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NFL · Week 16 · December 24, 2016 · 12 min read

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers: 2016 Week 16 Recap

Packers defeat Vikings 38–25 in Week 16

Adam Thielen led Fantasy Impact as Packers prevailed in a 25–38 Week 16 finish.

Minnesota Vikings 25 7–8
Final 25–38
Green Bay Packers 38 9–6 Winner
Winner
Green Bay Packers
Final score
25–38
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 13–28 Green Bay Packers
Top passer
S. Bradford
FantasyHQ MVP
Adam Thielen
Game date
December 24, 2016

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Adam Thielen
    Adam Thielen 12 REC · 202 YDS · 2 TD +18.8 Fantasy Impact
  • S.Bradford 34/57 · 358 YDS · 3 TD +6.3 Fantasy Impact
  • K.Rudolph 6 REC · 53 YDS +2.3 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Packers

  • Aaron Rodgers
    Aaron Rodgers 28/44 · 321 YDS · 5 TD +14.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Jack Nelson
    Jack Nelson 9 REC · 154 YDS · 2 TD +12.5 Fantasy Impact
  • G.Allison 4 REC · 66 YDS +4.5 Fantasy Impact
View Vikings vs Packers box score View all 2016 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38–25 in Week 16 of the 2016 NFL season on 2016-12-24, a matchup that built a comfortable lead. The decisive swing (-11.8% win probability) came in the second quarter when Minnesota Vikings swung the momentum.

In Week 16 of the 2016 NFL season on 2016-12-24, the Green Bay Packers took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 38–25 final that built a comfortable lead.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

S. Bradford (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with +6.35 total EPA, and +3.5% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, A. Thielen (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +18.77 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-11.8% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (1:00) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford sacked at GB 47 for -6 yards (52-C.Matthews). FUMBLES (52-C.Matthews) [52-C.Matthews], RECOVERED by GB-76-M.Daniels at GB 46. 76-M.Daniels to GB 46 for no gain (21-J.McKi

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q4——T
Minnesota Vikings310120025
Green Bay Packers1414100038

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 A. Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +18.77 total EPA · 15 snaps · +1.25 EPA/play
  2. 2 A. Rodgers · Green Bay Packers · Passing · +14.42 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
  3. 3 J. Nelson · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +12.46 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.13 EPA/play
  4. 4 S. Bradford · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +6.35 total EPA · 57 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
  5. 5 G. Allison · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +4.46 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
  6. 6 R. Rodgers · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +3.29 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.65 EPA/play
  7. 7 D. Adams · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +2.51 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
  8. 8 K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.32 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

A. Thielen — MIN · Receiving

A. Thielen posted the highest total EPA (+18.77) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 15 counted snaps, they averaged +1.25 EPA per play.

The signature play (+5.94 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: (7:35) 8-S.Bradford pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Green Bay Packers — J. Nelson (A. Rodgers pass) (Q1 52:20)
  • Green Bay Packers — D. Adams (A. Rodgers pass) (Q1 46:54)
  • Green Bay Packers — J. Nelson (A. Rodgers pass) (Q2 38:19)
  • Minnesota Vikings — A. Thielen (S. Bradford pass) (Q2 37:35)
  • Green Bay Packers — A. Rodgers (Q2 30:32)
  • Green Bay Packers — R. Rodgers (A. Rodgers pass) (Q4 9:07)
  • Minnesota Vikings — S. Diggs (S. Bradford pass) (Q4 4:24)
  • Minnesota Vikings — A. Thielen (S. Bradford pass) (Q4 0:40)

Field goals

  • Minnesota Vikings — K. Forbath (Q1 48:40)
  • Minnesota Vikings — K. Forbath (Q2 42:34)
  • Green Bay Packers — M. Crosby (Q4 15:00)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Green Bay Packers won the period 14–3. Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the MIN 21 (Q1 52:20) — (7:20) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 87-J.Nelson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 52:13) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the GB 4 (Q1 48:40) — (3:40) 2-K.Forbath 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the MIN 20 (Q1 46:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep right to 17-D.Adams for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 46:49) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum..

The second quarter: Green Bay Packers won the period 14–10. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the GB 8 (Q2 42:34) — (12:34) 2-K.Forbath 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the MIN 2 (Q2 38:19) — (8:19) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 87-J.Nelson for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 38:11) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the GB 71 (Q2 37:35) — (7:35) 8-S.Bradford pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the GB 15 (Q2 37:24) — 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the MIN 6 (Q2 30:32) — (:32) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers scrambles left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 30:24) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 12–10. Green Bay Packers connected on a field goal from the MIN 30 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 2-M.Crosby 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the MIN 13 (Q4 9:07); Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 9:02) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the GB 3 (Q4 4:24) — (4:24) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short right to 14-S.Diggs for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the GB 8 (Q4 0:40) — (:40) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-K.Clark]..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 31:00) — (1:00) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford sacked at GB 47 for -6 yards (52-C.Matthews). FUMBLES (52-C.Matthews) [52-C.Matthews], RECOVERED by GB-76-M.Daniels at GB 46. 76-M.Daniels to GB 46 for no gain (21-J.McKi [WPA -11.8% · EPA -4.72]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q1 46:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep right to 17-D.Adams for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +8.2% · EPA +3.11]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 39:50) — (9:50) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford Aborted. 62-N.Easton FUMBLES at MIN 42, RECOVERED by GB-97-K.Clark at MIN 42. 97-K.Clark to MIN 42 for no gain (62-N.Easton). [WPA -8.0% · EPA -4.86]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 37:35) — (7:35) 8-S.Bradford pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.9% · EPA +5.94]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q1 48:28) — (3:28) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep left to 87-J.Nelson to MIN 26 for 48 yards (26-T.Waynes). [WPA +7.7% · EPA +2.94]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 37:35) — (7:35) 8-S.Bradford pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.9% · EPA +5.94]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 39:50) — (9:50) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford Aborted. 62-N.Easton FUMBLES at MIN 42, RECOVERED by GB-97-K.Clark at MIN 42. 97-K.Clark to MIN 42 for no gain (62-N.Easton). [WPA -8.0% · EPA -4.86]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 31:00) — (1:00) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford sacked at GB 47 for -6 yards (52-C.Matthews). FUMBLES (52-C.Matthews) [52-C.Matthews], RECOVERED by GB-76-M.Daniels at GB 46. 76-M.Daniels to GB 46 for no gain (21-J.McKi [WPA -11.8% · EPA -4.72]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 2:30) — (2:30) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen pushed ob at GB 12 for 24 yards (24-Q.Rollins). [WPA +0.2% · EPA +3.65]

