Game story
In Week 15 of the 2017 NFL season on 2017-12-18, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 24–21 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with +15.48 total EPA, and +21.0% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +15.48 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-25.4% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (:05) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 54 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Winston · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +15.48 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 2 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +7.96 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 3 D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +6.45 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 4 D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.91 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
- 5 M. Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.65 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 6 A. Humphries · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.55 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 7 O. Howard · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.47 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.47 EPA/play
- 8 J. Hardy · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.41 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Winston — TB · Passing
J. Winston posted the highest total EPA (+15.48) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 42 counted snaps, they averaged +0.37 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.95 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (6:40) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle to ATL 5 for 4 yards (22-K.Neal). FUMBLES (22-K.Neal), RECOVERED by ATL-22-K.Neal at ATL 5.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Hardy (M. Ryan pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — O. Howard (J. Winston pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Evans (J. Winston pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Humphries (J. Winston pass)
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — 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 6 (Q1 52:00) — (7:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 14-J.Hardy for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 51:54) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 30 (Q1 47:01); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 46:52) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q2 43:02); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 42:56) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the TB 39 (Q2 33:17) — (3:17) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The third quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 42 (Q3 23:40) — (8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 23:31) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 32 (Q4 8:08) — (8:08) 24-D.Freeman right end for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q4 7:58) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 16 (Q4 4:16) — (4:16) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 10-A.Humphries for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 4:07) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:05) — (:05) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 54 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 23:40) — (8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 36:40) — (6:40) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle to ATL 5 for 4 yards (22-K.Neal). FUMBLES (22-K.Neal), RECOVERED by ATL-22-K.Neal at ATL 5.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 1:14) — (1:14) (Punt formation) 5-M.Bosher punts 53 yards to TB 10, Center-47-J.Harris. 10-A.Humphries to TB 29 for 19 yards (50-B.Reed).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 47:01) — (2:01) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 80-O.Howard for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 36:40) — (6:40) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle to ATL 5 for 4 yards (22-K.Neal). FUMBLES (22-K.Neal), RECOVERED by ATL-22-K.Neal at ATL 5.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 8:08) — (8:08) 24-D.Freeman right end for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 16:22) — (1:22) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 33 yard field goal is BLOCKED (92-W.Gholston), Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 23:40) — (8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
J.Winston led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 42 dropbacks · 64.3% completion · +21.0% CPOE · +0.37 EPA/play · +15.48 total EPA
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 38 dropbacks · 44.7% completion · -1.4% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +7.96 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.153 | +0.093 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.2% | 46.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.210 | +0.368 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.241 | -0.331 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.093 | -0.153 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.3% | 51.8% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs +0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Atlanta Falcons: 9 drives, +12.97 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 drives, +7.00 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.
- J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Winston (TB) 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.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 52:00 · TB 6 · Score 6-0
(7:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 14-J.Hardy for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 51:54 · TB 15 · Score 7-0
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 47:01 · ATL 30 · Score 7-6
(2:01) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 80-O.Howard for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 46:52 · ATL 15 · Score 7-7
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 43:02 · TB 1 · Score 13-7
(13:02) 92-D.Poe reported in as eligible. 24-D.Freeman left guard to TB 1 for no gain (91-R.Ayers Jr.). FUMBLES (91-R.Ayers Jr.), recovered by ATL-80-L.Toilolo - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 42:56 · TB 15 · Score 14-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 33:17 · TB 39 · Score 17-7
(3:17) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 23:40 · ATL 42 · Score 17-13
(8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 23:31 · ATL 15 · Score 17-14
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 8:08 · TB 32 · Score 23-14
(8:08) 24-D.Freeman right end for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 7:58 · TB 15 · Score 24-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 4:16 · ATL 16 · Score 24-20
(4:16) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 10-A.Humphries for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 4:07 · ATL 15 · Score 24-21
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-21 in Week 15, 2017 on 2017-12-18.
What was the final score of Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was Atlanta Falcons 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21 (ATL 24-21 TB) in Week 15, 2017 on 2017-12-18.
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 0; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Final: Atlanta Falcons 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Hardy (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 52:00) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — O. Howard (J. Winston pass) (Q1 47:01) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Freeman (Q2 43:02) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Evans (J. Winston pass) (Q3 23:40) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Freeman (Q4 8:08) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Humphries (J. Winston pass) (Q4 4:16) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 33:17, 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?
J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 64.3% completion, +21.0% CPOE, +0.37 EPA per dropback, +15.48 total passing EPA. M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 44.7% completion, -1.4% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +7.96 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +15.48 on passing plays. across 42 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.95 EPA): (6:40) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle to ATL 5 for 4 yards (22-K.Neal). FUMBLES (22-K.Neal), RECOVERED by ATL-22-K.Neal at ATL 5.. The biggest win-probability swing was -25.4%.
Was Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Atlanta Falcons won 24-21 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 8-5 Now 9-5 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 4-9 Now 4-10 L
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
