Game story
In Week 16 of the 2005 NFL season on 2005-12-24, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 27–24 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Simms (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with -2.55 total EPA.
On the individual side, M. Jenkins (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.35 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-81.8% win probability) landed in overtime when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: 9-M.Koenen kicks 70 yards from ATL 30 to TB 0. 86-E.Shepherd to TB 18 for 18 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by ATL-38-R.Heard at TB 18. 38-R.Heard to TB 18 for no gain (86-E.Shepherd).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | OT | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +9.35 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.34 EPA/play
- 2 A. Smith · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +5.84 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 3 C. Williams · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +5.49 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 4 M. Alstott · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.31 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.44 EPA/play
- 5 J. Galloway · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.08 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 6 M. Vick · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +3.67 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
- 7 A. Crumpler · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.54 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
- 8 R. White · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.45 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Jenkins — ATL · Receiving
M. Jenkins posted the highest total EPA (+9.35) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Atlanta Falcons's efficiency. Across 4 counted snaps, they averaged +2.34 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.13 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (1:16) 2-C.Simms pass intended for 84-J.Galloway INTERCEPTED by 21-D.Hall at ATL 22. 21-D.Hall to TB 13 for 65 yards (32-M.Pittman). Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Upheld.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Griffith (M. Vick pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — J. Cook (C. Simms pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Alstott (C. Simms pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Jenkins (M. Vick pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — T. Duckett
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Williams
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — T. Peterson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Bryant
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Bryant
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 TB 4 (Q1 48:33) — (3:33) 7-M.Vick pass to 33-J.Griffith for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q1 48:27) — 2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 9 (Q1 45:27) — (:27) 2-C.Simms pass to 43-J.Cook for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 45:20) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 13 (Q2 42:59) — (12:59) 2-C.Simms pass to 40-M.Alstott for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. left flat; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 42:50) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 8 (Q2 33:25) — (3:25) 7-M.Vick pass to 12-M.Jenkins for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 33:19) — 2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the TB 13 (Q2 30:14) — (:14) 2-T.Peterson 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the ATL 32 (Q4 9:05) — (9:05) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 2 (Q4 4:23) — (4:23) 45-T.Duckett up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q4 4:18) — 2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 6 (Q4 0:31) — (:31) 24-C.Williams left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 0:25) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell..
Overtime: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 3–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the ATL 23 (OT 0:19) — (:19) 3-M.Bryant 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OT 15:00) — 9-M.Koenen kicks 70 yards from ATL 30 to TB 0. 86-E.Shepherd to TB 18 for 18 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by ATL-38-R.Heard at TB 18. 38-R.Heard to TB 18 for no gain (86-E.Shepherd).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OT 2:00) — (2:00) (Punt formation) 9-J.Bidwell punts 37 yards to ATL 16, Center-83-D.Moore, out of bounds.
- Atlanta Falcons (OT 13:34) — (13:34) 2-T.Peterson 28 yard field goal is BLOCKED (90-D.White), Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub, RECOVERED by TB-25-B.Kelly at TB 22. 25-B.Kelly to TB 31 for 9 yards (83-A.Crumpler).
- Atlanta Falcons (OT 1:08) — (1:08) (Punt formation) 9-M.Koenen punts 53 yards to TB 23, Center-48-D.Rackley. 89-M.Jones to ATL 49 for 28 yards (26-O.Lowe).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OT 10:08) — (10:08) 3-M.Bryant 27 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 31:16) — (1:16) 2-C.Simms pass intended for 84-J.Galloway INTERCEPTED by 21-D.Hall at ATL 22. 21-D.Hall to TB 13 for 65 yards (32-M.Pittman). Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Upheld.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OT 15:00) — 9-M.Koenen kicks 70 yards from ATL 30 to TB 0. 86-E.Shepherd to TB 18 for 18 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by ATL-38-R.Heard at TB 18. 38-R.Heard to TB 18 for no gain (86-E.Shepherd).
