Game story
In Week 16 of the 2015 NFL season on 2015-12-27, the Arizona Cardinals took care of business against the Green Bay Packers, pulling away with a 38–8 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 29 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
A. Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) paced the passing game, with -18.95 total EPA, and -6.1% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Floyd (Arizona Cardinals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.04 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-12.0% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Arizona Cardinals changed the game: (2:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle intended for 31-D.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 76-M.Daniels at ARI 21. 76-M.Daniels to ARI 15 for 6 yards (70-B.Massie).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | — | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 17 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Floyd · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.04 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play
- 2 C. Palmer · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +3.41 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 3 L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.39 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.68 EPA/play
- 4 E. Lacy · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +2.71 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.35 EPA/play
- 5 Jo. Brown · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.57 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 6 T. Masthay · Green Bay Packers · Rushing · +2.55 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.55 EPA/play
- 7 A. Quarless · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +1.82 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.91 EPA/play
- 8 D. Johnson · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +1.58 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Floyd — ARI · Receiving
M. Floyd posted the highest total EPA (+5.04) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Arizona Cardinals's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +0.63 EPA per play.
The signature play (-8.26 EPA) came from Green Bay Packers: (9:47) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 41 for -10 yards (96-K.Martin). FUMBLES (96-K.Martin) [96-K.Martin], RECOVERED by ARI-90-C.Redding at GB 36. 90-C.Redding for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (C. Palmer pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Palmer
- Arizona Cardinals — D. Johnson
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Redding
- Green Bay Packers — E. Lacy (A. Rodgers pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — J. Powers
Field goals
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Catanzaro
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 17–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the GB 3 (Q2 44:11) — (14:11) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the GB 15 (Q2 44:07) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the GB 1 (Q2 35:51) — (5:51) 7-C.Catanzaro 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the GB 7 (Q2 30:11) — (:11) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 12-Jo.Brown for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the GB 15 (Q2 30:06) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler..
The third quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 21–8. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the GB 14 (Q3 29:10) — (14:10) 31-D.Johnson right tackle for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the GB 15 (Q3 29:02) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 49 (Q3 24:47); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the GB 15 (Q3 24:34) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the ARI 28 (Q3 21:41); Green Bay Packers registered a safety from the ARI 2 (Q3 21:31) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 12-A.Rodgers pass to 89-J.Jones is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 82 (Q3 18:11); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the GB 15 (Q3 18:05) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle intended for 31-D.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 76-M.Daniels at ARI 21. 76-M.Daniels to ARI 15 for 6 yards (70-B.Massie).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 53:41) — (8:41) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 31-D.Johnson pushed ob at GB 35 for 44 yards (21-H.Clinton-Dix).
- Green Bay Packers (Q2 31:05) — (1:05) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right intended for 89-J.Jones INTERCEPTED by 28-J.Bethel at ARI 0. Touchback. Penalty on GB-67-D.Barclay, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 51:30) — (6:30) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer sacked at GB 38 for -9 yards (96-M.Neal).
- Green Bay Packers (Q2 34:49) — (4:49) (Punt formation) 8-T.Masthay left end to ARI 48 for 7 yards (96-K.Martin).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Green Bay Packers (Q3 24:47) — (9:47) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 41 for -10 yards (96-K.Martin). FUMBLES (96-K.Martin) [96-K.Martin], RECOVERED by ARI-90-C.Redding at GB 36. 90-C.Redding for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Green Bay Packers (Q3 18:11) — (3:11) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 9 for -9 yards (54-D.Freeney). FUMBLES (54-D.Freeney) [54-D.Freeney], RECOVERED by ARI-25-J.Powers at GB 7. 25-J.Powers for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 5:20) — (5:20) 33-K.Williams up the middle to GB 22 for 5 yards (64-M.Pennel). FUMBLES (64-M.Pennel), RECOVERED by GB-42-M.Burnett at GB 20. 42-M.Burnett to GB 41 for 21 yards (5-D.Stanton).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle intended for 31-D.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 76-M.Daniels at ARI 21. 76-M.Daniels to ARI 15 for 6 yards (70-B.Massie).
