Quick answer
- Winner
- Dallas Cowboys
- Final score
- Dallas Cowboys 42–21 Detroit Lions
- Halftime
- Tied 21–21 at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Dak Prescott
- Top passer
- Matthew Stafford
- Biggest EPA play
- (4:19) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford sacked at DAL 10 for -6 yards (95-D.Irving). FUMB…
- Game date
- 2016-12-26
Game summary
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Detroit Lions 42–21 on 2016-12-26. Dak Prescott posted a game-high +19.18 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 21 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Detroit Lions | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
 Dallas Cowboys | 14 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 42 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
DETDetroit Lions(10:02) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 19-B.Butler for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a seam route.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
(5:28) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 34-Z.Zenner up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. PENALTY on DAL-30-A.Brown, Roughing the Kicker, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
(3:00) 21-E.Elliott right guard for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
(13:40) 9-M.Stafford up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
(7:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 34-Z.Zenner right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. Injury update: Andre Roberts has a shoulder injury; his return is questionable.
(1:10) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 88-D.Bryant for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DET-29-J.Bademosi, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
(10:24) 21-E.Elliott right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
(4:11) 88-D.Bryant pass short left to 82-J.Witten for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ball was pitched to Bryant on an end-around to the left side prior to Bryant passing the ball to Witten.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
(12:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right to 88-D.Bryant for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
DALDallas CowboysFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 10:02TD BBB. ButlerPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 21
- Score
- 0-6
(10:02) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 19-B.Butler for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a seam route.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 9:57XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DET 15
- Score
- 0-7
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q1 5:28TD ZZZ. ZennerPoints+6
- Yard line
- DAL 7
- Score
- 6-7
(5:28) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 34-Z.Zenner up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q1 5:23XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DAL 15
- Score
- 7-7
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. PENALTY on DAL-30-A.Brown, Roughing the Kicker, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 3:00TD Ezekiel ElliottPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 55
- Score
- 7-13
(3:00) 21-E.Elliott right guard for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 2:49XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DET 15
- Score
- 7-14
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q2 13:40TD Matthew StaffordPoints+6
- Yard line
- DAL 1
- Score
- 13-14
(13:40) 9-M.Stafford up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q2 13:32XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DAL 15
- Score
- 14-14
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q2 7:45TD ZZZ. ZennerPoints+6
- Yard line
- DAL 5
- Score
- 20-14
(7:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 34-Z.Zenner right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q2 7:40XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DAL 15
- Score
- 21-14
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. Injury update: Andre Roberts has a shoulder injury; his return is questionable.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 1:10TD DBD. BryantPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 25
- Score
- 21-20
(1:10) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 88-D.Bryant for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DET-29-J.Bademosi, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 1:04XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DET 15
- Score
- 21-21
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 10:24TD Ezekiel ElliottPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 1
- Score
- 21-27
(10:24) 21-E.Elliott right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 10:19XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DET 15
- Score
- 21-28
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 4:11TD JWJ. WittenPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 10
- Score
- 21-34
(4:11) 88-D.Bryant pass short left to 82-J.Witten for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ball was pitched to Bryant on an end-around to the left side prior to Bryant passing the ball to Witten.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 4:03XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DET 15
- Score
- 21-35
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 12:18TD DBD. BryantPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 19
- Score
- 21-41
(12:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right to 88-D.Bryant for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 12:12XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DET 15
- Score
- 21-42
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
Dak Prescott · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +19.18 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play - 2D. Bryant · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +8.42 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.68 EPA/play
- 3E. Ebron · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +6.69 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 4G. Tate · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +5.85 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
- 5
Tyleik Williams · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.34 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.08 EPA/play - 6Ezekiel Elliott · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +3.93 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
- 7Z. Zenner · Detroit Lions · Rushing · +3.88 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 8B. Butler · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.76 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.76 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
Dak Prescott — DAL · Passing
Dak Prescott posted the highest total EPA (+19.18) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Dallas Cowboys. Across 28 counted snaps, they averaged +0.69 EPA per play.
Dak Prescott's top snap (+3.76 EPA): (10:02) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 19-B.Butler for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a seam route.
