Game story
In Week 16 of the 1999 NFL season on 1999-12-26, the Indianapolis Colts took care of business against the Cleveland Browns, pulling away with a 29–28 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) paced the passing game, with +11.37 total EPA.
On the individual side, P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.37 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+41.6% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Indianapolis Colts changed the game: P.Dawson kicks 67 yards from CLE 30 to IND 3. T.Wilkins to IND 13 for 10 yards (E.Little).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts | 0 | 13 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 29 |
| Cleveland Browns | 7 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 P. Manning · Indianapolis Colts · Passing · +11.37 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 2 M. Harrison · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +11.12 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
- 3 T. Detmer · Cleveland Browns · Passing · +5.52 total EPA · 26 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 4 K. Dilger · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +3.82 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
- 5 I. Smith · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +3.43 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
- 6 T. Kirby · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +2.88 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 7 T. Detmer · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +2.68 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.68 EPA/play
- 8 P. Manning · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +2.32 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.16 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
P. Manning — IND · Passing
P. Manning posted the highest total EPA (+11.37) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Indianapolis Colts's efficiency. Across 45 counted snaps, they averaged +0.25 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.11 EPA) came from Indianapolis Colts: (4:10) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison to CLE 1 for 30 yards (M.Pope).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cleveland Browns — unlisted player
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
- Cleveland Browns — unlisted player
- Cleveland Browns — unlisted player
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
- Cleveland Browns — unlisted player
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
Field goals
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
- Indianapolis Colts — unlisted player
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–0. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the IND 1 (Q1 49:19) — (4:19) T.Kirby up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q1 49:10) — P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-R.Kuehl, Holder-C.Gardocki..
The second quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 13–7. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the CLE 1 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) E.James up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q2 44:06) — M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the IND 28 (Q2 43:56) — (13:56) T.Detmer pass to D.Chiaverini for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q2 39:56) — P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-R.Kuehl, Holder-C.Gardocki.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the CLE 23 (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) M.Vanderjagt 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the CLE 1 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) M.Vanderjagt 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh..
The third quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 14–6. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the IND 8 (Q3 29:54) — (14:54) T.Detmer up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q3 25:47) — P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-R.Kuehl, Holder-C.Gardocki.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the CLE 1 (Q3 25:37) — (10:37) E.James up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the IND 1 (Q3 19:24) — (4:24) T.Kirby up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q3 15:11) — P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-R.Kuehl, Holder-C.Gardocki..
The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 10–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the CLE 2 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) E.James up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q4 9:54) — M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the CLE 3 (Q4 0:07) — (:07) M.Vanderjagt 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 60:00) — P.Dawson kicks 67 yards from CLE 30 to IND 3. T.Wilkins to IND 13 for 10 yards (E.Little).
- Cleveland Browns (Q4 0:04) — D.Kight kicks 43 yards from IND 30 to CLE 27. T.Saleh to CLE 21 for -6 yards. Lateral to E.Little to CLE 15 for -6 yards.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 49:10) — (4:10) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison to CLE 1 for 30 yards (M.Pope).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 1:25) — (1:25) P.Manning pass to E.James to CLE 20 for 10 yards (M.Forbes, R.Jackson).
- Cleveland Browns (Q1 54:57) — (9:57) T.Detmer pass to Z.Davis to IND 29 for 13 yards (L.Chester).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 49:10) — (4:10) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison to CLE 1 for 30 yards (M.Pope).
- Cleveland Browns (Q2 43:56) — (13:56) T.Detmer pass to D.Chiaverini for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cleveland Browns (Q3 29:54) — (14:54) T.Detmer up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cleveland Browns (Q1 54:57) — (9:57) T.Detmer pass to Z.Davis to IND 29 for 13 yards (L.Chester).
