Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +24.28 total EPA on Passing plays. across 45 snaps. Their top snap (+4.51 EPA): (5:36) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 14-C.Godwin to ATL 7 for 47 yards (37-R.Allen)..

Falcons 27–44 Buccaneers: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 17, 2020

Game story

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 44–27 in Week 17 of the 2020 NFL season on 2021-01-03, a matchup that controlled the game from start to finish. The decisive swing (+14.0% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers swung the momentum.

In Week 17 of the 2020 NFL season on 2021-01-03, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 44–27 final that controlled the game from start to finish.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 28 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with +10.83 total EPA, and +3.6% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +24.28 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+14.0% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (5:36) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 14-C.Godwin to ATL 7 for 47 yards (37-R.Allen).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Atlanta Falcons	3	7	10	7	0	27
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	10	13	0	21	0	44

Stars of the game

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

1 T. Brady · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +24.28 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
2 C. Godwin · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +12.75 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.82 EPA/play
3 R. Gage · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +11.28 total EPA · 10 snaps · +1.13 EPA/play
4 A. Brown · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +11.19 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
5 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +10.83 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play
6 H. Hurst · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.33 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
7 B. Hill · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +3.99 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
8 R. Jones · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +3.69 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play

Player of the game

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

T. Brady — TB · Passing

T. Brady posted the highest total EPA (+24.28) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 45 counted snaps, they averaged +0.54 EPA per play.

The signature play (-5.46 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (11:13) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 37, RECOVERED by TB-31-A.Winfield at ATL 39. 31-A.Winfield for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was not down by contact ruling, and the play was REVER

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Godwin (T. Brady pass) (Q1 56:12)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q2 42:38)
Atlanta Falcons — M. Ryan (Q2 32:00)
Atlanta Falcons — R. Gage (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 23:56)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Jones (Q4 11:17)
Atlanta Falcons — H. Hurst (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 8:23)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Godwin (T. Brady pass) (Q4 3:58)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q4 3:02)

Field goals

Atlanta Falcons — Y. Koo (Q1 48:36)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop (Q1 45:11)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop (Q2 38:49)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop (Q2 30:05)
Atlanta Falcons — Y. Koo (Q3 15:34)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 29 (Q1 56:12) — (11:12) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 14-C.Godwin for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 56:06) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the TB 3 (Q1 48:36) — (3:36) 7-Y.Koo 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the ATL 11 (Q1 45:11) — (:11) 3-R.Succop 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion..

The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 13–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 25 (Q2 42:38) — (12:38) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 81-A.Brown for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 42:30) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the ATL 20 (Q2 38:49) — (8:49) 3-R.Succop 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) 73-M.Gono reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 31:56) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the ATL 7 (Q2 30:05) — (:05) 3-R.Succop 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion..

The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 19 (Q3 23:56) — (8:56) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 83-R.Gage for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q3 23:49) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the TB 3 (Q3 15:34) — (:34) 7-Y.Koo 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter..

The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 21–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 3 (Q4 11:17) — (11:17) 27-R.Jones up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 11:13) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q4 8:23) — (8:23) 73-M.Gono reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 81-H.Hurst for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q4 8:19) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 4 (Q4 3:58) — (3:58) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 14-C.Godwin for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 3:54) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 30 (Q4 3:02); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 2:52) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion..

Turning points

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

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 5:36) — (5:36) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 14-C.Godwin to ATL 7 for 47 yards (37-R.Allen). [WPA +14.0% · EPA +4.51]
Atlanta Falcons (Q4 10:35) — (10:35) (No Huddle) 23-B.Hill right end pushed ob at TB 4 for 62 yards (31-A.Winfield). [WPA +11.6% · EPA +4.13]
Atlanta Falcons (Q3 23:56) — (8:56) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 83-R.Gage for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.9% · EPA +4.01]
Atlanta Falcons (Q4 8:23) — (8:23) 73-M.Gono reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 81-H.Hurst for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +9.8% · EPA +2.62]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 6:19) — (6:19) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady sacked at TB 46 for -8 yards (56-D.Fowler). [WPA -7.9% · EPA -1.92]

