Game story
In Week 17 of the 2015 NFL season on 2016-01-03, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Green Bay Packers, pulling away with a 20–13 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
A. Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) paced the passing game, with -9.86 total EPA, and +4.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Thielen (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.94 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+15.7% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (12:16) (Punt formation) 19-A.Thielen left end to GB 21 for 41 yards (55-A.Mulumba).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 3 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Green Bay Packers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +6.94 total EPA · 2 snaps · +3.47 EPA/play
- 2 R. Rodgers · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +2.93 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 3 R. Cobb · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +1.82 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 4 D. Adams · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +1.33 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 5 A. Peterson · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +1.23 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 6 J. Starks · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +1.21 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 7 A. Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.11 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 8 J. McKinnon · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +0.52 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Thielen — MIN · Rushing
A. Thielen posted the highest total EPA (+6.94) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 2 counted snaps, they averaged +3.47 EPA per play.
The signature play (-8.54 EPA) came from Green Bay Packers: (4:42) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 47 for -8 yards (97-E.Griffen). FUMBLES (97-E.Griffen), RECOVERED by MIN-24-C.Munnerlyn at MIN 45. 24-C.Munnerlyn for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the fumbl
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Peterson
- Minnesota Vikings — C. Munnerlyn
- Green Bay Packers — R. Rodgers (A. Rodgers pass)
Field goals
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
- Green Bay Packers — M. Crosby
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
- Green Bay Packers — M. Crosby
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the GB 21 (Q1 55:49) — (10:49) 3-B.Walsh 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Green Bay Packers connected on a field goal from the MIN 10 (Q1 47:06) — (2:06) 2-M.Crosby 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-R.Lovato, Holder-8-T.Masthay..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 3–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the GB 14 (Q2 32:58) — (2:58) 3-B.Walsh 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the GB 3 (Q3 25:37) — (10:37) (Shotgun) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the GB 15 (Q3 25:32) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 45 (Q3 19:42); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the GB 15 (Q3 19:28) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..
The fourth quarter: Green Bay Packers won the period 10–0. Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the MIN 16 (Q4 13:37) — (13:37) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 82-R.Rodgers for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 13:27) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-59-R.Lovato, Holder-8-T.Masthay.; Green Bay Packers connected on a field goal from the MIN 25 (Q4 5:39) — (5:39) 2-M.Crosby 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-R.Lovato, Holder-8-T.Masthay..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 57:16) — (12:16) (Punt formation) 19-A.Thielen left end to GB 21 for 41 yards (55-A.Mulumba).
- Green Bay Packers (Q4 4:37) — (4:37) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep middle to 89-J.Jones to MIN 23 for 37 yards (23-T.Newman). MIN-55-A.Barr was injured during the play.
- Green Bay Packers (Q3 19:42) — (4:42) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 47 for -8 yards (97-E.Griffen). FUMBLES (97-E.Griffen), RECOVERED by MIN-24-C.Munnerlyn at MIN 45. 24-C.Munnerlyn for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Officia
- Green Bay Packers (Q4 2:18) — (2:18) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep left intended for 89-J.Jones INTERCEPTED by 29-X.Rhodes [92-T.Johnson] at MIN -4. Touchback.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 21:35) — (6:35) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle intended for 11-M.Wallace INTERCEPTED by 33-M.Hyde [96-M.Neal] at MIN 43. 33-M.Hyde to MIN 43 for no gain (17-J.Wright). The Replay Official reviewed
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Green Bay Packers (Q3 19:42) — (4:42) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 47 for -8 yards (97-E.Griffen). FUMBLES (97-E.Griffen), RECOVERED by MIN-24-C.Munnerlyn at MIN 45. 24-C.Munnerlyn for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Officia
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 57:16) — (12:16) (Punt formation) 19-A.Thielen left end to GB 21 for 41 yards (55-A.Mulumba).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 21:35) — (6:35) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle intended for 11-M.Wallace INTERCEPTED by 33-M.Hyde [96-M.Neal] at MIN 43. 33-M.Hyde to MIN 43 for no gain (17-J.Wright). The Replay Official reviewed
- Green Bay Packers (Q4 2:18) — (2:18) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep left intended for 89-J.Jones INTERCEPTED by 29-X.Rhodes [92-T.Johnson] at MIN -4. Touchback.