Biggest single play (-5.70 EPA): Matthew Stafford — (4:19) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford sacked at DAL 10 for -6 yards (95-D.Irving). FUMBLES (95-D.Irving) [95-D.Irving], RECOVERED by DAL-51-K.Wilber at DAL 5. 51-K.Wilber to DAL 5 for no gain (34-Z
Quarterback report card
Matthew Stafford led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 51 dropbacks · 51.0% completion · -7.0% CPOE · -0.08 EPA/play · -3.84 total EPA
- Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) · 28 dropbacks · 53.6% completion · +10.4% CPOE · +0.69 EPA/play · +19.18 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Detroit Lions | Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.005 | +0.270 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.3% | 51.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.075 | +0.722 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.263 | +0.153 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.270 | +0.005 |
| Defensive success rate | 48.1% | 55.7% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Dallas Cowboys held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.27 vs -0.01), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Detroit Lions: -0.01 EPA/play (49th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
- Dallas Cowboys: +0.27 EPA/play (97th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
- Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, +20.83 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, -0.40 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Dallas Cowboys — B. Butler (Dak Prescott pass)
- Detroit Lions — Z. Zenner
- Dallas Cowboys — Ezekiel Elliott
- Detroit Lions — Matthew Stafford
- Detroit Lions — Z. Zenner
- Dallas Cowboys — D. Bryant (Dak Prescott pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — Ezekiel Elliott
- Dallas Cowboys — J. Witten (D. Bryant pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — D. Bryant (Dak Prescott pass)
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–7. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DET 21 (Q1 10:02) — (10:02) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 19-B.Butler for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a seam route.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q1 9:57) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the DAL 7 (Q1 5:28) — (5:28) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 34-Z.Zenner up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q1 5:23); Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DET 55 (Q1 3:00) — (3:00) 21-E.Elliott right guard for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q1 2:49) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 14–7. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q2 13:40); Detroit Lions added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q2 13:32) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the DAL 5 (Q2 7:45) — (7:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 34-Z.Zenner right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q2 7:40); Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DET 25 (Q2 1:10); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 1:04) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
The third quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q3 10:24) — (10:24) 21-E.Elliott right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q3 10:19) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DET 10 (Q3 4:11); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q3 4:03) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
The fourth quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DET 19 (Q4 12:18) — (12:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right to 88-D.Bryant for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q4 12:12) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 1:10) — (1:10) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 88-D.Bryant for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DET-29-J.Bademosi, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
- Detroit Lions (Q2 13:40) — (13:40) 9-M.Stafford up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 3:00) — (3:00) 21-E.Elliott right guard for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q2 11:04) — (11:04) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 85-E.Ebron pushed ob at DAL 37 for 12 yards (38-J.Heath).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 10:02) — (10:02) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 19-B.Butler for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a seam route.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 4:19) — (4:19) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford sacked at DAL 10 for -6 yards (95-D.Irving). FUMBLES (95-D.Irving) [95-D.Irving], RECOVERED by DAL-51-K.Wilber at DAL 5. 51-K.Wilber to DAL 5 for no gain (34-Z
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 3:00) — (3:00) 21-E.Elliott right guard for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q3 0:52) — (:52) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 47 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 10:02) — (10:02) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 19-B.Butler for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a seam route.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 10:02 · DET 21 · Score 0-6
(10:02) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 19-B.Butler for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a seam route. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 9:57 · DET 15 · Score 0-7
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q1 5:28 · DAL 7 · Score 6-7
(5:28) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 34-Z.Zenner up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q1 5:23 · DAL 15 · Score 7-7
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. PENALTY on DAL-30-A.Brown, Roughing the Kicker, 15 yards, enforced between downs. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 3:00 · DET 55 · Score 7-13
(3:00) 21-E.Elliott right guard for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 2:49 · DET 15 · Score 7-14
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 13:40 · DAL 1 · Score 13-14
(13:40) 9-M.Stafford up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 13:32 · DAL 15 · Score 14-14
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 7:45 · DAL 5 · Score 20-14
(7:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 34-Z.Zenner right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 7:40 · DAL 15 · Score 21-14
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. Injury update: Andre Roberts has a shoulder injury; his return is questionable. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 1:10 · DET 25 · Score 21-20
(1:10) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 88-D.Bryant for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DET-29-J.Bademosi, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 1:04 · DET 15 · Score 21-21
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 10:24 · DET 1 · Score 21-27
(10:24) 21-E.Elliott right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 10:19 · DET 15 · Score 21-28
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 4:11 · DET 10 · Score 21-34
(4:11) 88-D.Bryant pass short left to 82-J.Witten for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ball was pitched to Bryant on an end-around to the left side prior to Bryant passing the ball to Witten. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 4:03 · DET 15 · Score 21-35
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 12:18 · DET 19 · Score 21-41
(12:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right to 88-D.Bryant for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 12:12 · DET 15 · Score 21-42
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Dallas Cowboys earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Matthew Stafford (DET) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
- Dak Prescott (DAL) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys on 2016-12-26?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Detroit Lions 42-21 in Week 16, 2016.
What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
Q1: Detroit Lions 7, Dallas Cowboys 14; Q2: Detroit Lions 14, Dallas Cowboys 7; Q3: Detroit Lions 0, Dallas Cowboys 14; Q4: Detroit Lions 0, Dallas Cowboys 7; Final: Detroit Lions 21, Dallas Cowboys 42.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
Dallas Cowboys touchdown — B. Butler (D. Prescott pass) (Q1 10:02) Detroit Lions touchdown — Z. Zenner (Q1 5:28) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — E. Elliott (Q1 3:00) Detroit Lions touchdown — M. Stafford (Q2 13:40) Detroit Lions touchdown — Z. Zenner (Q2 7:45) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — D. Bryant (D. Prescott pass) (Q2 1:10) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — E. Elliott (Q3 10:24) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — J. Witten (D. Bryant pass) (Q3 4:11) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — D. Bryant (D. Prescott pass) (Q4 12:18) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions), 51.0% completion, -7.0% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -3.84 total passing EPA. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), 53.6% completion, +10.4% CPOE, +0.69 EPA per dropback, +19.18 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys?
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +19.18 total EPA on Passing plays. across 28 snaps. Their top snap (+3.76 EPA): (10:02) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 19-B.Butler for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a seam route..
Season records after this game
Detroit Lions
Entered 9-5 Now 9-6 L
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 12-2 Now 13-2 W
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