Game story
In Week 15 of the 2016 NFL season on 2016-12-18, the Indianapolis Colts took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 34–6 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
S. Bradford (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with -10.44 total EPA, and +3.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Luck (Indianapolis Colts) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.17 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+8.1% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Indianapolis Colts changed the game: (5:58) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass deep middle to 13-T.Hilton to MIN 18 for 31 yards (41-A.Harris) [96-B.Robison].
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts | 10 | 17 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 34 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Luck · Indianapolis Colts · Passing · +16.17 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
- 2 E. Swoope · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +5.12 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.71 EPA/play
- 3 P. Dorsett · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +4.43 total EPA · 1 snaps · +4.43 EPA/play
- 4 C. Johnson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.31 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
- 5 K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.89 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 6 J. McKinnon · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.81 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
- 7 T. Hilton · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +2.53 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
- 8 R. Turbin · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +1.78 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Luck — IND · Passing
A. Luck posted the highest total EPA (+16.17) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Indianapolis Colts's efficiency. Across 31 counted snaps, they averaged +0.52 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.04 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: (10:22) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford sacked at IND 33 for -9 yards (98-R.Mathis). FUMBLES (98-R.Mathis) [98-R.Mathis], RECOVERED by IND-96-H.Anderson at IND 32. 96-H.Anderson to IND 32 for no gain (78-J.Sirles).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Indianapolis Colts — R. Turbin
- Indianapolis Colts — E. Swoope (A. Luck pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — R. Turbin
- Indianapolis Colts — P. Dorsett (A. Luck pass)
Field goals
- Indianapolis Colts — A. Vinatieri
- Indianapolis Colts — A. Vinatieri
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Forbath
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Forbath
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 10–0. Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the MIN 30 (Q1 54:06) — (9:06) (Field Goal formation) 4-A.Vinatieri 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q1 47:25) — (2:25) (Run formation) 33-R.Turbin up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 47:22) — (Kick formation) 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee..
The second quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 17–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the MIN 27 (Q2 37:23) — (7:23) 12-A.Luck pass deep left to 86-E.Swoope for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 37:16) — (Kick formation) 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the MIN 6 (Q2 30:41) — (:41) 33-R.Turbin right end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 30:33) — (Kick formation) 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the MIN 32 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) (Field Goal formation) 4-A.Vinatieri 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 3–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the IND 14 (Q3 18:55) — (3:55) 2-K.Forbath 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..
The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–3. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the MIN 50 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 12-A.Luck pass deep left to 15-P.Dorsett for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 14:55) — (Kick formation) 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the IND 33 (Q4 12:02) — (12:02) (Field Goal formation) 2-K.Forbath 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 50:58) — (5:58) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass deep middle to 13-T.Hilton to MIN 18 for 31 yards (41-A.Harris) [96-B.Robison].
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 56:56) — (11:56) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass short right to 13-T.Hilton to MIN 49 for 12 yards (34-A.Sendejo).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 48:07) — (3:07) (Field Goal formation) 4-A.Vinatieri 21 yard field goal is GOOD, NULLIFIED by Penalty, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. PENALTY on MIN-98-L.Joseph, Leverage, 2 yards, enforced at MIN 3 -
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 36:22) — (6:22) 28-A.Peterson up the middle to IND 9 for 13 yards (29-M.Adams). FUMBLES (29-M.Adams), RECOVERED by IND-29-M.Adams at IND 9. 29-M.Adams to IND 9 for no gain (28-A.Peterson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 52:34) — (7:34) (Punt formation) 18-J.Locke punts 52 yards to IND 18, Center-47-K.McDermott. 80-C.Rogers to IND 48 for 30 yards (18-J.Locke).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 25:22) — (10:22) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford sacked at IND 33 for -9 yards (98-R.Mathis). FUMBLES (98-R.Mathis) [98-R.Mathis], RECOVERED by IND-96-H.Anderson at IND 32. 96-H.Anderson to IND 32 for no gain (78-J.Sir
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 36:22) — (6:22) 28-A.Peterson up the middle to IND 9 for 13 yards (29-M.Adams). FUMBLES (29-M.Adams), RECOVERED by IND-29-M.Adams at IND 9. 29-M.Adams to IND 9 for no gain (28-A.Peterson).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 12-A.Luck pass deep left to 15-P.Dorsett for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 0:19) — (:19) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford sacked at IND 27 for -14 yards (94-Z.Kerr).