Quarterback report card
P.Manning led all passers in efficiency for Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- P.Manning (Indianapolis Colts) · 45 dropbacks · 60.0% completion · +0.25 EPA/play · +11.37 total EPA
- T.Detmer (Cleveland Browns) · 26 dropbacks · 57.7% completion · +0.21 EPA/play · +5.52 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Indianapolis Colts | Cleveland Browns |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.169 | +0.193 |
| Offensive success rate | 50.0% | 52.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.291 | +0.304 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.027 | +0.198 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.193 | -0.169 |
| Defensive success rate | 47.2% | 50.0% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Indianapolis Colts +0.17, Cleveland Browns +0.19) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Cleveland Browns: 11 drives, +13.92 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Indianapolis Colts: 11 drives, +17.62 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Indianapolis Colts 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.
- P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q1 49:19 · IND 1 · Score 0-6
(4:19) T.Kirby up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q1 49:10 · IND 2 · Score 0-7
P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-R.Kuehl, Holder-C.Gardocki. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 45:00 · CLE 1 · Score 6-7
(15:00) E.James up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 44:06 · CLE 2 · Score 7-7
M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 43:56 · IND 28 · Score 7-13
(13:56) T.Detmer pass to D.Chiaverini for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q2 39:56 · IND 2 · Score 7-14
P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-R.Kuehl, Holder-C.Gardocki. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 32:00 · CLE 23 · Score 10-14
(2:00) M.Vanderjagt 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · CLE 1 · Score 13-14
(:03) M.Vanderjagt 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q3 29:54 · IND 8 · Score 13-20
(14:54) T.Detmer up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q3 25:47 · IND 2 · Score 13-21
P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-R.Kuehl, Holder-C.Gardocki. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 25:37 · CLE 1 · Score 19-21
(10:37) E.James up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q3 19:24 · IND 1 · Score 19-27
(4:24) T.Kirby up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q3 15:11 · IND 2 · Score 19-28
P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-R.Kuehl, Holder-C.Gardocki. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · CLE 2 · Score 25-28
(15:00) E.James up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 9:54 · CLE 2 · Score 26-28
M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 0:07 · CLE 3 · Score 29-28
(:07) M.Vanderjagt 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.Banta, Holder-S.Walsh.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Indianapolis Colts vs Cleveland Browns?
The Indianapolis Colts beat the Cleveland Browns 29-28 in Week 16, 1999 on 1999-12-26.
What was the final score of Indianapolis Colts vs Cleveland Browns?
The final score was Indianapolis Colts 29, Cleveland Browns 28 (IND 29-28 CLE) in Week 16, 1999 on 1999-12-26.
What was the score by quarter in Indianapolis Colts vs Cleveland Browns?
Q1: Indianapolis Colts 0, Cleveland Browns 7; Q2: Indianapolis Colts 13, Cleveland Browns 7; Q3: Indianapolis Colts 6, Cleveland Browns 14; Q4: Indianapolis Colts 10, Cleveland Browns 0; Final: Indianapolis Colts 29, Cleveland Browns 28.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Indianapolis Colts vs Cleveland Browns?
Cleveland Browns touchdown — unlisted player (Q1 49:19) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 45:00) Cleveland Browns touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 43:56) Cleveland Browns touchdown — unlisted player (Q3 29:54) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — unlisted player (Q3 25:37) Cleveland Browns touchdown — unlisted player (Q3 19:24) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 15:00) Indianapolis Colts field goal — unlisted player (Q2 32:00, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — unlisted player (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — unlisted player (Q4 0:07, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Indianapolis Colts vs Cleveland Browns?
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts), 60.0% completion, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +11.37 total passing EPA. T. Detmer (Cleveland Browns), 57.7% completion, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +5.52 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Indianapolis Colts vs Cleveland Browns?
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) led the game in total EPA with +11.37 on passing plays. across 45 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.11 EPA): (4:10) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison to CLE 1 for 30 yards (M.Pope).. The biggest win-probability swing was +41.6%.
Was Indianapolis Colts vs Cleveland Browns a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Indianapolis Colts won 29-28 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Indianapolis Colts
Entered 12-2 Now 13-2 W
Cleveland Browns
Entered 2-13 Now 2-14 L
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