Football is weird. Sometimes, the better team loses because of a few bad bounces. Other times, a quarterback plays the worst game of his life, turns the ball over five times, and somehow walks off the field a hero. That’s basically the story of the Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans showdown on November 10, 2024. If you had told any Lions fan at halftime that they’d win that game, they probably would’ve laughed you out of the room.
The Lions were down 23-7. Jared Goff looked like he had forgotten how to play football. The Texans defense, led by rookie Kamari Lassiter, was feasting. It was a mess.
Why This Matchup Defied Every NFL Logic
Usually, when a quarterback throws five interceptions, his team loses. Simple as that. In fact, before this game, teams that threw 5+ interceptions in a game were 0-141 since 2012. The Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans game broke a streak that seemed unbreakable.
Jared Goff finished with a passer rating of 59.7. That is objectively bad. He threw picks that were tipped, picks that were just bad reads, and even a Hail Mary that got snagged to end the first half. But the Texans couldn't close the door. C.J. Stroud, who is normally the definition of "cool, calm, and collected," struggled in the second half. He went 5-of-13 after the break. The Lions defense, spearheaded by Carlton Davis III and his two interceptions, pitched a second-half shutout.
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Honestly, it felt like the Texans just ran out of gas. They were missing Stefon Diggs. Nico Collins was out. Without those vertical threats, the Detroit defense squeezed the field, and Houston’s offense completely stalled.
The Jake Bates Factor
You can't talk about Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans without mentioning Jake Bates. The guy was selling bricks and working a regular job not that long ago. Then he shows up in the UFL, hits some bombs, and gets signed by Detroit.
In this game, he was the MVP. He nailed a 58-yard field goal to tie it. Then, as time expired, he stepped up for a 52-yarder to win it. It barely tucked inside the left upright. If that ball moves three inches to the left, we’re talking about a very different outcome. But that’s the 2024 Lions for you. They found ways to win when they had absolutely no business doing so.
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The Strategic Breakdown: How Detroit Survived
The turning point wasn't a single play, but a series of defensive stands. When Goff threw his fifth interception early in the fourth quarter, most teams would have folded. Instead, Dan Campbell’s squad stayed aggressive.
- Defensive Pressure: Even without Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions managed to sack Stroud four times.
- The Run Game: Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery didn't put up 150 yards each, but they kept the chains moving when the passing game was a disaster. Gibbs had 71 yards, and Montgomery punched in a crucial 3-yard score.
- Third Down Efficiency: Houston was 6-for-15 on third downs. Detroit’s defense, which was ranked No. 1 on third downs going into the game, showed up when it mattered.
The Texans had a chance to win it late. Ka’imi Fairbairn, who is usually money, missed a 58-yarder with under two minutes left. That gave Goff the ball at the 48-yard line. A quick 11-yard pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown set up the Bates winner.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Game
People look at the "5 INTs" and think Jared Goff was terrible. While he certainly wasn't great, some of those turnovers were flukes. One was tipped at the line. Another was a desperation heave at the end of the half. The real story isn't Goff’s failure—it’s the Texans’ inability to capitalize. Houston turned those five turnovers into very few points. If you get five extra possessions and only lead by 16 at the half, you're leaving the door wide open for a comeback.
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All-Time Series: Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans
Historically, these teams don't meet often. They are in different conferences, so they only see each other once every few years. Coming into 2026, the Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans all-time record is still relatively close, but the 2024 win was a massive momentum shifter for the Detroit franchise. It proved they could win ugly.
For Houston, it was a lesson in maturity. C.J. Stroud is a superstar, but this game showed the importance of having a "killer instinct" in the second half. You can't let a team like Detroit hang around.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Watch Party
If you're looking back at this matchup or preparing for the next time these two face off, remember these three things:
- Turnovers aren't everything: The Lions proved that defensive stops and special teams can outweigh a bad day from the QB.
- Kickers are people too: Having a guy like Jake Bates who can hit from 50+ under pressure is a massive tactical advantage.
- The "Grit" is real: Dan Campbell has built a culture where the players simply do not believe they are out of a game.
For anyone betting on or analyzing the next Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans game, look at the injury report first. If Houston has their full receiving corps, Detroit's secondary will have a much harder time clamping down in the second half. Conversely, if Detroit’s offensive line is healthy, Goff likely won't be under enough pressure to throw five picks again.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the latest roster updates on the NFL app to see how these squads have evolved since their last meeting.
- Watch the condensed game highlights of the 2024 comeback to see the specific defensive adjustments the Lions made in the third quarter.
- Follow beat writers like Justin Rogers (Detroit) or John McClain (Houston) for the most accurate training camp insights.