Quarterback report card
A.Rodgers led all passers in efficiency for Green Bay Packers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- A.Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) · 54 dropbacks · 51.9% completion · +4.2% CPOE · -0.18 EPA/play · -9.86 total EPA
- T.Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) · 23 dropbacks · 43.5% completion · -3.2% CPOE · -0.41 EPA/play · -9.45 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | Green Bay Packers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.041 | -0.132 |
| Offensive success rate | 37.5% | 37.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.411 | -0.183 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.317 | -0.165 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.132 | +0.041 |
| Defensive success rate | 62.8% | 62.5% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.04 vs -0.13), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Green Bay Packers: 12 drives, -12.43 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, -2.63 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.
- A. Thielen (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- A. Rodgers (GB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- T. Bridgewater (MIN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q1 55:49 · GB 21 · Score 3-0
(10:49) 3-B.Walsh 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Green Bay Packers FG (+3) — Q1 47:06 · MIN 10 · Score 3-3
(2:06) 2-M.Crosby 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-R.Lovato, Holder-8-T.Masthay. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 32:58 · GB 14 · Score 6-3
(2:58) 3-B.Walsh 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 25:37 · GB 3 · Score 12-3
(10:37) (Shotgun) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 25:32 · GB 15 · Score 13-3
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 19:42 · MIN 45 · Score 19-3
(4:42) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 47 for -8 yards (97-E.Griffen). FUMBLES (97-E.Griffen), RECOVERED by MIN-24-C.Munnerlyn at MIN 45. 24-C.Munnerlyn for - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 19:28 · GB 15 · Score 20-3
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q4 13:37 · MIN 16 · Score 20-9
(13:37) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 82-R.Rodgers for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q4 13:27 · MIN 15 · Score 20-10
2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-59-R.Lovato, Holder-8-T.Masthay. - Green Bay Packers FG (+3) — Q4 5:39 · MIN 25 · Score 20-13
(5:39) 2-M.Crosby 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-R.Lovato, Holder-8-T.Masthay.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 20-13 in Week 17, 2015 on 2016-01-03.
What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 20, Green Bay Packers 13 (MIN 20-13 GB) in Week 17, 2015 on 2016-01-03.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?
Q1: Minnesota Vikings 3, Green Bay Packers 3; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 3, Green Bay Packers 0; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 14, Green Bay Packers 0; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 0, Green Bay Packers 10; Final: Minnesota Vikings 20, Green Bay Packers 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Peterson (Q3 25:37) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — C. Munnerlyn (Q3 19:42) Green Bay Packers touchdown — R. Rodgers (A. Rodgers pass) (Q4 13:37) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q1 55:49, 3 pts) Green Bay Packers field goal — M. Crosby (Q1 47:06, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 32:58, 3 pts) Green Bay Packers field goal — M. Crosby (Q4 5:39, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?
A. Rodgers (Green Bay Packers), 51.9% completion, +4.2% CPOE, -0.18 EPA per dropback, -9.86 total passing EPA. T. Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings), 43.5% completion, -3.2% CPOE, -0.41 EPA per dropback, -9.45 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?
A. Thielen (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +6.94 on rushing plays. across 2 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-8.54 EPA): (4:42) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers sacked at GB 47 for -8 yards (97-E.Griffen). FUMBLES (97-E.Griffen), RECOVERED by MIN-24-C.Munnerlyn at MIN 45. 24-C.Munnerlyn for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The biggest win-probability swing was +15.7%.
Was Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Minnesota Vikings won 20-13 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 10-5 Now 11-5 W
Green Bay Packers
Entered 10-5 Now 10-6 L
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