Quarterback report card
S.Bradford led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- S.Bradford (Minnesota Vikings) · 49 dropbacks · 65.3% completion · +3.9% CPOE · -0.21 EPA/play · -10.44 total EPA
- A.Luck (Indianapolis Colts) · 31 dropbacks · 67.7% completion · +10.0% CPOE · +0.52 EPA/play · +16.17 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Indianapolis Colts | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.183 | -0.260 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.9% | 46.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.522 | -0.213 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.091 | -0.826 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.260 | -0.183 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.5% | 51.1% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Indianapolis Colts generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.18 vs -0.26), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Indianapolis Colts: 10 drives, +16.07 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, -18.47 total EPA, 2 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.
- A. Luck (Indianapolis Colts) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- S. Bradford (MIN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- A. Luck (IND) 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.
- Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q1 54:06 · MIN 30 · Score 3-0
(9:06) (Field Goal formation) 4-A.Vinatieri 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q1 47:25 · MIN 1 · Score 9-0
(2:25) (Run formation) 33-R.Turbin up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q1 47:22 · MIN 15 · Score 10-0
(Kick formation) 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 37:23 · MIN 27 · Score 16-0
(7:23) 12-A.Luck pass deep left to 86-E.Swoope for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 37:16 · MIN 15 · Score 17-0
(Kick formation) 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 30:41 · MIN 6 · Score 23-0
(:41) 33-R.Turbin right end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 30:33 · MIN 15 · Score 24-0
(Kick formation) 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · MIN 32 · Score 27-0
(:03) (Field Goal formation) 4-A.Vinatieri 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 18:55 · IND 14 · Score 27-3
(3:55) 2-K.Forbath 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · MIN 50 · Score 33-3
(15:00) 12-A.Luck pass deep left to 15-P.Dorsett for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 14:55 · MIN 15 · Score 34-3
(Kick formation) 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 12:02 · IND 33 · Score 34-6
(12:02) (Field Goal formation) 2-K.Forbath 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Indianapolis Colts beat the Minnesota Vikings 34-6 in Week 15, 2016 on 2016-12-18.
What was the final score of Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Indianapolis Colts 34, Minnesota Vikings 6 (IND 34-6 MIN) in Week 15, 2016 on 2016-12-18.
What was the score by quarter in Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Indianapolis Colts 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q2: Indianapolis Colts 17, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q3: Indianapolis Colts 0, Minnesota Vikings 3; Q4: Indianapolis Colts 7, Minnesota Vikings 3; Final: Indianapolis Colts 34, Minnesota Vikings 6.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings?
Indianapolis Colts touchdown — R. Turbin (Q1 47:25) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — E. Swoope (A. Luck pass) (Q2 37:23) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — R. Turbin (Q2 30:41) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — P. Dorsett (A. Luck pass) (Q4 15:00) Indianapolis Colts field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q1 54:06, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — K. Forbath (Q3 18:55, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — K. Forbath (Q4 12:02, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings?
S. Bradford (Minnesota Vikings), 65.3% completion, +3.9% CPOE, -0.21 EPA per dropback, -10.44 total passing EPA. A. Luck (Indianapolis Colts), 67.7% completion, +10.0% CPOE, +0.52 EPA per dropback, +16.17 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Indianapolis Colts vs Minnesota Vikings?
A. Luck (Indianapolis Colts) led the game in total EPA with +16.17 on passing plays. across 31 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.04 EPA): (10:22) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford sacked at IND 33 for -9 yards (98-R.Mathis). FUMBLES (98-R.Mathis) [98-R.Mathis], RECOVERED by IND-96-H.Anderson at IND 32. 96-H.Anderson to IND 32 f. The biggest win-probability swing was +8.1%.
Season records after this game
Indianapolis Colts
Entered 6-7 Now 7-7 W
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 7-6 Now 7-7 L
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