Impact plays

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

Atlanta Falcons (Q2 41:13) — (11:13) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 37, RECOVERED by TB-31-A.Winfield at ATL 39. 31-A.Winfield for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was not down by contact ruling, an [WPA -7.3% · EPA -5.46]
Atlanta Falcons (Q4 3:18) — (3:18) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 18-C.Ridley to ATL 41 for -1 yards (23-S.Murphy-Bunting). FUMBLES (23-S.Murphy-Bunting), RECOVERED by TB-23-S.Murphy-Bunting at ATL 41. 23-S.M [WPA -4.9% · EPA -4.59]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 5:36) — (5:36) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 14-C.Godwin to ATL 7 for 47 yards (37-R.Allen). [WPA +14.0% · EPA +4.51]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 3:02) — (3:02) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right to 81-A.Brown for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-26-I.Oliver, Defensive Holding, declined. [WPA +1.0% · EPA +4.40]

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) · 46 dropbacks · 63.0% completion · +3.6% CPOE · +0.24 EPA/play · +10.83 total EPA
T.Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 45 dropbacks · 57.8% completion · +8.4% CPOE · +0.54 EPA/play · +24.28 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

Stat	Atlanta Falcons	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offensive EPA/play	+0.083	+0.307
Offensive success rate	45.5%	59.8%
Pass EPA/play	+0.235	+0.540
Rush EPA/play	-0.146	+0.157
Defensive EPA/play	-0.307	-0.083
Defensive success rate	40.2%	54.5%

By the numbers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.31 vs +0.08), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Atlanta Falcons: 9 drives, +7.31 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 drives, +25.20 total EPA, 8 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.
T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) 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.
T. Brady (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.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 56:12 · ATL 29 · Score 0-6
(11:12) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 14-C.Godwin for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 56:06 · ATL 15 · Score 0-7
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 48:36 · TB 3 · Score 3-7
(3:36) 7-Y.Koo 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 45:11 · ATL 11 · Score 3-10
(:11) 3-R.Succop 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 42:38 · ATL 25 · Score 3-16
(12:38) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 81-A.Brown for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 42:30 · ATL 15 · Score 3-17
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 38:49 · ATL 20 · Score 3-20
(8:49) 3-R.Succop 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 32:00 · TB 1 · Score 9-20
(2:00) 73-M.Gono reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 31:56 · TB 15 · Score 10-20
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 30:05 · ATL 7 · Score 10-23
(:05) 3-R.Succop 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 23:56 · TB 19 · Score 16-23
(8:56) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 83-R.Gage for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 23:49 · TB 15 · Score 17-23
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 15:34 · TB 3 · Score 20-23
(:34) 7-Y.Koo 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 11:17 · ATL 3 · Score 20-29
(11:17) 27-R.Jones up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 11:13 · ATL 15 · Score 20-30
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 8:23 · TB 1 · Score 26-30
(8:23) 73-M.Gono reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 81-H.Hurst for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 8:19 · TB 15 · Score 27-30
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 3:58 · ATL 4 · Score 27-36
(3:58) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 14-C.Godwin for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 3:54 · ATL 15 · Score 27-37
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 3:02 · ATL 30 · Score 27-43
(3:02) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right to 81-A.Brown for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-26-I.Oliver, Defensive Holding, declined.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 2:52 · ATL 15 · Score 27-44
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons 44-27 in Week 17, 2020 on 2021-01-03.

What was the final score of Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The final score was Atlanta Falcons 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 44 (ATL 27-44 TB) in Week 17, 2020 on 2021-01-03.

What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Q1: Atlanta Falcons 3, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 10, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21; Final: Atlanta Falcons 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 44.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Godwin (T. Brady pass) (Q1 56:12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q2 42:38) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Ryan (Q2 32:00) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — R. Gage (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 23:56) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — R. Jones (Q4 11:17) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — H. Hurst (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 8:23) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Godwin (T. Brady pass) (Q4 3:58) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q4 3:02) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q1 48:36, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q1 45:11, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q2 38:49, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q2 30:05, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q3 15:34, 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?

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 63.0% completion, +3.6% CPOE, +0.24 EPA per dropback, +10.83 total passing EPA. T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 57.8% completion, +8.4% CPOE, +0.54 EPA per dropback, +24.28 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +24.28 on passing plays. across 45 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.46 EPA): (11:13) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 37, RECOVERED by TB-31-A.Winfield at ATL 39. 31-A.Winfield for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was not down b. The biggest win-probability swing was +14.0%.

Season records after this game

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 4-11 Now 4-12 L

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Entered 10-5 Now 11-5 W

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2020 Week 17 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

Top fantasy performers · Buccaneers

Game story

Line score

Stars of the game

Player of the game