Game story
In Week 16 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-12-26, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Detroit Lions, pulling away with a 20–16 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Boyle (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with +0.98 total EPA, and +1.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, K. Pitts (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.97 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-54.9% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Detroit Lions changed the game: (:39) (Shotgun) 12-T.Boyle pass short middle intended for 11-K.Raymond INTERCEPTED by 54-F.Oluokun [6-D.Fowler] at ATL 1. 54-F.Oluokun to ATL 7 for 6 yards.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 K. Pitts · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +10.97 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.83 EPA/play
- 2 A.St. Brown · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +8.69 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 3 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +5.66 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 4 J. Fox · Detroit Lions · Passing · +3.98 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.98 EPA/play
- 5 K. Hodge · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.98 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.98 EPA/play
- 6 St. Brown · Detroit Lions · Rushing · +2.81 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.40 EPA/play
- 7 H. Hurst · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.45 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.23 EPA/play
- 8 J. Williams · Detroit Lions · Rushing · +1.38 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
K. Pitts — ATL · Receiving
K. Pitts posted the highest total EPA (+10.97) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Atlanta Falcons's efficiency. Across 6 counted snaps, they averaged +1.83 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.88 EPA) came from Detroit Lions: (:39) (Shotgun) 12-T.Boyle pass short middle intended for 11-K.Raymond INTERCEPTED by 54-F.Oluokun [6-D.Fowler] at ATL 1. 54-F.Oluokun to ATL 7 for 6 yards.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — C. Patterson
- Detroit Lions — A. St (T. Boyle pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — H. Hurst (M. Ryan pass)
Field goals
- Detroit Lions — R. Patterson
- Atlanta Falcons — Y. Koo
- Atlanta Falcons — Y. Koo
- Detroit Lions — R. Patterson
- Detroit Lions — R. Patterson
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 3–0. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ATL 8 (Q1 48:28) — (3:28) 6-R.Patterson 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-S.Daly, Holder-3-J.Fox..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 6 (Q2 41:00) — (11:00) 84-C.Patterson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 40:53) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-19-T.Morstead.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the ATL 20 (Q2 33:54) — (3:54) (Shotgun) 12-T.Boyle pass short right to 14-A.St. Brown for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 33:44) — 6-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-47-S.Daly, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the DET 35 (Q2 31:09) — (1:09) 7-Y.Koo 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-19-T.Morstead..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the DET 30 (Q3 25:15) — (10:15) 7-Y.Koo 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-19-T.Morstead.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ATL 19 (Q3 18:11) — (3:11) 6-R.Patterson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-S.Daly, Holder-3-J.Fox..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 12 (Q4 13:10) — (13:10) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 81-H.Hurst for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q4 13:04) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-19-T.Morstead.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ATL 8 (Q4 2:42) — (2:42) 6-R.Patterson 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-S.Daly, Holder-3-J.Fox..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 0:39) — (:39) (Shotgun) 12-T.Boyle pass short middle intended for 11-K.Raymond INTERCEPTED by 54-F.Oluokun [6-D.Fowler] at ATL 1. 54-F.Oluokun to ATL 7 for 6 yards.
- Detroit Lions (Q2 35:31) — (5:31) (Punt formation) 3-J.Fox pass short right to 18-K.Hodge to ATL 24 for 21 yards (34-D.Hall; 35-A.Williams).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:28) — (2:28) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 14-R.Gage to ATL 32 for 4 yards (44-J.Reeves-Maybin). FUMBLES (44-J.Reeves-Maybin), RECOVERED by DET-31-D.Marlowe at ATL 37.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 1:18) — (1:18) (Shotgun) 12-T.Boyle pass short middle to 89-B.Wright to ATL 24 for 5 yards (45-D.Jones).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 13:10) — (13:10) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 81-H.Hurst for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 0:39) — (:39) (Shotgun) 12-T.Boyle pass short middle intended for 11-K.Raymond INTERCEPTED by 54-F.Oluokun [6-D.Fowler] at ATL 1. 54-F.Oluokun to ATL 7 for 6 yards.
