ATLANTA —
Matt Ryan throws a 12-yard touchdown pass to Hayden Hurst to break the tie early in the fourth quarter, and the Atlanta Falcons held off a final onslaught to beat the Detroit Lions on Sunday 20-16 and keep their remote options alive. playoffs.
Foye Oluokun intercepted a send from backup quarterback Tim Boyle at the Atlanta 1-yard line with 33 seconds to play and preserved the victory for the Falcons. It was the first interception of the game for Boyle, who had his second start after Jared Goff remained on the COVID-19 list.
Atlanta wide receiver Russell Gage fumbled with 2:18 left, allowing the Lions to have one final offensive drive from Atlanta’s 37-yard line. The fumble was provoked by Jalen Reeves-Maybin and recovered by Dean Marlowe.
The Falcons (7-8) started the day knowing they must win their last three regular-season games to continue their postseason aspirations.
Ryan’s 19-yard pass to rookie Kyle Pitts opened the door for a touchdown on difference. Hurst edged out linebacker Charles Harris, who was with the Falcons in 2020, to break 13-13.
The Lions responded with a 17-play offensive drive that consumed 10 minutes, 26 seconds but had to settle for a 26-yard field goal.