Texans Fall Short as Lions Complete Improbable Comeback: Goff Overcomes Five Interceptions to Lead Detroit to Victory

In a tough matchup against the Texans, Lions quarterback Jared Goff had an uncharacteristic performance, throwing five interceptions through the first three quarters and putting Detroit in a 10-point deficit. But rather than letting mistakes derail him, Goff rallied his team to an improbable 26-23 comeback victory, capped off by a 52-yard game-winning field goal from Jake Bates as the clock expired.

"I’ve been through worse than this," Goff remarked, reflecting on the challenges he’s faced in his career. "A few unlucky plays won’t shake my focus." This win marks Detroit's first 8-1 start since 1954, extending their winning streak to seven games, with five straight road victories.

The Texans took command early, leading 23-7 at halftime, aided by Goff’s three first-half interceptions. Despite two more picks in the third quarter, the Lions clawed their way back, scoring 16 unanswered points, with Bates’ clutch 58-yard field goal tying the game with five minutes remaining.

Reflecting on the moment, Bates said, "I grew up idolizing NFL players. To be here, making these kicks, feels surreal."

The Texans (6-4) had a chance to regain the lead, but Ka'imi Fairbairn’s 58-yard field goal attempt veered wide left with under two minutes to play. Coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged the missed opportunities, saying, "To win, players have to step up and make plays, and that didn’t happen tonight."

Detroit’s gritty win was historic—they became the first team to secure victory after throwing five interceptions in a game since the Falcons did so in 2012.

Houston’s defense put up a fight, setting a franchise record with five interceptions. Rookie Kamari Lassiter led with two picks, including a desperation heave from Goff at the end of the first half. Jimmie Ward and Henry To’oTo’o also added to the turnover total, giving Houston’s offense repeated chances.

Despite a strong first-half performance, including Joe Mixon’s 8-yard touchdown and John Metchie III’s first career TD catch just before halftime, the Texans couldn’t maintain their lead, with C.J. Stroud throwing two interceptions in the second half as Houston was shut out after the break.

Stroud took responsibility for the loss, saying, "This one’s on me. I’ve got to be better when our defense delivers like that."

The Lions now return home to host the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Texans travel to Dallas for a Monday night showdown with the Cowboys on November 18