- Detroit Lions (Q2 35:31) — (5:31) (Punt formation) 3-J.Fox pass short right to 18-K.Hodge to ATL 24 for 21 yards (34-D.Hall; 35-A.Williams).
- Detroit Lions (Q2 33:54) — (3:54) (Shotgun) 12-T.Boyle pass short right to 14-A.St. Brown for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:28) — (2:28) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 14-R.Gage to ATL 32 for 4 yards (44-J.Reeves-Maybin). FUMBLES (44-J.Reeves-Maybin), RECOVERED by DET-31-D.Marlowe at ATL 37.
Quarterback report card
T.Boyle led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Boyle (Detroit Lions) · 34 dropbacks · 70.6% completion · +1.2% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +0.98 total EPA
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 27 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +9.0% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +5.66 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Detroit Lions | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.028 | +0.084 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.9% | 42.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.142 | +0.210 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.025 | -0.210 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.084 | -0.028 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.6% | 58.1% |
By the numbers
Atlanta Falcons held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.08 vs +0.03), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Atlanta Falcons: 8 drives, +4.94 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Detroit Lions: 8 drives, +2.44 total EPA, 4 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.
- K. Pitts (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.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 48:28 · ATL 8 · Score 3-0
(3:28) 6-R.Patterson 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-S.Daly, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 41:00 · DET 6 · Score 3-6
(11:00) 84-C.Patterson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 40:53 · DET 15 · Score 3-7
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-19-T.Morstead. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 33:54 · ATL 20 · Score 9-7
(3:54) (Shotgun) 12-T.Boyle pass short right to 14-A.St. Brown for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 33:44 · ATL 15 · Score 10-7
6-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-47-S.Daly, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 31:09 · DET 35 · Score 10-10
(1:09) 7-Y.Koo 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-19-T.Morstead. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 25:15 · DET 30 · Score 10-13
(10:15) 7-Y.Koo 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-19-T.Morstead. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q3 18:11 · ATL 19 · Score 13-13
(3:11) 6-R.Patterson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-S.Daly, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 13:10 · DET 12 · Score 13-19
(13:10) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 81-H.Hurst for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 13:04 · DET 15 · Score 13-20
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-19-T.Morstead. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q4 2:42 · ATL 8 · Score 16-20
(2:42) 6-R.Patterson 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-S.Daly, Holder-3-J.Fox.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Detroit Lions 20-16 in Week 16, 2021 on 2021-12-26.
What was the final score of Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Detroit Lions 16, Atlanta Falcons 20 (DET 16-20 ATL) in Week 16, 2021 on 2021-12-26.
What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Detroit Lions 3, Atlanta Falcons 0; Q2: Detroit Lions 7, Atlanta Falcons 10; Q3: Detroit Lions 3, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q4: Detroit Lions 3, Atlanta Falcons 7; Final: Detroit Lions 16, Atlanta Falcons 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Patterson (Q2 41:00) Detroit Lions touchdown — A. St (T. Boyle pass) (Q2 33:54) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — H. Hurst (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 13:10) Detroit Lions field goal — R. Patterson (Q1 48:28, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q2 31:09, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q3 25:15, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — R. Patterson (Q3 18:11, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — R. Patterson (Q4 2:42, 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?
T. Boyle (Detroit Lions), 70.6% completion, +1.2% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +0.98 total passing EPA. M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 66.7% completion, +9.0% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +5.66 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?
K. Pitts (Atlanta Falcons) led the game in total EPA with +10.97 on receiving plays. across 6 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.88 EPA): (:39) (Shotgun) 12-T.Boyle pass short middle intended for 11-K.Raymond INTERCEPTED by 54-F.Oluokun [6-D.Fowler] at ATL 1. 54-F.Oluokun to ATL 7 for 6 yards.. The biggest win-probability swing was -54.9%.
Was Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Atlanta Falcons won 20-16 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Detroit Lions
Entered 2-11 Now 2-12 L
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 6-8 Now 7-8 W
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