The Patriots' offensive, defensive and special-teams players of the week from their 45-24 Thanksgiving Day win over the Lions:

Offensive: QB Tom Brady

A legitimate candidate for the league's MVP award, Brady did it again. Trailing 14-3 in the second quarter and 17-10 at halftime, Brady led the Pats back with a sensational second half. He finished Thanksgiving 21-of-27 passing for 341 yards and four touchdowns. He has not thrown an interception since Week Six and has completely turned his accuracy and production around since the loss to the Browns. WRs Wes Welker and Deion Branch and RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis also had big games, but it's Brady who is the engine driving the Patriots' offensive train.

Defensive: CB Devin McCourty

While Lions DT Ndamukong Suh has all but locked up Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, McCourty outplayed him on Sunday, hauling in two interceptions. McCourty is now tied for the rookie lead with Seahawks FS Earl Thomas with five interceptions this season. His first pick came when he had perfect coverage on star WR Calvin Johnson when the Patriots were trailing 17-10. The pick led to a score and swung momentum to the Patriots. He showed his speed on the second pick, returning it 50 yards and setting up the Pats' final score. As bad as the Pats' passing defense has been this season, McCourty has been a revelation, and he also added three special-teams tackles.

Special teams: WR Julian Edelman

The Patriots' kick coverage units struggled on Thursday but Edelman provided a spark in the punt-return game, something he has yet to show this season. Edelman had three returns for 47 yards, including a 28-yard punt return that led to the Patriots' first points.