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Quarterback Matthew Stafford leads Detroit Lions’ late winning drive at Tampa Bay for 24-21 win

Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate, left, sidesteps Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David during the second half Sunday in Tampa, Fla. (AP photo)

TAMPA, Fla. — With time running down, the Detroit Lions had no qualms about the ball being in Matthew Stafford’s injured throwing hand.

They’ve come to expect their quarterback to find a way to lead them to victory Sunday, and Stafford didn’t disappoint, when he threw for 381 yards and set up Matt Prater for a 46-yard field goal in the closing seconds to beat Tampa Bay 24-21.

The victory stopped a two-game skid and kept the Lions (7-6) in playoff contention.

“I just think we have a lot of confidence. I think guys that have been around here have understood that sometimes that’s the way the game boils down. We go out there and make plays,” Stafford said after directing a winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime for the 32nd time in his career.

He completed 36 of 44 attempts against the Buccaneers (4-9) as the Lions overcame two interceptions and a fumble.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay makes a catch in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ryan Smith during the second half Sunday in Tampa, Fla. (AP photo)

Jameis Winston rallied Tampa Bay, which has lost eight of 10 following a 2-1 start, with a pair of fourth-quarter TD passes.

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