Game story
In Week 1 of the 2007 NFL season on 2007-09-09, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 24–3 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Harrington (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with -13.27 total EPA, and +6.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.72 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-20.7% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (7:56) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass short right INTERCEPTED by 93-K.Williams at MIN 46. 93-K.Williams for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Peterson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.72 total EPA · 1 snaps · +5.72 EPA/play
- 2 L. Robinson · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.72 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play
- 3 R. White · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.85 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
- 4 A. Crumpler · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.00 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
- 5 B. Wade · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.34 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.34 EPA/play
- 6 J. Norwood · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +1.73 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 7 D. Blakley · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.71 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
- 8 V. Shiancoe · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.70 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Peterson — MIN · Receiving
A. Peterson posted the highest total EPA (+5.72) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 1 counted snaps, they averaged +5.72 EPA per play.
The signature play (-8.68 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (7:56) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass short right INTERCEPTED by 93-K.Williams at MIN 46. 93-K.Williams for 54 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 — K. Williams
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Peterson (T. Jackson pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Winfield
Field goals
- Minnesota Vikings — R. Longwell
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Prater
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 MIN 45 (Q1 52:56) — (7:56) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass short right INTERCEPTED by 93-K.Williams at MIN 46. 93-K.Williams for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 52:43) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 3–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the ATL 31 (Q3 16:51) — (1:51) 8-R.Longwell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–3. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the MIN 27 (Q4 9:28) — (9:28) 1-M.Prater 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-B.Stutz, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 60 (Q4 7:31) — (7:31) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 28-A.Peterson for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 7:19) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 88 (Q4 2:48); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 2:37) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 52:56) — (7:56) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass short right INTERCEPTED by 93-K.Williams at MIN 46. 93-K.Williams for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 34:02) — (4:02) 1-M.Prater 44 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-47-B.Stutz, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 24:15) — (9:15) 7-T.Jackson pass intended for 81-V.Shiancoe INTERCEPTED by 21-D.Hall at ATL 22. 21-D.Hall to ATL 41 for 19 yards (49-T.Richardson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 7:31) — (7:31) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 28-A.Peterson for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 53:55) — (8:55) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass short middle to 84-R.White to 50 for 9 yards (56-E.Henderson; 52-C.Greenway).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 52:56) — (7:56) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass short right INTERCEPTED by 93-K.Williams at MIN 46. 93-K.Williams for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:48) — (2:48) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass intended for 12-M.Jenkins INTERCEPTED by 26-A.Winfield at ATL 14. 26-A.Winfield for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-72-W.Gandy, Offensive Holding, declined.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 7:31) — (7:31) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 28-A.Peterson for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 24:15) — (9:15) 7-T.Jackson pass intended for 81-V.Shiancoe INTERCEPTED by 21-D.Hall at ATL 22. 21-D.Hall to ATL 41 for 19 yards (49-T.Richardson).
Quarterback report card
J.Harrington led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Harrington (Atlanta Falcons) · 41 dropbacks · 56.1% completion · +6.4% CPOE · -0.32 EPA/play · -13.27 total EPA
- T.Jackson (Minnesota Vikings) · 24 dropbacks · 54.2% completion · +1.2% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +0.71 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.270 | -0.025 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.5% | 43.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.324 | +0.030 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.194 | -0.133 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.025 | +0.270 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.2% | 56.5% |
By the numbers
Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.03 vs -0.27), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, -22.91 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, -1.58 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.
- A. Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Harrington (ATL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 52:56 · MIN 45 · Score 0-6
(7:56) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass short right INTERCEPTED by 93-K.Williams at MIN 46. 93-K.Williams for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 52:43 · ATL 2 · Score 0-7
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 16:51 · ATL 31 · Score 0-10
(1:51) 8-R.Longwell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 9:28 · MIN 27 · Score 3-10
(9:28) 1-M.Prater 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-B.Stutz, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 7:31 · ATL 60 · Score 3-16
(7:31) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 28-A.Peterson for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 7:19 · ATL 2 · Score 3-17
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 2:48 · MIN 88 · Score 3-23
(2:48) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass intended for 12-M.Jenkins INTERCEPTED by 26-A.Winfield at ATL 14. 26-A.Winfield for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-72 - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 2:37 · ATL 2 · Score 3-24
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons 24-3 in Week 1, 2007 on 2007-09-09.
What was the final score of Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Atlanta Falcons 3, Minnesota Vikings 24 (ATL 3-24 MIN) in Week 1, 2007 on 2007-09-09.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 0, Minnesota Vikings 3; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 3, Minnesota Vikings 14; Final: Atlanta Falcons 3, Minnesota Vikings 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Williams (Q1 52:56) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Peterson (T. Jackson pass) (Q4 7:31) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Winfield (Q4 2:48) Minnesota Vikings field goal — R. Longwell (Q3 16:51, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Prater (Q4 9:28, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
J. Harrington (Atlanta Falcons), 56.1% completion, +6.4% CPOE, -0.32 EPA per dropback, -13.27 total passing EPA. T. Jackson (Minnesota Vikings), 54.2% completion, +1.2% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +0.71 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
A. Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +5.72 on receiving plays. across 1 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-8.68 EPA): (7:56) (Shotgun) 13-J.Harrington pass short right INTERCEPTED by 93-K.Williams at MIN 46. 93-K.Williams for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -20.7%.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Now 0-1 L
Minnesota Vikings
Now 1-0 W
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