Game story
In Week 15 of the 2017 NFL season on 2017-12-17, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 34–7 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Keenum (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with +8.92 total EPA, and +16.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Keenum (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.92 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-12.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Cincinnati Bengals changed the game: (6:05) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 12-A.Erickson INTERCEPTED by 54-E.Kendricks at CIN 31. 54-E.Kendricks for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 17 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 34 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Keenum · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +8.92 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
- 2 L. Murray · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.83 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.83 EPA/play
- 3 A. McCarron · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +1.93 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
- 4 C. Uzomah · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.74 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
- 5 S. Diggs · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +0.99 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 6 A. Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +0.80 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 7 S. Diggs · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +0.66 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
- 8 K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +0.52 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Keenum — MIN · Passing
C. Keenum posted the highest total EPA (+8.92) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 29 counted snaps, they averaged +0.31 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.46 EPA) came from Cincinnati Bengals: (6:05) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 12-A.Erickson INTERCEPTED by 54-E.Kendricks at CIN 31. 54-E.Kendricks for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — L. Murray
- Minnesota Vikings — E. Kendricks
- Minnesota Vikings — S. Diggs (C. Keenum pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (C. Keenum pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — G. Bernard
Field goals
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Forbath
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Forbath
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 17–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q1 55:35) — (10:35) (Run formation) 75-J.Sirles reported in as eligible. 25-L.Murray up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q1 55:31) — (Kick formation) 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 77 (Q1 51:05); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q1 50:54) — (Kick formation) 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CIN 35 (Q1 46:35) — (1:35) (Field Goal formation) 2-K.Forbath 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 20 (Q2 36:47) — (6:47) (Shotgun) 7-C.Keenum pass deep right to 14-S.Diggs for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q2 36:41) — (Kick formation) 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 3–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CIN 17 (Q3 21:37) — (6:37) 2-K.Forbath 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q4 12:59) — (12:59) 7-C.Keenum pass short left to 82-K.Rudolph for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q4 12:53) — (Kick formation) 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIN 2 (Q4 6:26) — (6:26) (Run formation) 66-T.Hopkins reported in as eligible. 25-G.Bernard right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 6:22) — (Kick formation) 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 51:05) — (6:05) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 12-A.Erickson INTERCEPTED by 54-E.Kendricks at CIN 31. 54-E.Kendricks for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 58:32) — (13:32) (No Huddle) 7-C.Keenum scrambles left end to CIN 33 for 20 yards (56-H.Nickerson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 59:28) — (14:28) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-C.Keenum pass short left to 25-L.Murray pushed ob at MIN 44 for 28 yards (22-W.Jackson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 56:47) — (11:47) (Shotgun) 7-C.Keenum pass short right to 19-A.Thielen pushed ob at CIN 5 for 21 yards (57-V.Rey).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 48:46) — (3:46) 25-G.Bernard right guard to CIN 38 for no gain (42-B.Gedeon; 54-E.Kendricks).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 51:05) — (6:05) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 12-A.Erickson INTERCEPTED by 54-E.Kendricks at CIN 31. 54-E.Kendricks for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 9:31) — (9:31) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle intended for 21-J.McKinnon INTERCEPTED by 36-S.Williams at MIN 30. 36-S.Williams pushed ob at MIN 23 for 7 yards (89-D.Morgan).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 21:34) — (6:34) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 11-B.LaFell INTERCEPTED by 23-T.Newman at CIN 28. 23-T.Newman to CIN 25 for 3 yards (71-A.Smith).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 18:07) — (3:07) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 11-B.LaFell to MIN 45 for 45 yards (23-T.Newman).
Quarterback report card
C.Keenum led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Keenum (Minnesota Vikings) · 29 dropbacks · 69.0% completion · +16.3% CPOE · +0.31 EPA/play · +8.92 total EPA
- A.Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals) · 25 dropbacks · 44.0% completion · -19.0% CPOE · -0.85 EPA/play · -21.27 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Cincinnati Bengals | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.458 | -0.021 |
| Offensive success rate | 26.8% | 36.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.604 | +0.051 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.473 | -0.081 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.021 | +0.458 |
| Defensive success rate | 63.4% | 73.2% |
By the numbers
Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.02 vs -0.46), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 13 drives, -32.53 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 14 drives, -1.70 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Minnesota Vikings leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- C. Keenum (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Keenum (MIN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- A. Dalton (CIN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 55:35 · CIN 1 · Score 0-6
(10:35) (Run formation) 75-J.Sirles reported in as eligible. 25-L.Murray up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 55:31 · CIN 15 · Score 0-7
(Kick formation) 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 51:05 · MIN 77 · Score 0-13
(6:05) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 12-A.Erickson INTERCEPTED by 54-E.Kendricks at CIN 31. 54-E.Kendricks for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 50:54 · CIN 15 · Score 0-14
(Kick formation) 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q1 46:35 · CIN 35 · Score 0-17
(1:35) (Field Goal formation) 2-K.Forbath 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 36:47 · CIN 20 · Score 0-23
(6:47) (Shotgun) 7-C.Keenum pass deep right to 14-S.Diggs for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 36:41 · CIN 15 · Score 0-24
(Kick formation) 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 21:37 · CIN 17 · Score 0-27
(6:37) 2-K.Forbath 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 12:59 · CIN 1 · Score 0-33
(12:59) 7-C.Keenum pass short left to 82-K.Rudolph for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 12:53 · CIN 15 · Score 0-34
(Kick formation) 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-4-R.Quigley. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 6:26 · MIN 2 · Score 6-34
(6:26) (Run formation) 66-T.Hopkins reported in as eligible. 25-G.Bernard right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 6:22 · MIN 15 · Score 7-34
(Kick formation) 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Cincinnati Bengals 34-7 in Week 15, 2017 on 2017-12-17.
What was the final score of Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Cincinnati Bengals 7, Minnesota Vikings 34 (CIN 7-34 MIN) in Week 15, 2017 on 2017-12-17.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Minnesota Vikings 17; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Minnesota Vikings 3; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Minnesota Vikings 34.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — L. Murray (Q1 55:35) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — E. Kendricks (Q1 51:05) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — S. Diggs (C. Keenum pass) (Q2 36:47) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (C. Keenum pass) (Q4 12:59) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — G. Bernard (Q4 6:26) Minnesota Vikings field goal — K. Forbath (Q1 46:35, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — K. Forbath (Q3 21:37, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings?
C. Keenum (Minnesota Vikings), 69.0% completion, +16.3% CPOE, +0.31 EPA per dropback, +8.92 total passing EPA. A. Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals), 44.0% completion, -19.0% CPOE, -0.85 EPA per dropback, -21.27 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Cincinnati Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings?
C. Keenum (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +8.92 on passing plays. across 29 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.46 EPA): (6:05) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 12-A.Erickson INTERCEPTED by 54-E.Kendricks at CIN 31. 54-E.Kendricks for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -12.2%.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 5-8 Now 5-9 L
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 10-3 Now 11-3 W
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