The Houston Texans finally won a wild game in Detroit on Thanksgiving, 34-31. The Texans and Lions both missed field goals in overtime, but it was Houston who was able to pull away, kicking the game winner in overtime. The Lions controlled much of the game in regulation but thanks to an extremely controversial call the Texans were able to push it to overtime and ultimately win the game.
More:Refs blow call, Forsett was down | Was Suh's kick dirty?
Game recap
The Lions opened the game and struck first, driving 80 yards in 12 plays for just their second first-quarter touchdown of the season. The drive was highlighted by a diving grab by Calvin Johnson, along with a key third down reception by Ryan Broyles. Mikel Leshoure punched it in for six. The Texans responded early in the second quarter on a seven-play, 74-yard drive that resulted in an Arian Foster touchdown, his 11th of the season. Foster scored two touchdowns on the day.
The Texans and Lions exchanged touchdowns in the second quarter until Detroit pulled ahead with a 24-14 advantage in the third quarter.
A key play came in the third quarter when Texans running back Justin Forsett took a handoff up the middle and, thanks to a blown call from the refs, went all the way to the house for an 81-yard touchdown
Forsett was so clearly down as you can see here:
But the refs did not blow the whistle, so he kept running. All scoring plays are usually reviewed, but Lions coach Jim Schwartz threw his challenge flag on the play, a penalty which nullifies the review. The Texans pulled to within three on the touchdown, 24-21.
The two teams continued battling to 31-31 as regulation ended, sending it to overtime.
In overtime, both teams turned it over once after not turning it over at all in regulation. Both teams missed a field goal, after not missing one all game. Finally, Texans kicker Shayne Graham kicked a 32-yard field goal to end the game.
Was Ndamukong Suh's kick dirty?
Like Forsett's touchdown, Suh's kick on Matt Schaub will be highly debated. Suh was being thrown to the ground by Texans offensive tackle Derek Newton and his leg came down and hit Schaub in the groin. Here's what it looked like:
Was it dirty? Based on Suh's history, a lot of people think so.
Fantasy studs
Andre Johnson blew up (again) with nine receptions for 188 yards. Arian Foster added two touchdowns and 102 yards rushing. Matt Schaub completed 29-of-48 passes for 315 yards and one touchdown.
Matthew Stafford attempted a ridiculous 61 passes, completing 31 of them for 441 yards and two touchdowns. Calvin Johnson had 140 yards on eight catches and picked up a touchdown. Lions receiver Ryan Broyles also had a big game, catching six balls for 126 yards.
Did they cover?
The Texans were 3.5 point road favorites coming into the game so they did not.
Up next
The Texans move onto the second game of their three-game road trip in Tennessee with a Dec. 2 date with the Titans. The Lions host Andrew Luck and the Colts in Week 13.