- Atlanta Falcons (OT 13:34) — (13:34) 2-T.Peterson 28 yard field goal is BLOCKED (90-D.White), Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub, RECOVERED by TB-25-B.Kelly at TB 22. 25-B.Kelly to TB 31 for 9 yards (83-A.Crumpler).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 4:58) — (4:58) (Shotgun) 7-M.Vick pass to 12-M.Jenkins to TB 2 for 37 yards (20-R.Barber).
Quarterback report card
C.Simms led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Simms (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 48 dropbacks · 60.4% completion · -0.05 EPA/play · -2.55 total EPA
- M.Vick (Atlanta Falcons) · 38 dropbacks · 42.1% completion · +0.10 EPA/play · +3.67 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.003 | -0.005 |
| Offensive success rate | 46.6% | 52.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.097 | -0.053 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.104 | +0.132 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.005 | +0.003 |
| Defensive success rate | 47.2% | 53.4% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Atlanta Falcons -0.00, Tampa Bay Buccaneers -0.01) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Atlanta Falcons: 14 drives, -0.27 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 15 drives, -0.53 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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.
- M. Jenkins (Atlanta Falcons) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 48:33 · TB 4 · Score 6-0
(3:33) 7-M.Vick pass to 33-J.Griffith for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 48:27 · TB 2 · Score 7-0
2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 45:27 · ATL 9 · Score 7-6
(:27) 2-C.Simms pass to 43-J.Cook for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 45:20 · ATL 2 · Score 7-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 42:59 · ATL 13 · Score 7-13
(12:59) 2-C.Simms pass to 40-M.Alstott for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. left flat - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 42:50 · ATL 2 · Score 7-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 33:25 · TB 8 · Score 13-14
(3:25) 7-M.Vick pass to 12-M.Jenkins for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 33:19 · TB 2 · Score 14-14
2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 30:14 · TB 13 · Score 17-14
(:14) 2-T.Peterson 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 9:05 · ATL 32 · Score 17-17
(9:05) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 4:23 · TB 2 · Score 23-17
(4:23) 45-T.Duckett up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 4:18 · TB 2 · Score 24-17
2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 0:31 · ATL 6 · Score 24-23
(:31) 24-C.Williams left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 0:25 · ATL 2 · Score 24-24
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — OT 0:19 · ATL 23 · Score 24-27
(:19) 3-M.Bryant 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-D.Moore, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons 27-24 in Week 16, 2005 on 2005-12-24.
What was the final score of Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was Atlanta Falcons 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27 (ATL 24-27 TB) in Week 16, 2005 on 2005-12-24.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 10, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10; Q5: Atlanta Falcons 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3; Final: Atlanta Falcons 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Griffith (M. Vick pass) (Q1 48:33) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — J. Cook (C. Simms pass) (Q1 45:27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Alstott (C. Simms pass) (Q2 42:59) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Jenkins (M. Vick pass) (Q2 33:25) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Duckett (Q4 4:23) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Williams (Q4 0:31) Atlanta Falcons field goal — T. Peterson (Q2 30:14, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Bryant (Q4 9:05, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Bryant (OT 0:19, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
C. Simms (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 60.4% completion, -0.05 EPA per dropback, -2.55 total passing EPA. M. Vick (Atlanta Falcons), 42.1% completion, +0.10 EPA per dropback, +3.67 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
M. Jenkins (Atlanta Falcons) led the game in total EPA with +9.35 on receiving plays. across 4 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.13 EPA): (1:16) 2-C.Simms pass intended for 84-J.Galloway INTERCEPTED by 21-D.Hall at ATL 22. 21-D.Hall to TB 13 for 65 yards (32-M.Pittman). Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Upheld.. The biggest win-probability swing was -81.8%.
Was Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 27-24 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 8-6 Now 8-7 L
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 9-5 Now 10-5 W
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