Game story
In Week 17 of the 2013 NFL season on 2013-12-29, the Carolina Panthers took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 21–20 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.
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with -3.81 total EPA, and +3.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.28 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-21.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (:31) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan Aborted. 61-J.Hawley FUMBLES at ATL 27, recovered by ATL-44-J.Snelling at ATL 27. 44-J.Snelling to ATL 27 for no gain (23-M.White).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 0 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Gonzalez · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.28 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.07 EPA/play
- 2 G. Olsen · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.37 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 3 R. White · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.13 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 4 J. Snelling · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.11 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.55 EPA/play
- 5 C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +2.37 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 6 S. Jackson · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.05 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 7 De. Williams · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.18 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
- 8 J. Snelling · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +1.08 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Gonzalez — ATL · Receiving
T. Gonzalez posted the highest total EPA (+4.28) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Atlanta Falcons's efficiency. Across 4 counted snaps, they averaged +1.07 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.89 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (8:02) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 83-H.Douglas INTERCEPTED by 23-M.White at ATL 8. 23-M.White for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Snelling (M. Ryan pass)
- Carolina Panthers — M. White
- Carolina Panthers — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — R. White (M. Ryan pass)
- Carolina Panthers — G. Olsen (C. Newton pass)
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Bryant
- 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: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 9 (Q1 53:49) — (8:49) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 44-J.Snelling for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q1 53:43) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The second quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 14–3. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CAR 24 (Q2 40:05) — (10:05) 3-M.Bryant 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the CAR 98 (Q2 38:02) — (8:02) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 83-H.Douglas INTERCEPTED by 23-M.White at ATL 8. 23-M.White for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 37:57) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ATL 3 (Q2 30:24) — (:24) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 19-T.Ginn for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 30:19) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 39 (Q3 24:58) — (9:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-R.White for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN [76-G.Hardy].; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q3 24:50) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ATL 7 (Q3 19:30) — (4:30) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 88-G.Olsen for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 19:20) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CAR 19 (Q4 7:14) — (7:14) 3-M.Bryant 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 0:31) — (:31) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan Aborted. 61-J.Hawley FUMBLES at ATL 27, recovered by ATL-44-J.Snelling at ATL 27. 44-J.Snelling to ATL 27 for no gain (23-M.White).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 0:05) — (:05) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass incomplete deep left to 84-R.White.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 24:58) — (9:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-R.White for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN [76-G.Hardy].
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) 5-M.Bosher punts 55 yards to CAR 33, Center-47-J.Harris. 19-T.Ginn to CAR 48 for 15 yards (52-A.Dent).
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 1:28) — (1:28) 8-B.Nortman punts 37 yards to ATL 12, Center-44-J.Jansen, fair catch by 27-R.McClain.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 38:02) — (8:02) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 83-H.Douglas INTERCEPTED by 23-M.White at ATL 8. 23-M.White for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 24:58) — (9:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-R.White for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN [76-G.Hardy].
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 43:17) — (13:17) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep left intended for 87-D.Hixon INTERCEPTED by 25-W.Moore at ATL 42. 25-W.Moore to ATL 45 for 3 yards (87-D.Hixon). The Replay Assistant challenged the incomplete p
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 53:49) — (8:49) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 44-J.Snelling for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
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) · 51 dropbacks · 54.9% completion · +3.6% CPOE · -0.07 EPA/play · -3.81 total EPA
- C.Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 35 dropbacks · 42.9% completion · -5.7% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +2.37 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.022 | -0.040 |
| Offensive success rate | 39.7% | 42.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.068 | -0.075 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.154 | -0.053 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.040 | +0.022 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.0% | 60.3% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Carolina Panthers -0.02, Atlanta Falcons -0.04) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Atlanta Falcons: 12 drives, -3.51 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, -1.58 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Carolina Panthers 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.
- T. Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons) 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.
- C. Newton (CAR) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 53:49 · CAR 9 · Score 0-6
(8:49) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 44-J.Snelling for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 53:43 · CAR 2 · Score 0-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 40:05 · CAR 24 · Score 0-10
(10:05) 3-M.Bryant 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 38:02 · CAR 98 · Score 6-10
(8:02) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 83-H.Douglas INTERCEPTED by 23-M.White at ATL 8. 23-M.White for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 37:57 · ATL 2 · Score 7-10
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 30:24 · ATL 3 · Score 13-10
(:24) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 19-T.Ginn for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 30:19 · ATL 2 · Score 14-10
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 24:58 · CAR 39 · Score 14-16
(9:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-R.White for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN [76-G.Hardy]. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 24:50 · CAR 2 · Score 14-17
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 19:30 · ATL 7 · Score 20-17
(4:30) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 88-G.Olsen for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 19:20 · ATL 2 · Score 21-17
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 7:14 · CAR 19 · Score 21-20
(7:14) 3-M.Bryant 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Carolina Panthers beat the Atlanta Falcons 21-20 in Week 17, 2013 on 2013-12-29.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 21, Atlanta Falcons 20 (CAR 21-20 ATL) in Week 17, 2013 on 2013-12-29.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 0, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q2: Carolina Panthers 14, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q3: Carolina Panthers 7, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: Carolina Panthers 0, Atlanta Falcons 3; Final: Carolina Panthers 21, Atlanta Falcons 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Snelling (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 53:49) Carolina Panthers touchdown — M. White (Q2 38:02) Carolina Panthers touchdown — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass) (Q2 30:24) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — R. White (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 24:58) Carolina Panthers touchdown — G. Olsen (C. Newton pass) (Q3 19:30) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 40:05, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q4 7:14, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 54.9% completion, +3.6% CPOE, -0.07 EPA per dropback, -3.81 total passing EPA. C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 42.9% completion, -5.7% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +2.37 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
T. Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons) led the game in total EPA with +4.28 on receiving plays. across 4 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.89 EPA): (8:02) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 83-H.Douglas INTERCEPTED by 23-M.White at ATL 8. 23-M.White for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -21.6%.
Was Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Carolina Panthers won 21-20 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 11-4 Now 12-4 W
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 4-11 Now 4-12 L
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