Game story
In Week 8 of the 2014 NFL season on 2014-10-26, the Detroit Lions took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 22–21 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with +10.50 total EPA, and -13.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.50 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+52.2% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Detroit Lions changed the game: (:04) 5-M.Prater 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 0 | 0 | 10 | 12 | 0 | 22 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Stafford · Detroit Lions · Passing · +10.50 total EPA · 49 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 2 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +8.29 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play
- 3 R. White · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +7.67 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.28 EPA/play
- 4 G. Tate · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +4.71 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 5 H. Douglas · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.85 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
- 6 J. Ross · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.51 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.17 EPA/play
- 7 J. Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.39 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 8 D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.07 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.07 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Stafford — DET · Passing
M. Stafford posted the highest total EPA (+10.50) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Detroit Lions's efficiency. Across 49 counted snaps, they averaged +0.21 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.53 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (:22) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right INTERCEPTED by 29-C.Vaughn at DET 48. 29-C.Vaughn to ATL 7 for 45 yards (11-J.Jones).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman (M. Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — B. Pascoe (M. Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — S. Jackson
- Detroit Lions — G. Tate (M. Stafford pass)
- Detroit Lions — T. Riddick (M. Stafford pass)
Field goals
- Detroit Lions — M. Prater
- Detroit Lions — M. Prater
- Detroit Lions — M. Prater
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 14–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 7 (Q1 54:31) — (9:31) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 24-D.Freeman for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 54:25) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q1 47:58); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 47:53) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q2 33:48) — (3:48) 39-S.Jackson left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 33:45) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The third quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 10–0. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ATL 4 (Q3 22:59) — (7:59) 5-M.Prater 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the ATL 59 (Q3 19:48); Detroit Lions added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 19:38) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..
The fourth quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 12–0. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ATL 2 (Q4 14:14) — (14:14) 5-M.Prater 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the ATL 5 (Q4 4:01) — (4:01) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 25-T.Riddick for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ATL 30 (Q4 0:04) — (:04) 5-M.Prater 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 0:04) — (:04) 5-M.Prater 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 1:07) — (1:07) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 25-T.Riddick to ATL 41 for 20 yards (36-K.Ishmael).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 15:22) — (:22) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right INTERCEPTED by 29-C.Vaughn at DET 48. 29-C.Vaughn to ATL 7 for 45 yards (11-J.Jones).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 1:46) — (1:46) 5-M.Bosher punts 33 yards to DET 7, Center-47-J.Harris, fair catch by 12-J.Ross.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 3:03) — (3:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 83-H.Douglas to ATL 38 for 13 yards (27-G.Quin).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 15:22) — (:22) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right INTERCEPTED by 29-C.Vaughn at DET 48. 29-C.Vaughn to ATL 7 for 45 yards (11-J.Jones).
- Detroit Lions (Q3 19:48) — (4:48) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep right to 15-G.Tate for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN. With that touchdown pass Matthew Stafford has set a new franchise record for the most career touchdown passes in Lio
- Detroit Lions (Q3 26:36) — (11:36) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep middle to 15-G.Tate to ATL 21 for 28 yards (36-K.Ishmael).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 58:59) — (13:59) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 84-R.White to ATL 46 for 24 yards (27-G.Quin) [98-N.Fairley].
Quarterback report card
M.Stafford led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 49 dropbacks · 49.0% completion · -13.3% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +10.50 total EPA
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 35 dropbacks · 57.1% completion · +9.4% CPOE · +0.24 EPA/play · +8.29 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Detroit Lions | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.078 | +0.078 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.9% | 48.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.214 | +0.237 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.217 | -0.101 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.078 | -0.078 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.4% | 55.1% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Detroit Lions +0.08, Atlanta Falcons +0.08) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, +5.77 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Detroit Lions: 9 drives, +6.97 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Detroit Lions 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. Stafford (Detroit Lions) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Stafford (DET) 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.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 54:31 · DET 7 · Score 0-6
(9:31) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 24-D.Freeman for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 54:25 · DET 2 · Score 0-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 47:58 · DET 1 · Score 0-13
(2:58) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 86-B.Pascoe for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Ryan finds Pascoe on the play action pass over the middle for the score - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 47:53 · DET 2 · Score 0-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 33:48 · DET 1 · Score 0-20
(3:48) 39-S.Jackson left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 33:45 · DET 2 · Score 0-21
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q3 22:59 · ATL 4 · Score 3-21
(7:59) 5-M.Prater 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 19:48 · ATL 59 · Score 9-21
(4:48) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep right to 15-G.Tate for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN. With that touchdown pass Matthew Stafford has set a new franchise record for - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 19:38 · ATL 2 · Score 10-21
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q4 14:14 · ATL 2 · Score 13-21
(14:14) 5-M.Prater 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 4:01 · ATL 5 · Score 19-21
(4:01) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 25-T.Riddick for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q4 0:04 · ATL 30 · Score 22-21
(:04) 5-M.Prater 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Detroit Lions beat the Atlanta Falcons 22-21 in Week 8, 2014 on 2014-10-26.
What was the final score of Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Detroit Lions 22, Atlanta Falcons 21 (DET 22-21 ATL) in Week 8, 2014 on 2014-10-26.
What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Detroit Lions 0, Atlanta Falcons 14; Q2: Detroit Lions 0, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q3: Detroit Lions 10, Atlanta Falcons 0; Q4: Detroit Lions 12, Atlanta Falcons 0; Final: Detroit Lions 22, Atlanta Falcons 21.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Freeman (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 54:31) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — B. Pascoe (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 47:58) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — S. Jackson (Q2 33:48) Detroit Lions touchdown — G. Tate (M. Stafford pass) (Q3 19:48) Detroit Lions touchdown — T. Riddick (M. Stafford pass) (Q4 4:01) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q3 22:59, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q4 14:14, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q4 0:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions), 49.0% completion, -13.3% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +10.50 total passing EPA. M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 57.1% completion, +9.4% CPOE, +0.24 EPA per dropback, +8.29 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) led the game in total EPA with +10.50 on passing plays. across 49 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.53 EPA): (:22) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right INTERCEPTED by 29-C.Vaughn at DET 48. 29-C.Vaughn to ATL 7 for 45 yards (11-J.Jones).. The biggest win-probability swing was +52.2%.
Was Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Detroit Lions won 22-21 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Detroit Lions
Entered 5-2 Now 6-2 W
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 2-5 Now 2-6 L
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