams struggled running the ball against stout front sevens. Mixon’s 8-yard opening touchdown came off short field position but Houston couldn’t sustain ground success.
Key Receiving Performances
Detroit Lions Pass Catchers
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: 5 receptions, 72 yards, 1 touchdown
- Sam LaPorta: 4 receptions, 57 yards, 1 touchdown (20 yards)
- Jameson Williams: 3 receptions, 53 yards
St. Brown’s 9-yard touchdown reception cut Houston’s lead to 23-20 in the fourth quarter. His crucial 11-yard catch on third down set up Bates’ game-winning field goal attempt.
Houston Texans Receivers
- Tank Dell: 6 receptions, 78 yards
- John Metchie III: 4 receptions, 45 yards, 1 touchdown (15 yards)
- Dalton Schultz: 3 receptions, 42 yards
Metchie’s first career touchdown came at the perfect time, extending Houston’s halftime lead to 23-7. The former Alabama receiver overcame a leukemia diagnosis that cost him his entire 2022 rookie season.
Turnover Battle Analysis
Detroit Lions Turnovers: 5 (all Goff interceptions)
- Jimmie Ward (tipped pass)
- Henry To’oTo’o (deflected pass)
- Kamari Lassiter (Hail Mary, end zone pick)
- Kamari Lassiter (overthrow)
- Calen Bullock (deep ball)
Houston Texans Turnovers: 2 (both Stroud interceptions)
- Carlton Davis III (comeback route)
- Carlton Davis III (end zone target)
The turnover battle heavily favored Houston, yet they couldn’t convert the opportunities into decisive points. Detroit’s defense prevented the Texans from scoring touchdowns on several short-field situations.
Third Down Efficiency
Detroit Lions: 4 of 10 (40.0%) Houston Texans: 6 of 15 (40.0%)
Despite identical conversion rates, Detroit’s third-down execution in crucial moments proved superior. Goff’s 11-yard completion to St. Brown on third-and-6 with 1:40 remaining set up the game-winning drive.
Time of Possession Impact
Detroit Lions: 27:34 Houston Texans: 32:26
Houston controlled the clock but couldn’t maintain drives in the second half. The Lions’ efficient final drive consumed just enough time to prevent a Texans response after Bates’ game winner.
Historical Context and Records
This Lions victory marked several significant milestones:
Team Records:
- First 8-1 start since 1954
- First team to win with 5+ interceptions since 2012
- Largest comeback of the 2024 season (16 points)
Individual Achievements:
- Goff’s first 5-interception game
- Davis’ first multi-interception performance
- Bates’ longest field goal (58 yards) and game winner
- Metchie’s first career touchdown
Injury Report Summary
Detroit Lions Injuries:
- Sam LaPorta: AC joint shoulder injury (questionable severity)
Houston Texans Injuries:
- Will Anderson Jr.: Missed game with ankle injury
- Nico Collins: Inactive despite IR activation
- Kamari Lassiter: Concussion in third quarter
Post-Game Reactions and Quotes
- Jared Goff: “I had some unfortunate things early, but I’ve been through a whole lot worse than that. Mentally, I’ve been to the bottom. Some unlucky plays aren’t going to throw me off my game.”
- Jake Bates: “I just don’t deserve this. I was a soccer player growing up. I idolized football players in the NFL, and just to be here is surreal.”
- C.J. Stroud: “I blame this game on me. I’ve got to be better in those moments. When the defense is getting turnovers like they did, we’ve got to be able to reward them with points.”
- Dan Campbell: “That was a hard-fought game. We had to fight our way back in there. I’m proud of the guys.”
FAQs
How many interceptions did Jared Goff throw against the Texans?
Goff threw five interceptions, a career-high that doubled his season total entering the game. Despite the turnovers, he led Detroit to the comeback victory.
Who kicked the game-winning field goal for Detroit?
Jake Bates nailed a 52-yard field goal as time expired to give the Lions a 26-23 victory. The former soccer player has been perfect on field goal attempts in his rookie NFL season.
What was the biggest comeback in Lions history?
While not the largest in franchise history, the 16-point halftime deficit represented Detroit’s biggest comeback of the 2024 season and their most improbable victory given the five turnovers.
How did Carlton Davis perform in this game?
Davis recorded two interceptions, including a crucial end zone pick that prevented a Texans touchdown. He allowed just two receptions for 16 yards on six targets as the nearest defender.
What records were set in this Lions vs Texans game?
The Texans set a franchise record with five interceptions, while the Lions became the first team since 2012 to win despite throwing five picks. Bates hit his career-long 58-yard field goal.
How many total turnovers were there in the game?
Seven total turnovers occurred, with Detroit giving the ball away five times on interceptions and Houston turning it over twice, also on picks.
What was the attendance at NRG Stadium?
The game was played at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday Night Football, though specific attendance figures weren’t immediately available in post-game reports.
