Game story
In Week 16 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-12-23, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Detroit Lions, pulling away with a 27–9 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with -9.20 total EPA, and -13.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, K. Rudolph (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.56 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+15.3% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 14 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 27 |
| Detroit Lions | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +11.56 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.28 EPA/play
- 2 K. Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +9.06 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 3 A. Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.87 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 4 D. Cook · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.04 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 5 L. Toilolo · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +0.96 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
- 6 T. Jones · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +0.64 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 7 Z. Zenner · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +0.43 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
- 8 K. Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · -0.06 total EPA · 1 snaps · -0.06 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
K. Rudolph — MIN · Receiving
K. Rudolph posted the highest total EPA (+11.56) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +1.28 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.17 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — S. Diggs (K. Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (K. Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (K. Cousins pass)
Field goals
- Detroit Lions — M. Prater
- Detroit Lions — M. Prater
- Detroit Lions — M. Prater
- Minnesota Vikings — D. Bailey
- Minnesota Vikings — D. Bailey
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 3–0. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 29 (Q1 52:35) — (7:35) 5-M.Prater 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–6. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 17 (Q2 40:43) — (10:43) 5-M.Prater 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 30 (Q2 34:10) — (4:10) 5-M.Prater 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 8 (Q2 31:35) — (1:35) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 31:32) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 44 (Q2 30:02) — (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 30:00) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 3–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DET 6 (Q3 23:57) — (8:57) 5-D.Bailey 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 4 (Q4 13:31) — (13:31) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q4 13:25) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DET 11 (Q4 4:19) — (4:19) 5-D.Bailey 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 30:02) — (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 31:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen to DET 9 for 40 yards (23-D.Slay). DET-23-D.Slay was injured during the play.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 58:49) — (13:49) 34-Z.Zenner up the middle pushed ob at MIN 37 for 29 yards (22-H.Smith).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 31:35) — (1:35) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 57:21) — (12:21) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 25-T.Riddick to MIN 44 for -4 yards (50-E.Wilson).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 30:02) — (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 2:08) — (2:08) 25-L.Murray left end to DET 21 for -6 yards (32-T.Wilson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 31:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen to DET 9 for 40 yards (23-D.Slay). DET-23-D.Slay was injured during the play.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 6:35) — (6:35) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford sacked at DET 10 for -8 yards (50-E.Wilson).
Quarterback report card
M.Stafford led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 37 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · -13.8% CPOE · -0.25 EPA/play · -9.20 total EPA
- K.Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 31 dropbacks · 67.7% completion · +8.0% CPOE · +0.29 EPA/play · +9.06 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.045 | -0.271 |
| Offensive success rate | 37.5% | 33.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.292 | -0.281 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.347 | -0.445 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.271 | +0.045 |
| Defensive success rate | 67.0% | 62.5% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.04 vs -0.27), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Detroit Lions: 12 drives, -24.67 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, -3.58 total EPA, 5 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.
- K. Rudolph (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Stafford (DET) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- K. Cousins (MIN) 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.
- Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 52:35 · MIN 29 · Score 0-3
(7:35) 5-M.Prater 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 40:43 · MIN 17 · Score 0-6
(10:43) 5-M.Prater 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 34:10 · MIN 30 · Score 0-9
(4:10) 5-M.Prater 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 31:35 · DET 8 · Score 6-9
(1:35) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 31:32 · DET 15 · Score 7-9
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 30:02 · DET 44 · Score 13-9
(:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 30:00 · DET 15 · Score 14-9
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 23:57 · DET 6 · Score 17-9
(8:57) 5-D.Bailey 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 13:31 · DET 4 · Score 23-9
(13:31) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 13:25 · DET 15 · Score 24-9
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 4:19 · DET 11 · Score 27-9
(4:19) 5-D.Bailey 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 27-9 in Week 16, 2018 on 2018-12-23.
What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 27, Detroit Lions 9 (MIN 27-9 DET) in Week 16, 2018 on 2018-12-23.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?
Q1: Minnesota Vikings 0, Detroit Lions 3; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 14, Detroit Lions 6; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 3, Detroit Lions 0; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 10, Detroit Lions 0; Final: Minnesota Vikings 27, Detroit Lions 9.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — S. Diggs (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 31:35) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 30:02) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 13:31) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q1 52:35, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q2 40:43, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q2 34:10, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q3 23:57, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q4 4:19, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions), 48.6% completion, -13.8% CPOE, -0.25 EPA per dropback, -9.20 total passing EPA. K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 67.7% completion, +8.0% CPOE, +0.29 EPA per dropback, +9.06 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?
K. Rudolph (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +11.56 on receiving plays. across 9 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.17 EPA): (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +15.3%.
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 7-6 Now 8-6 W
Detroit Lions
Entered 5-9 Now 5-10 L
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