Game story
In Week 16 of the 2015 NFL season on 2015-12-27, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Carolina Panthers, pulling away with a 20–13 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 10 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) paced the passing game, with -11.01 total EPA, and -10.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +20.22 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+33.6% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (2:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN [31-C.Tillman].
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 7 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 0 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +20.22 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
- 2 J. Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +13.76 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.25 EPA/play
- 3 R. White · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.19 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
- 4 C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +2.53 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 5 J. Tamme · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.33 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 6 D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.27 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 7 C. Artis-Payne · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +2.02 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 8 F. Whittaker · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +1.89 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Ryan — ATL · Passing
M. Ryan posted the highest total EPA (+20.22) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Atlanta Falcons's efficiency. Across 33 counted snaps, they averaged +0.61 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.70 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (2:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN [31-C.Tillman].
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Carolina Panthers — C. Newton
- Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Jones (M. Ryan pass)
Field goals
- Carolina Panthers — G. Gano
- Carolina Panthers — G. Gano
- Atlanta Falcons — S. Graham
- Atlanta Falcons — S. Graham
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 7–0. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ATL 8 (Q1 54:23) — (9:23) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton left guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 54:18) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 4 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 24-D.Freeman left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 44:55) — 6-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the ATL 15 (Q3 20:29) — (5:29) 9-G.Gano 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 70 (Q3 17:25) — (2:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN [31-C.Tillman].; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q3 17:12) — 6-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 6–3. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the ATL 29 (Q4 8:04) — (8:04) 9-G.Gano 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CAR 19 (Q4 2:28) — (2:28) 6-S.Graham 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CAR 36 (Q4 1:35) — (1:35) 6-S.Graham 54 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 (Q3 17:25) — (2:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN [31-C.Tillman].
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 9:36) — (9:36) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at CAR 42, RECOVERED by CAR-24-J.Norman at ATL 48. 24-J.Norman to ATL 36 for 12 yards (67-A.Levitre).
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 1:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass incomplete short left to 88-G.Olsen.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 39:36) — (9:36) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 11-J.Jones to ATL 47 for 17 yards (59-L.Kuechly). PENALTY on CAR-59-L.Kuechly, Horse Collar Tackle, 15 yards, enforced at ATL 47.
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 32:40) — (2:40) 1-C.Newton sacked at ATL 37 for -16 yards (sack split by 95-J.Babineaux and 71-K.Biermann).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 17:25) — (2:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN [31-C.Tillman].
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 9:36) — (9:36) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at CAR 42, RECOVERED by CAR-24-J.Norman at ATL 48. 24-J.Norman to ATL 36 for 12 yards (67-A.Levitre).
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 1:08) — (1:08) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 29 for -10 yards (44-V.Beasley). FUMBLES (44-V.Beasley), RECOVERED by ATL-99-A.Clayborn at CAR 26. 99-A.Clayborn to CAR 26 for no gain (1-C.Newton)
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 39:36) — (9:36) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 11-J.Jones to ATL 47 for 17 yards (59-L.Kuechly). PENALTY on CAR-59-L.Kuechly, Horse Collar Tackle, 15 yards, enforced at ATL 47.
Quarterback report card
C.Newton led all passers in efficiency for Carolina Panthers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 34 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -10.2% CPOE · -0.32 EPA/play · -11.01 total EPA
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 33 dropbacks · 69.7% completion · +8.9% CPOE · +0.61 EPA/play · +20.22 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.042 | +0.033 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.5% | 40.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.324 | +0.613 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.453 | -0.449 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.033 | +0.042 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.2% | 51.5% |
By the numbers
Atlanta Falcons held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.03 vs -0.04), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Atlanta Falcons: 9 drives, +2.51 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Carolina Panthers: 8 drives, -2.76 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.
- M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Newton (CAR) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- M. Ryan (ATL) 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.
- Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 54:23 · ATL 8 · Score 6-0
(9:23) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton left guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 54:18 · ATL 15 · Score 7-0
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 45:00 · CAR 4 · Score 7-6
(15:00) 24-D.Freeman left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 44:55 · CAR 15 · Score 7-7
6-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q3 20:29 · ATL 15 · Score 10-7
(5:29) 9-G.Gano 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 17:25 · CAR 70 · Score 10-13
(2:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN [31-C.Tillman]. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 17:12 · CAR 15 · Score 10-14
6-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q4 8:04 · ATL 29 · Score 13-14
(8:04) 9-G.Gano 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 2:28 · CAR 19 · Score 13-17
(2:28) 6-S.Graham 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 1:35 · CAR 36 · Score 13-20
(1:35) 6-S.Graham 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers 20-13 in Week 16, 2015 on 2015-12-27.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 13, Atlanta Falcons 20 (CAR 13-20 ATL) in Week 16, 2015 on 2015-12-27.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 7, Atlanta Falcons 0; Q2: Carolina Panthers 0, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q3: Carolina Panthers 3, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: Carolina Panthers 3, Atlanta Falcons 6; Final: Carolina Panthers 13, Atlanta Falcons 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Carolina Panthers touchdown — C. Newton (Q1 54:23) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Freeman (Q2 45:00) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Jones (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 17:25) Carolina Panthers field goal — G. Gano (Q3 20:29, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — G. Gano (Q4 8:04, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — S. Graham (Q4 2:28, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — S. Graham (Q4 1:35, 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?
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 50.0% completion, -10.2% CPOE, -0.32 EPA per dropback, -11.01 total passing EPA. M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 69.7% completion, +8.9% CPOE, +0.61 EPA per dropback, +20.22 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) led the game in total EPA with +20.22 on passing plays. across 33 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.70 EPA): (2:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 11-J.Jones for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN [31-C.Tillman].. The biggest win-probability swing was +33.6%.
Was Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Atlanta Falcons won 20-13 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 14-0 Now 14-1 L
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 7-7 Now 8-7 W
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