Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2014 Week 4 Recap

Game story

In Week 4 of the 2014 NFL season on 2014-09-28, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 41–28 final that built a comfortable lead.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with +6.03 total EPA, and +0.5% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, T. Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +19.15 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+17.9% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (1:41) 35-A.Smith right end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 T. Bridgewater · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +19.15 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
2. 2 J. Wright · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.96 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
3. 3 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +6.03 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
4. 4 A. Smith · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +5.86 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.47 EPA/play
5. 5 G. Jennings · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.61 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.40 EPA/play
6. 6 J. Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.59 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
7. 7 M. Asiata · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +5.27 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
8. 8 D. Hester · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.81 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

• Minnesota Vikings — M. Asiata (Q1 54:31)
• Atlanta Falcons — R. White (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 49:02)
• Minnesota Vikings — M. Asiata (Q1 46:35)
• Atlanta Falcons — P. DiMarco (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 36:00)
• Minnesota Vikings — T. Bridgewater (Q2 32:08)
• Atlanta Falcons — D. Hester (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 22:29)
• Atlanta Falcons — A. Smith (Q3 16:41)
• Minnesota Vikings — M. Asiata (Q4 10:52)

Field goals

• Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q2 30:05)
• Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q3 25:44)
• Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q4 3:42)
• Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q4 1:17)

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 14–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 3 (Q1 54:31) — (9:31) (Shotgun) 44-M.Asiata up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 54:27) — (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 24 (Q1 49:02) — (4:02) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 84-R.White for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q1 48:56) — (Kick formation) 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 6 (Q1 46:35) — (1:35) (Shotgun) 44-M.Asiata up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 46:31) — (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke..

The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q2 36:00) — (6:00) 68-G.Carimi reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 42-P.DiMarco for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q2 35:56) — (Kick formation) 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 13 (Q2 32:08) — (2:08) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater scrambles left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 31:59) — (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the ATL 1 (Q2 30:05) — (:05) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 18 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke..

The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–3. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the ATL 23 (Q3 25:44) — (10:44) 3-B.Walsh 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 36 (Q3 22:29) — (7:29) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 17-D.Hester for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 22:19) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 48 (Q3 16:41) — (1:41) 35-A.Smith right end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 16:31) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q4 10:52) — (10:52) (Run formation) 61-J.Berger reported in as eligible. 44-M.Asiata up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings registered a safety from the ATL 2 (Q4 10:50) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 5-T.Bridgewater pass to 85-R.Ellison is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the ATL 37 (Q4 3:42) — (3:42) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the ATL 15 (Q4 1:17) — (1:17) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 16:41) — (1:41) 35-A.Smith right end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.9% · EPA +4.42]
• Minnesota Vikings (Q1 57:44) — (12:44) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 17-J.Wright to ATL 18 for 52 yards (23-R.Alford). [WPA +13.4% · EPA +4.18]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 22:29) — (7:29) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 17-D.Hester for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.1% · EPA +4.62]
• Minnesota Vikings (Q4 10:52) — (10:52) (Run formation) 61-J.Berger reported in as eligible. 44-M.Asiata up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +11.5% · EPA +2.60]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q1 49:02) — (4:02) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 84-R.White for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.2% · EPA +3.62]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 22:29) — (7:29) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 17-D.Hester for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.1% · EPA +4.62]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 16:41) — (1:41) 35-A.Smith right end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.9% · EPA +4.42]
• Minnesota Vikings (Q1 57:44) — (12:44) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 17-J.Wright to ATL 18 for 52 yards (23-R.Alford). [WPA +13.4% · EPA +4.18]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q1 49:02) — (4:02) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 84-R.White for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.2% · EPA +3.62]

Quarterback report card

M.Ryan led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 45 dropbacks · 55.6% completion · +0.5% CPOE · +0.13 EPA/play · +6.03 total EPA
• T.Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) · 35 dropbacks · 54.3% completion · -3.2% CPOE · +0.55 EPA/play · +19.15 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.25 vs +0.12), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

• Atlanta Falcons: 12 drives, +10.61 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
• Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, +23.12 total EPA, 8 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.
• T. Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• T. Bridgewater (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.

1. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 54:31 · ATL 3 · Score 0-6
   (9:31) (Shotgun) 44-M.Asiata up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 54:27 · ATL 2 · Score 0-7
   (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.
3. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 49:02 · MIN 24 · Score 6-7
   (4:02) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 84-R.White for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 48:56 · MIN 2 · Score 7-7
   (Kick formation) 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
5. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 46:35 · ATL 6 · Score 7-13
   (1:35) (Shotgun) 44-M.Asiata up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
6. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 46:31 · ATL 2 · Score 7-14
   (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.
7. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 36:00 · MIN 1 · Score 13-14
   (6:00) 68-G.Carimi reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 42-P.DiMarco for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
8. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 35:56 · MIN 2 · Score 14-14
   (Kick formation) 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
9. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 32:08 · ATL 13 · Score 14-20
   (2:08) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater scrambles left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 31:59 · ATL 2 · Score 14-21
    (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.
11. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 30:05 · ATL 1 · Score 14-24
    (:05) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 18 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.
12. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 25:44 · ATL 23 · Score 14-27
    (10:44) 3-B.Walsh 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.
13. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 22:29 · MIN 36 · Score 20-27
    (7:29) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 17-D.Hester for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
14. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 22:19 · MIN 2 · Score 21-27
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
15. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 16:41 · MIN 48 · Score 27-27
    (1:41) 35-A.Smith right end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
16. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 16:31 · MIN 2 · Score 28-27
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
17. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 10:52 · ATL 1 · Score 28-33
    (10:52) (Run formation) 61-J.Berger reported in as eligible. 44-M.Asiata up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
18. Minnesota Vikings Safety (+2) — Q4 10:50 · ATL 2 · Score 28-35
    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 5-T.Bridgewater pass to 85-R.Ellison is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
19. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 3:42 · ATL 37 · Score 28-38
    (3:42) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.
20. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 1:17 · ATL 15 · Score 28-41
    (1:17) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.