Game story
In Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-10-01, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Carolina Panthers, pulling away with a 21–13 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 22 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Young (Carolina Panthers) paced the passing game, with -11.95 total EPA, and +5.1% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.91 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-32.0% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (10:42) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 17-K.Osborn INTERCEPTED by 42-S.Franklin at CAR 1. 42-S.Franklin for 99 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 13 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Carolina Panthers | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +6.91 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
- 2 A. Thielen · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +4.06 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 3 C. Akers · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +2.77 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
- 4 A. Mattison · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +1.97 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 5 C. Hubbard · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +1.38 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
- 6 T. Marshall · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.23 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 7 D. Chark · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.95 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 8 M. Sanders · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.91 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Jefferson — MIN · Receiving
J. Jefferson posted the highest total EPA (+6.91) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +0.77 EPA per play.
The signature play (-11.25 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: (10:42) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 17-K.Osborn INTERCEPTED by 42-S.Franklin at CAR 1. 42-S.Franklin for 99 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Carolina Panthers — S. Franklin
- Minnesota Vikings — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — D. Wonnum
- Minnesota Vikings — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass)
Field goals
- Carolina Panthers — E. Pineiro
- Carolina Panthers — E. Pineiro
- Carolina Panthers — unlisted player
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 7–0. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the CAR 5 (Q1 55:42); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 55:27) — 4-E.Pineiro extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 13–9. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the MIN 8 (Q2 44:59) — (14:59) 4-E.Pineiro 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CAR 4 (Q2 39:49) — (9:49) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 18-J.Jefferson for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CAR 15 (Q2 39:43) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the MIN 38 (Q2 30:02) — (:02) 4-E.Pineiro 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal (Q2 30:00) — END QUARTER 2.
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 28 (Q3 19:09); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q3 18:58) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CAR 30 (Q3 15:07); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q3 15:00) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 55:42) — (10:42) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 17-K.Osborn INTERCEPTED by 42-S.Franklin at CAR 1. 42-S.Franklin for 99 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 19:09) — (4:09) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young sacked at MIN 39 for -11 yards (22-H.Smith). FUMBLES (22-H.Smith) [22-H.Smith], RECOVERED by MIN-98-D.Wonnum at MIN 49. 98-D.Wonnum for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 30:46) — (:46) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right intended for 3-J.Addison INTERCEPTED by 54-K.Grugier-Hill [97-Y.Gross-Matos] at CAR 13. 54-K.Grugier-Hill to CAR 44 for 31 yards (17-K.Osborn).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 15:07) — (:07) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left to 18-J.Jefferson for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CAR-99-S.Tuttle, Defensive Offside, declined.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 57:17) — (12:17) 8-K.Cousins pass incomplete deep middle to 3-J.Addison. PENALTY on CAR-42-S.Franklin, Defensive Pass Interference, 45 yards, enforced at CAR 49 - No Play.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 55:42) — (10:42) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 17-K.Osborn INTERCEPTED by 42-S.Franklin at CAR 1. 42-S.Franklin for 99 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 19:09) — (4:09) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young sacked at MIN 39 for -11 yards (22-H.Smith). FUMBLES (22-H.Smith) [22-H.Smith], RECOVERED by MIN-98-D.Wonnum at MIN 49. 98-D.Wonnum for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 30:46) — (:46) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right intended for 3-J.Addison INTERCEPTED by 54-K.Grugier-Hill [97-Y.Gross-Matos] at CAR 13. 54-K.Grugier-Hill to CAR 44 for 31 yards (17-K.Osborn).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 57:17) — (12:17) 8-K.Cousins pass incomplete deep middle to 3-J.Addison. PENALTY on CAR-42-S.Franklin, Defensive Pass Interference, 45 yards, enforced at CAR 49 - No Play.
Quarterback report card
B.Young led all passers in efficiency for Carolina Panthers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B.Young (Carolina Panthers) · 43 dropbacks · 58.1% completion · +5.1% CPOE · -0.28 EPA/play · -11.95 total EPA
- K.Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 25 dropbacks · 48.0% completion · +2.8% CPOE · -0.41 EPA/play · -10.30 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | Carolina Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.088 | -0.184 |
| Offensive success rate | 50.0% | 38.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.412 | -0.278 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.178 | -0.164 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.184 | +0.088 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.4% | 50.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.09 vs -0.18), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, -16.17 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, -5.09 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.
- J. Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- B. Young (CAR) 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.
- Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 55:42 · CAR 5 · Score 0-6
(10:42) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 17-K.Osborn INTERCEPTED by 42-S.Franklin at CAR 1. 42-S.Franklin for 99 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 55:27 · MIN 15 · Score 0-7
4-E.Pineiro extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q2 44:59 · MIN 8 · Score 0-10
(14:59) 4-E.Pineiro 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 39:49 · CAR 4 · Score 6-10
(9:49) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 18-J.Jefferson for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+7) — Q2 39:43 · CAR 15 · Score 7-10
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q2 30:02 · MIN 38 · Score 7-13
(:02) 4-E.Pineiro 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q2 30:00 · Score 7-13
END QUARTER 2 - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 19:09 · MIN 28 · Score 13-13
(4:09) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young sacked at MIN 39 for -11 yards (22-H.Smith). FUMBLES (22-H.Smith) [22-H.Smith], RECOVERED by MIN-98-D.Wonnum at MIN 49. 98-D.Wonnum f - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 18:58 · CAR 15 · Score 14-13
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 15:07 · CAR 30 · Score 20-13
(:07) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left to 18-J.Jefferson for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CAR-99-S.Tuttle, Defensive Offside, declined. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 15:00 · CAR 15 · Score 21-13
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Carolina Panthers 21-13 in Week 4, 2023 on 2023-10-01.
What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 21, Carolina Panthers 13 (MIN 21-13 CAR) in Week 4, 2023 on 2023-10-01.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers?
Q1: Minnesota Vikings 0, Carolina Panthers 7; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 13, Carolina Panthers 9; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 14, Carolina Panthers 0; Final: Minnesota Vikings 21, Carolina Panthers 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers?
Carolina Panthers touchdown — S. Franklin (Q1 55:42) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 39:49) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — D. Wonnum (Q3 19:09) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 15:07) Carolina Panthers field goal — E. Pineiro (Q2 44:59, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — E. Pineiro (Q2 30:02, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — unlisted player (Q2 30:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers?
B. Young (Carolina Panthers), 58.1% completion, +5.1% CPOE, -0.28 EPA per dropback, -11.95 total passing EPA. K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 48.0% completion, +2.8% CPOE, -0.41 EPA per dropback, -10.30 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers?
J. Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +6.91 on receiving plays. across 9 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-11.25 EPA): (10:42) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 17-K.Osborn INTERCEPTED by 42-S.Franklin at CAR 1. 42-S.Franklin for 99 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -32.0%.
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 0-3 Now 1-3 W
Carolina Panthers
Entered 0-3 Now 0-4 L
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