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) · 57 dropbacks · 59.6% completion · +3.5% CPOE · +0.11 EPA/play · +6.35 total EPA
  • A.Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) · 44 dropbacks · 63.6% completion · +13.3% CPOE · +0.33 EPA/play · +14.42 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatMinnesota VikingsGreen Bay Packers
Offensive EPA/play-0.055+0.079
Offensive success rate40.2%46.2%
Pass EPA/play+0.111+0.309
Rush EPA/play-0.295-0.365
Defensive EPA/play-0.079+0.055
Defensive success rate53.8%59.8%

By the numbers

Green Bay Packers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.08 vs -0.06), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

  • Green Bay Packers: 13 drives, +6.29 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 14 drives, -5.34 total EPA, 5 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

  • Green Bay Packers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
  • A. Thielen (Minnesota Vikings) 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. Rodgers (GB) 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.

  1. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q1 52:20 · MIN 21 · Score 0-6
    (7:20) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 87-J.Nelson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q1 52:13 · MIN 15 · Score 0-7
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.
  3. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q1 48:40 · GB 4 · Score 3-7
    (3:40) 2-K.Forbath 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  4. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q1 46:54 · MIN 20 · Score 3-13
    (1:54) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep right to 17-D.Adams for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q1 46:49 · MIN 15 · Score 3-14
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.
  6. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 42:34 · GB 8 · Score 6-14
    (12:34) 2-K.Forbath 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  7. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q2 38:19 · MIN 2 · Score 6-20
    (8:19) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 87-J.Nelson for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q2 38:11 · MIN 15 · Score 6-21
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.
  9. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 37:35 · GB 71 · Score 12-21
    (7:35) 8-S.Bradford pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 37:24 · GB 15 · Score 13-21
    2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  11. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q2 30:32 · MIN 6 · Score 13-27
    (:32) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers scrambles left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q2 30:24 · MIN 15 · Score 13-28
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.
  13. Green Bay Packers FG (+3) — Q4 15:00 · MIN 30 · Score 13-31
    (15:00) 2-M.Crosby 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.
  14. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q4 9:07 · MIN 13 · Score 13-37
    (9:07) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short middle to 82-R.Rodgers for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on MIN-34-A.Sendejo, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced
  15. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q4 9:02 · MIN 15 · Score 13-38
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-J.Schum.
  16. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 4:24 · GB 3 · Score 19-38
    (4:24) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short right to 14-S.Diggs for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  17. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 0:40 · GB 8 · Score 25-38
    (:40) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-K.Clark].

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?

The Green Bay Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings 38-25 in Week 16, 2016 on 2016-12-24.

What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?

The final score was Minnesota Vikings 25, Green Bay Packers 38 (MIN 25-38 GB) in Week 16, 2016 on 2016-12-24.

What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 3, Green Bay Packers 14; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 10, Green Bay Packers 14; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 12, Green Bay Packers 10; Final: Minnesota Vikings 25, Green Bay Packers 38.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers?

Green Bay Packers touchdown — J. Nelson (A. Rodgers pass) (Q1 52:20) Green Bay Packers touchdown — D. Adams (A. Rodgers pass) (Q1 46:54) Green Bay Packers touchdown — J. Nelson (A. Rodgers pass) (Q2 38:19) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (S. Bradford pass) (Q2 37:35) Green Bay Packers touchdown — A. Rodgers (Q2 30:32) Green Bay Packers touchdown — R. Rodgers (A. Rodgers pass) (Q4 9:07) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — S. Diggs (S. Bradford pass) (Q4 4:24) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (S. Bradford pass) (Q4 0:40) Minnesota Vikings field goal — K. Forbath (Q1 48:40, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — K. Forbath (Q2 42:34, 3 pts) Green Bay Packers field goal — M. Crosby (Q4 15:00, 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?

S. Bradford (Minnesota Vikings), 59.6% completion, +3.5% CPOE, +0.11 EPA per dropback, +6.35 total passing EPA. A. Rodgers (Green Bay Packers), 63.6% completion, +13.3% CPOE, +0.33 EPA per dropback, +14.42 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 +18.77 on receiving plays. across 15 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.94 EPA): (7:35) 8-S.Bradford pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -11.8%.

Season records after this game

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 7-7 Now 7-8 L

Green Bay Packers

Entered 8-6 Now 9-6 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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