Game story
In Week 1 of the 1999 NFL season on 1999-09-12, the Indianapolis Colts took care of business against the Buffalo Bills, pulling away with a 31–14 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 15 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Flutie (Buffalo Bills) paced the passing game, with -12.47 total EPA.
On the individual side, P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +14.43 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+43.9% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Buffalo Bills changed the game: M.Vanderjagt kicks 60 yards from IND 30 to BUF 10. K.Williams to BUF 32 for 22 yards (K.Elias).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 31 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 P. Manning · Indianapolis Colts · Passing · +14.43 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 2 M. Harrison · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +10.18 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play
- 3 E. Green · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +7.30 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.91 EPA/play
- 4 E. Moulds · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +6.37 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 5 P. Price · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.30 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.10 EPA/play
- 6 P. Manning · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +3.08 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
- 7 K. Dilger · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +2.46 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.23 EPA/play
- 8 J. Linton · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +1.44 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
P. Manning — IND · Passing
P. Manning posted the highest total EPA (+14.43) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Indianapolis Colts's efficiency. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.42 EPA per play.
The signature play (-9.86 EPA) came from Buffalo Bills: (3:35) (Shotgun) D.Flutie pass intended for J.Riemersma INTERCEPTED by T.Blevins at IND 26. T.Blevins for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by BUF and Upheld. (Timeout #3 at 03:20.)
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
- Buffalo Bills — unlisted player
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
Field goals
- Buffalo Bills — unlisted player
- Buffalo Bills — unlisted player
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the BUF 1 (Q1 50:48) — (5:48) E.James up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the BUF 2 (Q1 48:35) — M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh..
The second quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–6. Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the IND 18 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) S.Christie 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Albright, Holder-C.Mohr.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the BUF 5 (Q2 36:53) — (6:53) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the BUF 2 (Q2 33:15) — M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the IND 11 (Q2 30:21) — (:21) S.Christie 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Albright, Holder-C.Mohr..
The third quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 8–7. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the BUF 24 (Q3 23:49) — (8:49) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the BUF 2 (Q3 22:23) — M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the IND 6 (Q3 22:23) — (7:23) D.Flutie pass to A.Reed for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills registered a safety from the IND 2 (Q3 17:21) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. J.Linton rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 10–0. Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the BUF 18 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) M.Vanderjagt 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the IND 31 (Q4 3:35); Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the BUF 2 (Q4 3:20) — M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Buffalo Bills (Q1 60:00) — M.Vanderjagt kicks 60 yards from IND 30 to BUF 10. K.Williams to BUF 32 for 22 yards (K.Elias).
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 39:49) — (9:49) D.Flutie pass intended for J.Riemersma INTERCEPTED by J.Burris at IND 7. J.Burris to IND 35 for 28 yards (K.Williams).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 50:48) — (5:48) P.Manning pass to E.Green to BUF 1 for 50 yards (T.Smith).
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 3:35) — (3:35) (Shotgun) D.Flutie pass intended for J.Riemersma INTERCEPTED by T.Blevins at IND 26. T.Blevins for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by BUF and Upheld. (Timeout #3 at 03:20.)
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 30:00) — (15:00) M.Vanderjagt 45 yard field goal is BLOCKED (P.Hansen), Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh, RECOVERED by BUF-T.Smith at IND 45. T.Smith to IND 44 for 1 yard (J.Johnson).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 3:35) — (3:35) (Shotgun) D.Flutie pass intended for J.Riemersma INTERCEPTED by T.Blevins at IND 26. T.Blevins for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by BUF and Upheld. (Timeout #3 at 03:20.)
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 39:49) — (9:49) D.Flutie pass intended for J.Riemersma INTERCEPTED by J.Burris at IND 7. J.Burris to IND 35 for 28 yards (K.Williams).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 11:29) — (11:29) E.James left end to BUF 38 for 2 yards (P.Hansen). FUMBLES (P.Hansen), RECOVERED by BUF-T.Smith at BUF 37. T.Smith to BUF 37 for no gain (S.McKinney).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 30:00) — (15:00) M.Vanderjagt 45 yard field goal is BLOCKED (P.Hansen), Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh, RECOVERED by BUF-T.Smith at IND 45. T.Smith to IND 44 for 1 yard (J.Johnson).
