Game story
In Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season on 2019-09-08, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 28–12 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with -2.08 total EPA, and +3.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.96 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-11.4% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (12:59) 5-M.Bosher punt is BLOCKED by 50-E.Wilson, Center-47-J.Harris, RECOVERED by MIN-50-E.Wilson at ATL 21. 50-E.Wilson to ATL 21 for no gain (41-S.Neasman).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 K. Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +9.96 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 2 C. Ridley · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +7.62 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.27 EPA/play
- 3 A. Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.37 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.79 EPA/play
- 4 A. Hooper · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.10 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 5 S. Diggs · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.30 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.65 EPA/play
- 6 D. Cook · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +2.49 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 7 C. Beebe · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.91 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.91 EPA/play
- 8 I. Smith · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +0.78 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
K. Cousins — MIN · Passing
K. Cousins posted the highest total EPA (+9.96) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 14 counted snaps, they averaged +0.71 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.07 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (3:14) 74-T.Sambrailo reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short right intended for 80-L.Stocker INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Harris at MIN -9. Touchback.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — D. Cook
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Cousins
- Minnesota Vikings — D. Cook
- Atlanta Falcons — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Jones (M. Ryan 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 14–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 23 (Q1 56:57) — (11:57) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-G.Jarrett].; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 56:50) — (Kick formation) 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 19 (Q1 53:28) — (8:28) 33-D.Cook left end for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 53:22) — (Kick formation) 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q2 34:42) — (4:42) 78-D.Dozier reported in as eligible. 8-K.Cousins up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 34:40) — (Kick formation) 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 7 (Q3 15:34) — (:34) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 15:29) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 12–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 20 (Q4 9:25) — (9:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 18-C.Ridley for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 2 (Q4 1:09) — (1:09) (No Huddle) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 57:59) — (12:59) 5-M.Bosher punt is BLOCKED by 50-E.Wilson, Center-47-J.Harris, RECOVERED by MIN-50-E.Wilson at ATL 21. 50-E.Wilson to ATL 21 for no gain (41-S.Neasman).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 55:02) — (10:02) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle intended for 11-J.Jones INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Harris at ATL 41. 41-A.Harris to ATL 41 for no gain (11-J.Jones).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 40:26) — (10:26) 24-D.Freeman left tackle to MIN 21 for no gain (26-T.Waynes). FUMBLES (26-T.Waynes), RECOVERED by MIN-41-A.Harris at MIN 21. 41-A.Harris to MIN 21 for no gain (24-D.Freeman).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 56:57) — (11:57) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-G.Jarrett].
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 60:00) — (15:00) 2-M.Ryan sacked at ATL 17 for -8 yards (55-A.Barr).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 18:14) — (3:14) 74-T.Sambrailo reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short right intended for 80-L.Stocker INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Harris at MIN -9. Touchback.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 40:26) — (10:26) 24-D.Freeman left tackle to MIN 21 for no gain (26-T.Waynes). FUMBLES (26-T.Waynes), RECOVERED by MIN-41-A.Harris at MIN 21. 41-A.Harris to MIN 21 for no gain (24-D.Freeman).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 55:02) — (10:02) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle intended for 11-J.Jones INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Harris at ATL 41. 41-A.Harris to ATL 41 for no gain (11-J.Jones).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 9:25) — (9:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 18-C.Ridley for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
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) · 59 dropbacks · 55.9% completion · +3.4% CPOE · -0.04 EPA/play · -2.08 total EPA
- K.Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 14 dropbacks · 57.1% completion · +17.2% CPOE · +0.71 EPA/play · +9.96 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.146 | +0.069 |
| Offensive success rate | 40.2% | 42.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.035 | +0.712 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.585 | -0.001 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.069 | +0.146 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.0% | 59.8% |
By the numbers
Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.07 vs -0.15), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, -12.74 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, +4.76 total EPA, 4 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.
- K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Ryan (ATL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- K. Cousins (MIN) 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 56:57 · ATL 23 · Score 0-6
(11:57) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-G.Jarrett]. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 56:50 · ATL 15 · Score 0-7
(Kick formation) 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 53:28 · ATL 19 · Score 0-13
(8:28) 33-D.Cook left end for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 53:22 · ATL 15 · Score 0-14
(Kick formation) 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 34:42 · ATL 1 · Score 0-20
(4:42) 78-D.Dozier reported in as eligible. 8-K.Cousins up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 34:40 · ATL 15 · Score 0-21
(Kick formation) 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 15:34 · ATL 7 · Score 0-27
(:34) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 15:29 · ATL 15 · Score 0-28
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 9:25 · MIN 20 · Score 6-28
(9:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 18-C.Ridley for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 1:09 · MIN 2 · Score 12-28
(1:09) (No Huddle) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-12 in Week 1, 2019 on 2019-09-08.
What was the final score of Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Atlanta Falcons 12, Minnesota Vikings 28 (ATL 12-28 MIN) in Week 1, 2019 on 2019-09-08.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 0, Minnesota Vikings 14; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 12, Minnesota Vikings 0; Final: Atlanta Falcons 12, Minnesota Vikings 28.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q1 56:57) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — D. Cook (Q1 53:28) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Cousins (Q2 34:42) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — D. Cook (Q3 15:34) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 9:25) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Jones (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 1:09) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 55.9% completion, +3.4% CPOE, -0.04 EPA per dropback, -2.08 total passing EPA. K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 57.1% completion, +17.2% CPOE, +0.71 EPA per dropback, +9.96 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +9.96 on passing plays. across 14 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.07 EPA): (3:14) 74-T.Sambrailo reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short right intended for 80-L.Stocker INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Harris at MIN -9. Touchback.. The biggest win-probability swing was -11.4%.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Now 0-1 L
Minnesota Vikings
Now 1-0 W
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