Quick answer
- Winner
- Atlanta Falcons
- Final score
- Atlanta Falcons 40–23 Minnesota Vikings
- Halftime
- Atlanta Falcons 20–0 Minnesota Vikings at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Matt Ryan
- Top passer
- Matt Ryan
- Biggest EPA play
- (2:14) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-E.Kend…
- Game date
- 2020-10-18
Game summary
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Minnesota Vikings 40–23 on 2020-10-18. Matt Ryan posted a game-high +30.63 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 26 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 40 | |
| 0 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 0 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +30.63 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.68 EPA/play - 2

Justin Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +15.55 total EPA · 10 snaps · +1.55 EPA/play - 3

Hayden Hurst · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +8.71 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.18 EPA/play - 4

Russell Gage Jr. · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.73 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.43 EPA/play - 5

Irv Smith Jr. · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.16 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play - 6

Calvin Ridley · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.64 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play - 7

Adam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.67 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play - 8

Jordan Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.48 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Matt Ryan — ATL · Passing
Matt Ryan posted the highest total EPA (+30.63) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 45 counted snaps, they averaged +0.68 EPA per play.
Matt Ryan's top snap (+6.65 EPA): (2:14) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-E.Kendricks].
Quarterback report card
Matt Ryan led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 45 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +10.0% CPOE · +0.68 EPA/play · +30.63 total EPA
Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 43 dropbacks · 55.8% completion · +3.1% CPOE · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.77 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.179 | -0.109 |
| Offensive success rate | 50.5% | 43.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.681 | +0.041 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.471 | -0.541 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.109 | -0.179 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.3% | 49.5% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.18 vs -0.11), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.18 EPA/play (84th percentile vs. 2020 team-game averages)
- Minnesota Vikings: -0.11 EPA/play (20th percentile vs. 2020 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 12 drives, +17.32 total EPA, 8 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, -7.77 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns

Atlanta Falcons — Justin Jones (Matt Ryan pass) 
Atlanta Falcons — Calvin Ridley (Matt Ryan pass) 
Minnesota Vikings — Jordan Jefferson (Kirk Cousins pass) 
Atlanta Falcons — Justin Jones (Matt Ryan pass) 
Minnesota Vikings — Adam Thielen (Kirk Cousins pass) 
Atlanta Falcons — Hayden Hurst (Matt Ryan pass) 
Minnesota Vikings — Jordan Jefferson (Kirk Cousins pass)
Field goals

Atlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo 
Atlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo 
Atlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo 
Atlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 20 (Q1 12:08) — (12:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 12:02) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the MIN 32 (Q1 3:08) — (3:08) 7-Y.Koo 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 8 (Q2 2:00) — (2:00) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 18-C.Ridley for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 1:54) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the MIN 2 (Q2 0:05) — (:05) 7-Y.Koo 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–7. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the MIN 28 (Q3 10:50) — (10:50) 7-Y.Koo 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 11 (Q3 6:32) — (6:32) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 6:25) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 40 (Q3 2:14) — (2:14) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-E.Kendricks].; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 2:01) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 16–10. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the MIN 25 (Q4 7:12) — (7:12) 7-Y.Koo 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q4 4:02) — (4:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings registered a safety from the ATL 2 (Q4 3:58) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-K.Cousins pass to 84-I.Smith is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 35 (Q4 2:20) — (2:20) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 81-H.Hurst for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 2:11) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 49 (Q4 1:35) — (1:35) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left to 18-J.Jefferson for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-G.Jarrett].; Minnesota Vikings registered a safety from the ATL 2 (Q4 1:26) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-K.Cousins pass to 18-J.Jefferson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 12:08) — (12:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 14:55) — (14:55) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 45-D.Jones at MIN 46. 45-D.Jones pushed ob at MIN 29 for 17 yards (75-B.O'Neill).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 14:43) — (14:43) 21-T.Gurley right end to MIN 20 for 9 yards (20-J.Gladney).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 14:23) — (14:23) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 82-K.Rudolph to ATL 20 for 19 yards (20-K.Sheffield; 37-R.Allen).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 5:51) — (5:51) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 24-A.Terrell at MIN 40. 24-A.Terrell to MIN 40 for no gain.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 2:14) — (2:14) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-E.Kendricks].
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 14:55) — (14:55) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 45-D.Jones at MIN 46. 45-D.Jones pushed ob at MIN 29 for 17 yards (75-B.O'Neill).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 1:15) — (1:15) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 12-C.Beebe INTERCEPTED by 54-F.Oluokun (91-J.Tuioti-Mariner) at ATL 38. 54-F.Oluokun to MIN 48 for 14 yards (12-C.Beebe).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:20) — (2:20) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 81-H.Hurst for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 12:08 · MIN 20 · Score 6-0
(12:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 12:02 · MIN 15 · Score 7-0
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 3:08 · MIN 32 · Score 10-0
(3:08) 7-Y.Koo 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 2:00 · MIN 8 · Score 16-0
(2:00) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 18-C.Ridley for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 1:54 · MIN 15 · Score 17-0
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 0:05 · MIN 2 · Score 20-0
(:05) 7-Y.Koo 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 10:50 · MIN 28 · Score 23-0
(10:50) 7-Y.Koo 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 6:32 · ATL 11 · Score 23-6
(6:32) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 6:25 · ATL 15 · Score 23-7
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 2:14 · MIN 40 · Score 29-7
(2:14) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-E.Kendricks].
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 2:01 · MIN 15 · Score 30-7
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 7:12 · MIN 25 · Score 33-7
(7:12) 7-Y.Koo 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 4:02 · ATL 2 · Score 33-13
(4:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Minnesota Vikings Safety (+2) — Q4 3:58 · ATL 2 · Score 33-15
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-K.Cousins pass to 84-I.Smith is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 2:20 · MIN 35 · Score 39-15
(2:20) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 81-H.Hurst for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 2:11 · MIN 15 · Score 40-15
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 1:35 · ATL 49 · Score 40-21
(1:35) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left to 18-J.Jefferson for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-G.Jarrett].
Minnesota Vikings Safety (+2) — Q4 1:26 · ATL 2 · Score 40-23
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-K.Cousins pass to 18-J.Jefferson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Atlanta Falcons earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Matt Ryan (ATL) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
- Kirk Cousins (MIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings on 2020-10-18?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Minnesota Vikings 40-23 in Week 6, 2020.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 10, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 10, Minnesota Vikings 16; Final: Atlanta Falcons 40, Minnesota Vikings 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Jones (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 12:08) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 2:00) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 6:32) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Jones (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 2:14) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 4:02) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — H. Hurst (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 2:20) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 1:35) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q1 3:08, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q2 0:05, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q3 10:50, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q4 7:12, 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?
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 66.7% completion, +10.0% CPOE, +0.68 EPA per dropback, +30.63 total passing EPA. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 55.8% completion, +3.1% CPOE, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +1.77 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +30.63 total EPA on Passing plays. across 45 snaps. Their top snap (+6.65 EPA): (2:14) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-E.Kendricks]..
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 0-5 Now 1-5 W
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 1-4 Now 1-5 L