Quarterback report card
D.Flutie led all passers in efficiency for Buffalo Bills, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Flutie (Buffalo Bills) · 52 dropbacks · 42.3% completion · -0.24 EPA/play · -12.47 total EPA
- P.Manning (Indianapolis Colts) · 34 dropbacks · 61.8% completion · +0.42 EPA/play · +14.43 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Buffalo Bills | Indianapolis Colts |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.151 | +0.027 |
| Offensive success rate | 39.6% | 37.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.210 | +0.424 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.209 | -0.286 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.027 | +0.151 |
| Defensive success rate | 62.1% | 60.4% |
By the numbers
Indianapolis Colts held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.03 vs -0.15), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Buffalo Bills: 12 drives, -13.79 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Indianapolis Colts: 13 drives, +2.37 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Indianapolis Colts leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) 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.
- Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q1 50:48 · BUF 1 · Score 0-6
(5:48) E.James up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q1 48:35 · BUF 2 · Score 0-7
M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 45:00 · IND 18 · Score 3-7
(15:00) S.Christie 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Albright, Holder-C.Mohr. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 36:53 · BUF 5 · Score 3-13
(6:53) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 33:15 · BUF 2 · Score 3-14
M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 30:21 · IND 11 · Score 6-14
(:21) S.Christie 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Albright, Holder-C.Mohr. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 23:49 · BUF 24 · Score 6-20
(8:49) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 22:23 · BUF 2 · Score 6-21
M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q3 22:23 · IND 6 · Score 12-21
(7:23) D.Flutie pass to A.Reed for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills Safety (+2) — Q3 17:21 · IND 2 · Score 14-21
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. J.Linton rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 15:00 · BUF 18 · Score 14-24
(15:00) M.Vanderjagt 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 3:35 · IND 31 · Score 14-30
(3:35) (Shotgun) D.Flutie pass intended for J.Riemersma INTERCEPTED by T.Blevins at IND 26. T.Blevins for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by BUF and Upheld - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 3:20 · BUF 2 · Score 14-31
M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts beat the Buffalo Bills 31-14 in Week 1, 1999 on 1999-09-12.
What was the final score of Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts?
The final score was Buffalo Bills 14, Indianapolis Colts 31 (BUF 14-31 IND) in Week 1, 1999 on 1999-09-12.
What was the score by quarter in Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts?
Q1: Buffalo Bills 0, Indianapolis Colts 7; Q2: Buffalo Bills 6, Indianapolis Colts 7; Q3: Buffalo Bills 8, Indianapolis Colts 7; Q4: Buffalo Bills 0, Indianapolis Colts 10; Final: Buffalo Bills 14, Indianapolis Colts 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts?
Indianapolis Colts touchdown — unlisted player (Q1 50:48) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 36:53) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — unlisted player (Q3 23:49) Buffalo Bills touchdown — unlisted player (Q3 22:23) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 3:35) Buffalo Bills field goal — unlisted player (Q2 45:00, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — unlisted player (Q2 30:21, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — unlisted player (Q4 15:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts?
D. Flutie (Buffalo Bills), 42.3% completion, -0.24 EPA per dropback, -12.47 total passing EPA. P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts), 61.8% completion, +0.42 EPA per dropback, +14.43 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts?
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) led the game in total EPA with +14.43 on passing plays. across 34 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-9.86 EPA): (3:35) (Shotgun) D.Flutie pass intended for J.Riemersma INTERCEPTED by T.Blevins at IND 26. T.Blevins for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by BUF and Upheld. (Timeout #3 at 03:. The biggest win-probability swing was +43.9%.
Season records after this game
Buffalo Bills
Now 0-1 L
Indianapolis Colts
Now 1-0 W
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