Quick answer
- Winner
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Final score
- Cincinnati Bengals 37–36 Atlanta Falcons
- Halftime
- Cincinnati Bengals 28–24 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Matt Ryan
- Top passer
- Andy Dalton
- Biggest EPA play
- (1:53) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 81-T.Kroft INTERCEPTED by 27-D…
- Game date
- 2018-09-30
Game summary
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Atlanta Falcons 37–36 on 2018-09-30. Matt Ryan posted a game-high +17.98 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 31 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 14 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 37 | |
| 7 | 17 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 36 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +17.98 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.41 EPA/play - 2

Andy Dalton · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +15.27 total EPA · 52 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play - 3

Tyler Boyd · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +9.03 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play - 4

Justin Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +7.58 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play - 5
M. Sanu · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +6.72 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.67 EPA/play - 6

Art Green · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +6.24 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play - 7

Josh Ross · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.61 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.30 EPA/play - 8
T. Eifert · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.45 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Matt Ryan — ATL · Passing
Matt Ryan posted the highest total EPA (+17.98) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 44 counted snaps, they averaged +0.41 EPA per play.
Matt Ryan's top snap (+2.97 EPA): (7:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 81-A.Hooper to CIN 27 for 19 yards (30-J.Bates).
Biggest single play (-6.31 EPA): Andy Dalton — (1:53) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 81-T.Kroft INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Kazee at ATL 23. 27-D.Kazee ran ob at ATL 46 for 23 yards (12-A.Erickson). Penalty on ATL-27-D.Kazee, Face Ma
Quarterback report card
Andy Dalton led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals) · 52 dropbacks · 55.8% completion · +1.5% CPOE · +0.29 EPA/play · +15.27 total EPA
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 44 dropbacks · 65.9% completion · +12.5% CPOE · +0.41 EPA/play · +17.98 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.182 | +0.162 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.7% | 47.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.294 | +0.409 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.080 | -0.131 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.162 | -0.182 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.8% | 48.3% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Cincinnati Bengals +0.18, Atlanta Falcons +0.16) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Cincinnati Bengals: +0.18 EPA/play (90th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.16 EPA/play (87th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, +14.46 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
- Cincinnati Bengals: 9 drives, +16.22 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns

Atlanta Falcons — Irv Smith Jr.
Cincinnati Bengals — T. Eifert (Andy Dalton pass)
Cincinnati Bengals — Germie Bernard
Atlanta Falcons — L. Paulsen (Matt Ryan pass) 
Cincinnati Bengals — Josh Ross (Andy Dalton pass) 
Atlanta Falcons — Calvin Ridley (Matt Ryan pass)
Cincinnati Bengals — Germie Bernard 
Atlanta Falcons — Calvin Ridley (Matt Ryan pass) 
Cincinnati Bengals — Art Green (Andy Dalton pass)
Field goals

Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant 
Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
Cincinnati Bengals — Randy Bullock 
Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 14–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CIN 7 (Q1 10:33) — (10:33) 25-I.Smith left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q1 10:27) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the ATL 15 (Q1 7:30) — (7:30) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short left to 85-T.Eifert for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 7:23) — 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the ATL 10 (Q1 0:19) — (:19) 25-G.Bernard left end for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 0:12) — 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 17–14. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CIN 17 (Q2 11:09) — (11:09) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 82-L.Paulsen for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q2 11:03) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the ATL 39 (Q2 8:18) — (8:18) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 15-J.Ross for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 8:11) — 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CIN 11 (Q2 3:00) — (3:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 18-C.Ridley for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q2 2:55) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q2 0:48) — (:48) 94-S.Hubbard and 74-J.Fisher reported in as eligible. 25-G.Bernard left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 0:44) — 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CIN 37 (Q2 0:02) — (:02) 3-M.Bryant 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CIN 10 (Q3 11:25) — (11:25) 3-M.Bryant 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 9–9. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CIN 30 (Q4 14:31) — (14:31) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the ATL 18 (Q4 8:23) — (8:23) 4-R.Bullock 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CIN 14 (Q4 4:18); Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the ATL 13 (Q4 0:12) — (:12) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right to 18-A.Green for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 0:02) — (:02) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 11-J.Jones to CIN 11 for 49 yards (42-C.Fejedelem).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:12) — (:12) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right to 18-A.Green for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 1:21) — (1:21) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle to 83-T.Boyd to ATL 24 for 11 yards (21-D.Trufant).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 1:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 81-T.Kroft INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Kazee at ATL 23. 27-D.Kazee ran ob at ATL 46 for 23 yards (12-A.Erickson). Penalty on ATL-27-D.Kazee, Face Ma
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 8:29) — (8:29) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton sacked at ATL 19 for -10 yards (98-T.McKinley). FUMBLES (98-T.McKinley) [98-T.McKinley], RECOVERED by ATL-44-V.Beasley at ATL 18. 44-V.Beasley to ATL 18 for no gain (14-A.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 1:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 81-T.Kroft INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Kazee at ATL 23. 27-D.Kazee ran ob at ATL 46 for 23 yards (12-A.Erickson). Penalty on ATL-27-D.Kazee, Face Ma
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 8:44) — (8:44) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 18-A.Green pushed ob at ATL 26 for 38 yards (23-R.Alford).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 8:18) — (8:18) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 15-J.Ross for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:12) — (:12) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right to 18-A.Green for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 10:33 · CIN 7 · Score 0-6
(10:33) 25-I.Smith left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 10:27 · CIN 15 · Score 0-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 7:30 · ATL 15 · Score 6-7
(7:30) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short left to 85-T.Eifert for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 7:23 · ATL 15 · Score 7-7
4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 0:19 · ATL 10 · Score 13-7
(:19) 25-G.Bernard left end for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 0:12 · ATL 15 · Score 14-7
4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 11:09 · CIN 17 · Score 14-13
(11:09) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 82-L.Paulsen for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 11:03 · CIN 15 · Score 14-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 8:18 · ATL 39 · Score 20-14
(8:18) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 15-J.Ross for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 8:11 · ATL 15 · Score 21-14
4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 3:00 · CIN 11 · Score 21-20
(3:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 18-C.Ridley for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 2:55 · CIN 15 · Score 21-21
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 0:48 · ATL 1 · Score 27-21
(:48) 94-S.Hubbard and 74-J.Fisher reported in as eligible. 25-G.Bernard left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 0:44 · ATL 15 · Score 28-21
4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 0:02 · CIN 37 · Score 28-24
(:02) 3-M.Bryant 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 11:25 · CIN 10 · Score 28-27
(11:25) 3-M.Bryant 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 14:31 · CIN 30 · Score 28-33
(14:31) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 8:23 · ATL 18 · Score 31-33
(8:23) 4-R.Bullock 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 4:18 · CIN 14 · Score 31-36
(4:18) 3-M.Bryant 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. Penalty on CIN-29-T.McRae, Defensive Offside, declined.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 0:12 · ATL 13 · Score 37-36
(:12) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right to 18-A.Green for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Cincinnati Bengals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Matt Ryan (ATL) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons on 2018-09-30?
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Atlanta Falcons 37-36 in Week 4, 2018.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 14, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 14, Atlanta Falcons 17; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 9, Atlanta Falcons 9; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 37, Atlanta Falcons 36.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — I. Smith (Q1 10:33) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Eifert (A. Dalton pass) (Q1 7:30) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — G. Bernard (Q1 0:19) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — L. Paulsen (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 11:09) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Ross (A. Dalton pass) (Q2 8:18) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 3:00) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — G. Bernard (Q2 0:48) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 14:31) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — A. Green (A. Dalton pass) (Q4 0:12) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 0:02, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q3 11:25, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q4 8:23, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q4 4:18, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons?
Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals), 55.8% completion, +1.5% CPOE, +0.29 EPA per dropback, +15.27 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 65.9% completion, +12.5% CPOE, +0.41 EPA per dropback, +17.98 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons?
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +17.98 total EPA on Passing plays. across 44 snaps. Their top snap (+2.97 EPA): (7:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 81-A.Hooper to CIN 27 for 19 yards (30-J.Bates)..
Was Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Cincinnati Bengals won 37-36 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 2-1 Now 3-1 W
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 1-2 Now 1-3 L