Game story
In Week 1 of the 1999 NFL season on 1999-09-12, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 17–14 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
R. Cunningham (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with +15.72 total EPA.
On the individual side, R. Cunningham (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +15.72 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+54.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: M.Berger kicks 78 yards from MIN 30 to ATL -8. T.Dwight to ATL 19 for 27 yards (J.Mills).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q4 | — | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 R. Cunningham · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +15.72 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 2 C. Chandler · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +10.58 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
- 3 C. Carter · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +6.39 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 4 C. Calloway · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +6.19 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play
- 5 A. Glover · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.84 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.95 EPA/play
- 6 L. Hoard · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.31 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.16 EPA/play
- 7 O. Santiago · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.22 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 8 T. Mathis · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.38 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
R. Cunningham — MIN · Passing
R. Cunningham posted the highest total EPA (+15.72) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 37 counted snaps, they averaged +0.42 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.33 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: M.Berger kicks 74 yards from MIN 30 to ATL -4. T.Dwight to ATL 17 for 21 yards (R.Griffith). FUMBLES (R.Griffith), RECOVERED by MIN-M.Berger at ATL 21.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — unlisted player
- Minnesota Vikings — unlisted player
- Atlanta Falcons — unlisted player
- Atlanta Falcons — unlisted player
Field goals
- Minnesota Vikings — unlisted player
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 17–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q2 43:54) — (13:54) R.Cunningham pass to C.Carter for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 43:54) — G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Morris, Holder-M.Berger.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the ATL 18 (Q2 41:31) — (11:31) G.Anderson 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-M.Morris, Holder-M.Berger.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) L.Hoard up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 31:48) — G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Morris, Holder-M.Berger.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 23 (Q2 30:56) — (:56) C.Chandler pass to C.Calloway for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q2 30:43) — M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-A.Schreiber, Holder-D.Stryzinski..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) B.Christian up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q4 13:18) — M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-A.Schreiber, Holder-D.Stryzinski..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 60:00) — M.Berger kicks 78 yards from MIN 30 to ATL -8. T.Dwight to ATL 19 for 27 yards (J.Mills).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 7:17) — (7:17) G.Anderson 30 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-M.Morris, Holder-M.Berger.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 3:58) — (3:58) M.Andersen 39 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-A.Schreiber, Holder-D.Stryzinski.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 5:50) — (5:50) C.Chandler pass to O.Santiago to MIN 34 for 46 yards (O.Thomas, E.McDaniel). Penalty on MIN, Defensive Offside, declined.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 13:18) — (13:18) R.Cunningham pass to A.Glover to ATL 20 for 22 yards (C.Sauer).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 43:54) — M.Berger kicks 74 yards from MIN 30 to ATL -4. T.Dwight to ATL 17 for 21 yards (R.Griffith). FUMBLES (R.Griffith), RECOVERED by MIN-M.Berger at ATL 21.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 53:36) — (8:36) C.Chandler sacked at ATL 32 for -6 yards (D.Rudd). FUMBLES (D.Rudd), RECOVERED by MIN-E.McDaniel at ATL 29.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 50:53) — (5:53) G.Anderson 26 yard field goal is BLOCKED (S.Dronett), Center-M.Morris, Holder-M.Berger, RECOVERED by ATL-M.Carter at ATL 16. M.Carter to ATL 19 for 3 yards.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 43:54) — (13:54) R.Cunningham pass incomplete to R.Moss. PENALTY on ATL-R.Buchanan, Defensive Pass Interference, 52 yards, enforced at MIN 42 - No Play.
Quarterback report card
R.Cunningham led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- R.Cunningham (Minnesota Vikings) · 37 dropbacks · 59.5% completion · +0.42 EPA/play · +15.72 total EPA
- C.Chandler (Atlanta Falcons) · 35 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · +0.30 EPA/play · +10.58 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.011 | -0.063 |
| Offensive success rate | 38.7% | 41.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.412 | +0.249 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.279 | -0.232 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.063 | -0.011 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.7% | 61.3% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.01 vs -0.06), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, -4.74 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, +1.02 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Minnesota Vikings 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.
- R. Cunningham (Minnesota Vikings) 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.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 43:54 · ATL 2 · Score 6-0
(13:54) R.Cunningham pass to C.Carter for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 43:54 · ATL 2 · Score 7-0
G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Morris, Holder-M.Berger. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 41:31 · ATL 18 · Score 10-0
(11:31) G.Anderson 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-M.Morris, Holder-M.Berger. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 32:00 · ATL 1 · Score 16-0
(2:00) L.Hoard up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 31:48 · ATL 2 · Score 17-0
G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Morris, Holder-M.Berger. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 30:56 · MIN 23 · Score 17-6
(:56) C.Chandler pass to C.Calloway for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 30:43 · MIN 2 · Score 17-7
M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-A.Schreiber, Holder-D.Stryzinski. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · MIN 1 · Score 17-13
(15:00) B.Christian up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 13:18 · MIN 2 · Score 17-14
M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-A.Schreiber, Holder-D.Stryzinski.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons 17-14 in Week 1, 1999 on 1999-09-12.
What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 17, Atlanta Falcons 14 (MIN 17-14 ATL) in Week 1, 1999 on 1999-09-12.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q2: Minnesota Vikings 17, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 0, Atlanta Falcons 7; Final: Minnesota Vikings 17, Atlanta Falcons 14.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 43:54) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 32:00) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 30:56) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 15:00) Minnesota Vikings field goal — unlisted player (Q2 41:31, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons?
R. Cunningham (Minnesota Vikings), 59.5% completion, +0.42 EPA per dropback, +15.72 total passing EPA. C. Chandler (Atlanta Falcons), 48.6% completion, +0.30 EPA per dropback, +10.58 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons?
R. Cunningham (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +15.72 on passing plays. across 37 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.33 EPA): M.Berger kicks 74 yards from MIN 30 to ATL -4. T.Dwight to ATL 17 for 21 yards (R.Griffith). FUMBLES (R.Griffith), RECOVERED by MIN-M.Berger at ATL 21.. The biggest win-probability swing was +54.2%.
Was Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Minnesota Vikings won 17-14 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Now 1-0 W
Atlanta Falcons
Now 0-1 L
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