Quarterback report card
A.Rodgers led all passers in efficiency for Green Bay Packers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- A.Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) · 45 dropbacks · 33.3% completion · -6.1% CPOE · -0.42 EPA/play · -18.95 total EPA
- C.Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) · 31 dropbacks · 58.1% completion · +4.0% CPOE · +0.11 EPA/play · +3.41 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Green Bay Packers | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.341 | +0.017 |
| Offensive success rate | 31.8% | 52.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.444 | +0.094 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.380 | -0.142 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.017 | +0.341 |
| Defensive success rate | 47.9% | 68.2% |
By the numbers
Arizona Cardinals held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.34), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Arizona Cardinals: 13 drives, +1.25 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Green Bay Packers: 13 drives, -29.98 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Arizona Cardinals leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- M. Floyd (Arizona Cardinals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- A. Rodgers (GB) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- C. Palmer (ARI) 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.
- Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 44:11 · GB 3 · Score 0-6
(14:11) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 44:07 · GB 15 · Score 0-7
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 35:51 · GB 1 · Score 0-10
(5:51) 7-C.Catanzaro 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 30:11 · GB 7 · Score 0-16
(:11) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 12-Jo.Brown for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 30:06 · GB 15 · Score 0-17
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 29:10 · GB 14 · Score 0-23
(14:10) 31-D.Johnson right tackle for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 29:02 · GB 15 · Score 0-24
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 24:47 · ARI 49 · Score 0-30
(9:47) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 41 for -10 yards (96-K.Martin). FUMBLES (96-K.Martin) [96-K.Martin], RECOVERED by ARI-90-C.Redding at GB 36. 90-C.Red - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 24:34 · GB 15 · Score 0-31
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler. - Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q3 21:41 · ARI 28 · Score 6-31
(6:41) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 27-E.Lacy for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on ARI-51-K.Minter, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforc - Green Bay Packers Safety (+2) — Q3 21:31 · ARI 2 · Score 8-31
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 12-A.Rodgers pass to 89-J.Jones is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 18:11 · ARI 82 · Score 8-37
(3:11) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 9 for -9 yards (54-D.Freeney). FUMBLES (54-D.Freeney) [54-D.Freeney], RECOVERED by ARI-25-J.Powers at GB 7. 25-J.Powe - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 18:05 · GB 15 · Score 8-38
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-2-D.Butler.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals?
The Arizona Cardinals beat the Green Bay Packers 38-8 in Week 16, 2015 on 2015-12-27.
What was the final score of Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals?
The final score was Green Bay Packers 8, Arizona Cardinals 38 (GB 8-38 ARI) in Week 16, 2015 on 2015-12-27.
What was the score by quarter in Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals?
Q2: Green Bay Packers 0, Arizona Cardinals 17; Q3: Green Bay Packers 8, Arizona Cardinals 21; Final: Green Bay Packers 8, Arizona Cardinals 38.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals?
Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 44:11) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — C. Palmer (Q2 30:11) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — D. Johnson (Q3 29:10) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — C. Redding (Q3 24:47) Green Bay Packers touchdown — E. Lacy (A. Rodgers pass) (Q3 21:41) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — J. Powers (Q3 18:11) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q2 35:51, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals?
A. Rodgers (Green Bay Packers), 33.3% completion, -6.1% CPOE, -0.42 EPA per dropback, -18.95 total passing EPA. C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals), 58.1% completion, +4.0% CPOE, +0.11 EPA per dropback, +3.41 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals?
M. Floyd (Arizona Cardinals) led the game in total EPA with +5.04 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-8.26 EPA): (9:47) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 41 for -10 yards (96-K.Martin). FUMBLES (96-K.Martin) [96-K.Martin], RECOVERED by ARI-90-C.Redding at GB 36. 90-C.Redding for 36 yards, T. The biggest win-probability swing was -12.0%.
Season records after this game
Green Bay Packers
Entered 10-4 Now 10-5 L
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 12-2 Now 13-2 W
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