The Detroit Lions came away with yet another last-second win on Thanksgiving Day against the Minnesota Vikings — and this time, they got a big helping hand from Sam Bradford.
After Lions QB Matthew Stafford drove his team down the field for a game-tying field goal, Bradford had a chance to counter with a game-winning two-minute drill of his own. The Vikings looked to be in good position after converting a third down near midfield, only for the play to be called back due to an illegal formation. On the very next snap, Bradford looked to the outside, only to find Lions CB Darius Slay.
There was no review as to whether Slay fumbled the ball at the end of the return, and it seems to me that his first knee was down before the ball came out. Either way, the Lions assumed the victory formation before Matt Prater gave them the win:
With the win, Detroit (7-4) moves into sole possession of first place in the NFC North, including a sweep of the season series with Minnesota. All 11 Lions games this season have been decided by a touchdown or less.
The Vikings (6-5) fell to second in the division with the loss.
