Game story
In Week 16 of the 2008 NFL season on 2008-12-21, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 24–17 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Jackson (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with +3.22 total EPA, and +7.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, V. Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +14.20 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-19.8% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (11:11) 7-T.Jackson sacked at ATL 25 for -9 yards (94-K.Moorehead). FUMBLES (94-K.Moorehead), RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at ATL 45. 92-C.Davis to ATL 46 for 1 yard (78-M.Birk).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 17 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 V. Shiancoe · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +14.20 total EPA · 7 snaps · +2.03 EPA/play
- 2 M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.80 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.45 EPA/play
- 3 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +3.52 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 4 T. Jackson · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +3.22 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 5 B. Berrian · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.84 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play
- 6 R. White · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.78 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
- 7 B. Finneran · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.52 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
- 8 J. Norwood · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.38 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
V. Shiancoe — MIN · Receiving
V. Shiancoe posted the highest total EPA (+14.20) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +2.03 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.08 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: (11:11) 7-T.Jackson sacked at ATL 25 for -9 yards (94-K.Moorehead). FUMBLES (94-K.Moorehead), RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at ATL 45. 92-C.Davis to ATL 46 for 1 yard (78-M.Birk).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Turner
- Minnesota Vikings — V. Shiancoe (T. Jackson pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Norwood (M. Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Ryan
- Minnesota Vikings — V. Shiancoe (T. Jackson pass)
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam
- Minnesota Vikings — R. Longwell
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q1 53:52) — (8:52) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q1 53:47) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 21 (Q1 47:11) — (2:11) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 81-V.Shiancoe for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 47:00) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 8 (Q2 44:11) — (14:11) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 32-J.Norwood for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q2 44:06) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the MIN 3 (Q2 30:07) — (:07) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 5 (Q3 17:49) — (2:49) 2-M.Ryan scrambles to MIN 1 for 4 yards (51-B.Leber). FUMBLES (51-B.Leber), recovered by ATL-63-J.Blalock at MIN 0. TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 17:38) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the ATL 11 (Q4 11:36) — (11:36) 8-R.Longwell 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 17 (Q4 2:50) — (2:50) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep middle to 81-V.Shiancoe for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 2:44) — 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.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 26:11) — (11:11) 7-T.Jackson sacked at ATL 25 for -9 yards (94-K.Moorehead). FUMBLES (94-K.Moorehead), RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at ATL 45. 92-C.Davis to ATL 46 for 1 yard (78-M.Birk).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 45:35) — (:35) 9-M.Koenen punts 34 yards to MIN 22, Center-46-M.Schneck. 87-B.Berrian MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by ATL-59-M.Boley at MIN 22. 59-M.Boley to MIN 22 for no gain (50-E.Henderson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 34:01) — (4:01) 7-T.Jackson to MIN 47 for -5 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at MIN 46. 92-C.Davis to MIN 46 for no gain (28-A.Peterson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 40:35) — (10:35) 28-A.Peterson left end to ATL 17 for 7 yards (36-L.Milloy). FUMBLES (36-L.Milloy), RECOVERED by ATL-23-C.Houston at ATL 17. 23-C.Houston to ATL 21 for 4 yards (87-B.Berrian).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 47:11) — (2:11) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 81-V.Shiancoe for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 26:11) — (11:11) 7-T.Jackson sacked at ATL 25 for -9 yards (94-K.Moorehead). FUMBLES (94-K.Moorehead), RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at ATL 45. 92-C.Davis to ATL 46 for 1 yard (78-M.Birk).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 45:35) — (:35) 9-M.Koenen punts 34 yards to MIN 22, Center-46-M.Schneck. 87-B.Berrian MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by ATL-59-M.Boley at MIN 22. 59-M.Boley to MIN 22 for no gain (50-E.Henderson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 40:35) — (10:35) 28-A.Peterson left end to ATL 17 for 7 yards (36-L.Milloy). FUMBLES (36-L.Milloy), RECOVERED by ATL-23-C.Houston at ATL 17. 23-C.Houston to ATL 21 for 4 yards (87-B.Berrian).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 34:01) — (4:01) 7-T.Jackson to MIN 47 for -5 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at MIN 46. 92-C.Davis to MIN 46 for no gain (28-A.Peterson).
Quarterback report card
T.Jackson led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Jackson (Minnesota Vikings) · 46 dropbacks · 47.8% completion · +7.8% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +3.22 total EPA
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 29 dropbacks · 44.8% completion · -6.5% CPOE · +0.12 EPA/play · +3.52 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.051 | -0.065 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.0% | 44.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.121 | +0.070 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.064 | -0.428 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.065 | -0.051 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.4% | 57.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.05 vs -0.07), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +4.05 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, -5.43 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Atlanta Falcons 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.
- V. Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- T. Jackson (MIN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- M. Ryan (ATL) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 53:52 · MIN 1 · Score 6-0
(8:52) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 53:47 · MIN 2 · Score 7-0
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 47:11 · ATL 21 · Score 7-6
(2:11) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 81-V.Shiancoe for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 47:00 · ATL 2 · Score 7-7
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 44:11 · MIN 8 · Score 13-7
(14:11) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 32-J.Norwood for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 44:06 · MIN 2 · Score 14-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 30:07 · MIN 3 · Score 17-7
(:07) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 17:49 · MIN 5 · Score 23-7
(2:49) 2-M.Ryan scrambles to MIN 1 for 4 yards (51-B.Leber). FUMBLES (51-B.Leber), recovered by ATL-63-J.Blalock at MIN 0. TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 17:38 · MIN 2 · Score 24-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 11:36 · ATL 11 · Score 24-10
(11:36) 8-R.Longwell 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 2:50 · ATL 17 · Score 24-16
(2:50) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep middle to 81-V.Shiancoe for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 2:44 · ATL 2 · Score 24-17
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 Atlanta Falcons beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-17 in Week 16, 2008 on 2008-12-21.
What was the final score of Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Atlanta Falcons 24, Minnesota Vikings 17 (ATL 24-17 MIN) in Week 16, 2008 on 2008-12-21.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 7, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 0, Minnesota Vikings 10; Final: Atlanta Falcons 24, Minnesota Vikings 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q1 53:52) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — V. Shiancoe (T. Jackson pass) (Q1 47:11) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Norwood (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 44:11) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Ryan (Q3 17:49) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — V. Shiancoe (T. Jackson pass) (Q4 2:50) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q2 30:07, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — R. Longwell (Q4 11:36, 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?
T. Jackson (Minnesota Vikings), 47.8% completion, +7.8% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +3.22 total passing EPA. M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 44.8% completion, -6.5% CPOE, +0.12 EPA per dropback, +3.52 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
V. Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +14.20 on receiving plays. across 7 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.08 EPA): (11:11) 7-T.Jackson sacked at ATL 25 for -9 yards (94-K.Moorehead). FUMBLES (94-K.Moorehead), RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at ATL 45. 92-C.Davis to ATL 46 for 1 yard (78-M.Birk).. The biggest win-probability swing was -19.8%.
Was Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Atlanta Falcons won 24-17 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 9-5 Now 10-5 W
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 9-5 Now 9-6 L
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
