Game story
In Week 7 of the 2012 NFL season on 2012-10-21, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling away with a 21–14 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Skelton (Arizona Cardinals) paced the passing game, with -13.07 total EPA, and -0.1% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Roberts (Arizona Cardinals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.30 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-13.0% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Arizona Cardinals changed the game: (14:17) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton pass short middle intended for 85-E.Doucet INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at ARI 31. 22-H.Smith for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Roberts · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +9.30 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 2 R. Housler · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.79 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 3 P. Harvin · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.19 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 4 L. Stephens-Howling · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +1.52 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 5 L. Stephens-Howling · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +0.91 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 6 A. Peterson · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +0.54 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.02 EPA/play
- 7 J. Simpson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +0.42 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 8 P. Harvin · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +0.34 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Roberts — ARI · Receiving
A. Roberts posted the highest total EPA (+9.30) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Arizona Cardinals's efficiency. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +1.03 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.34 EPA) came from Arizona Cardinals: (14:17) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton pass short middle intended for 85-E.Doucet INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at ARI 31. 22-H.Smith for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Peterson
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Stephens-Howling
- Minnesota Vikings — P. Harvin (C. Ponder pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — H. Smith
- Arizona Cardinals — A. Roberts (J. Skelton pass)
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ARI 13 (Q1 53:46) — (8:46) 28-A.Peterson left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q1 53:38) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the MIN 3 (Q2 42:47) — (12:47) 36-L.Stephens-Howling up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q2 42:41) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ARI 3 (Q2 36:31) — (6:31) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder pass short right to 12-P.Harvin for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 36:26) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 76 (Q3 29:17); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 29:03) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the MIN 6 (Q4 1:52) — (1:52) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton pass short left to 12-A.Roberts for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q4 1:48) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 29:17) — (14:17) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton pass short middle intended for 85-E.Doucet INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at ARI 31. 22-H.Smith for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 30:05) — (:05) 3-J.Feely 47 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 30:14) — (:14) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder pass short left intended for 28-A.Peterson INTERCEPTED by 94-S.Acho at MIN 29. 94-S.Acho to MIN 29 for no gain (81-J.Simpson). The Replay Assistant challenged the pass compl
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 45:31) — (:31) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton sacked at MIN 19 for -5 yards (96-B.Robison). FUMBLES (96-B.Robison) [96-B.Robison], RECOVERED by MIN-93-K.Williams at MIN 16. 93-K.Williams to MIN 16 for no gain (Team).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 7-C.Ponder pass short right intended for 82-K.Rudolph INTERCEPTED by 51-P.Lenon at MIN 16. 51-P.Lenon to MIN 16 for no gain (28-A.Peterson).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 29:17) — (14:17) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton pass short middle intended for 85-E.Doucet INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at ARI 31. 22-H.Smith for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 45:31) — (:31) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton sacked at MIN 19 for -5 yards (96-B.Robison). FUMBLES (96-B.Robison) [96-B.Robison], RECOVERED by MIN-93-K.Williams at MIN 16. 93-K.Williams to MIN 16 for no gain (Team).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 7-C.Ponder pass short right intended for 82-K.Rudolph INTERCEPTED by 51-P.Lenon at MIN 16. 51-P.Lenon to MIN 16 for no gain (28-A.Peterson).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 22:47) — (7:47) 19-J.Skelton sacked at MIN 18 for 0 yards (sack split by 26-A.Winfield and 96-B.Robison).
Quarterback report card
J.Skelton led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Skelton (Arizona Cardinals) · 44 dropbacks · 56.8% completion · -0.1% CPOE · -0.30 EPA/play · -13.07 total EPA
- C.Ponder (Minnesota Vikings) · 25 dropbacks · 32.0% completion · -20.4% CPOE · -0.46 EPA/play · -11.44 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.210 | -0.190 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.2% | 40.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.297 | -0.458 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.019 | -0.004 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.190 | +0.210 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.7% | 56.8% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Arizona Cardinals -0.21, Minnesota Vikings -0.19) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Arizona Cardinals: 13 drives, -18.45 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 13 drives, -12.71 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Minnesota Vikings leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- A. Roberts (Arizona Cardinals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Ponder (MIN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 53:46 · ARI 13 · Score 0-6
(8:46) 28-A.Peterson left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 53:38 · ARI 2 · Score 0-7
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 42:47 · MIN 3 · Score 6-7
(12:47) 36-L.Stephens-Howling up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 42:41 · MIN 2 · Score 7-7
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 36:31 · ARI 3 · Score 7-13
(6:31) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder pass short right to 12-P.Harvin for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 36:26 · ARI 2 · Score 7-14
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 29:17 · MIN 76 · Score 7-20
(14:17) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton pass short middle intended for 85-E.Doucet INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at ARI 31. 22-H.Smith for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 29:03 · ARI 2 · Score 7-21
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 1:52 · MIN 6 · Score 13-21
(1:52) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton pass short left to 12-A.Roberts for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 1:48 · MIN 2 · Score 14-21
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Arizona Cardinals 21-14 in Week 7, 2012 on 2012-10-21.
What was the final score of Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Arizona Cardinals 14, Minnesota Vikings 21 (ARI 14-21 MIN) in Week 7, 2012 on 2012-10-21.
What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Arizona Cardinals 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 7, Minnesota Vikings 0; Final: Arizona Cardinals 14, Minnesota Vikings 21.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Peterson (Q1 53:46) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Stephens-Howling (Q2 42:47) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — P. Harvin (C. Ponder pass) (Q2 36:31) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — H. Smith (Q3 29:17) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — A. Roberts (J. Skelton pass) (Q4 1:52) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings?
J. Skelton (Arizona Cardinals), 56.8% completion, -0.1% CPOE, -0.30 EPA per dropback, -13.07 total passing EPA. C. Ponder (Minnesota Vikings), 32.0% completion, -20.4% CPOE, -0.46 EPA per dropback, -11.44 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings?
A. Roberts (Arizona Cardinals) led the game in total EPA with +9.30 on receiving plays. across 9 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.34 EPA): (14:17) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton pass short middle intended for 85-E.Doucet INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at ARI 31. 22-H.Smith for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -13.0%.
Was Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Minnesota Vikings won 21-14 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 4-2 Now 4-3 L
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 4-2 Now 5-2 W
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