Game story
In Week 15 of the 2012 NFL season on 2012-12-16, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Los Angeles Rams, pulling away with a 36–22 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 30 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
S. Bradford (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with +0.75 total EPA, and -3.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.46 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+20.1% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (12:34) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 23 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 36 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 0 | 7 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 22 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Peterson · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +5.46 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 2 A. Pettis · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +3.76 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play
- 3 B. Gibson · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +3.54 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 4 D. Amendola · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +2.61 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play
- 5 S. Jackson · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +2.28 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 6 C. Ponder · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +1.80 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 7 M. Jenkins · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.13 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
- 8 C. Harkey · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.11 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Peterson — MIN · Rushing
A. Peterson posted the highest total EPA (+5.46) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 24 counted snaps, they averaged +0.23 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.82 EPA) came from Los Angeles Rams: (8:33) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short middle intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 97-E.Griffen at LA 29. 97-E.Griffen for 29 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 — C. Ponder
- Los Angeles Rams — B. Quick (S. Bradford pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Peterson
- Minnesota Vikings — E. Griffen
- Los Angeles Rams — D. Amendola (S. Bradford pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — L. Kendricks (S. Bradford pass)
Field goals
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LA 5 (Q1 52:14) — (7:14) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder scrambles left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q1 52:07) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 23–7. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the MIN 4 (Q2 42:44); Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q2 42:39) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LA 82 (Q2 42:34) — (12:34) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q2 42:21) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 32 (Q2 39:17) — (9:17) 3-B.Walsh 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 79 (Q2 38:33); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q2 38:25) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 20 (Q2 33:15) — (3:15) 3-B.Walsh 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 24 (Q2 30:02) — (:02) 3-B.Walsh 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 3–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 35 (Q3 21:01) — (6:01) 3-B.Walsh 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 15–3. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the MIN 6 (Q4 13:45) — (13:45) 8-S.Bradford pass short right to 16-D.Amendola for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q4 13:39) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the MIN 6 (Q4 7:52) — (7:52) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short middle to 88-L.Kendricks for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams registered a safety from the MIN 2 (Q4 7:48) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-S.Bradford pass to 16-D.Amendola is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 33 (Q4 5:36) — (5:36) 3-B.Walsh 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 42:34) — (12:34) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 41:00) — (11:00) 8-S.Bradford Aborted. 63-S.Wells FUMBLES at LA 28, RECOVERED by MIN-52-C.Greenway at LA 28. 52-C.Greenway to LA 28 for no gain (79-B.Richardson).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 38:33) — (8:33) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short middle intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 97-E.Griffen at LA 29. 97-E.Griffen for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 54:00) — (9:00) 7-C.Ponder scrambles left end ran ob at LA 4 for 3 yards (92-E.Sims). PENALTY on LA-51-M.Haggan, Defensive Holding, 2 yards, enforced at LA 4.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 52:14) — (7:14) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder scrambles left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 38:33) — (8:33) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short middle intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 97-E.Griffen at LA 29. 97-E.Griffen for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 42:34) — (12:34) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 41:00) — (11:00) 8-S.Bradford Aborted. 63-S.Wells FUMBLES at LA 28, RECOVERED by MIN-52-C.Greenway at LA 28. 52-C.Greenway to LA 28 for no gain (79-B.Richardson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 7:48) — (7:48) 28-A.Peterson right tackle to LA 28 for 52 yards (21-J.Jenkins).
Quarterback report card
S.Bradford led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- S.Bradford (Los Angeles Rams) · 64 dropbacks · 54.7% completion · -3.3% CPOE · +0.01 EPA/play · +0.75 total EPA
- C.Ponder (Minnesota Vikings) · 28 dropbacks · 60.7% completion · -0.1% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +1.80 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.117 | -0.110 |
| Offensive success rate | 46.1% | 47.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.064 | +0.012 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.032 | -0.346 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.110 | -0.117 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.9% | 53.9% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.12 vs -0.11), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Los Angeles Rams: 12 drives, -11.26 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 13 drives, +8.86 total EPA, 7 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.
- A. Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- S. Bradford (LA) 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 TD (+6) — Q1 52:14 · LA 5 · Score 6-0
(7:14) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder scrambles left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 52:07 · LA 2 · Score 7-0
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 42:44 · MIN 4 · Score 7-6
(12:44) 8-S.Bradford pass short right to 83-B.Quick for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 42:39 · MIN 2 · Score 7-7
4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 42:34 · LA 82 · Score 13-7
(12:34) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 42:21 · LA 2 · Score 14-7
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 39:17 · LA 32 · Score 17-7
(9:17) 3-B.Walsh 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 38:33 · MIN 79 · Score 23-7
(8:33) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short middle intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 97-E.Griffen at LA 29. 97-E.Griffen for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 38:25 · LA 2 · Score 24-7
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 33:15 · LA 20 · Score 27-7
(3:15) 3-B.Walsh 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 30:02 · LA 24 · Score 30-7
(:02) 3-B.Walsh 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 21:01 · LA 35 · Score 33-7
(6:01) 3-B.Walsh 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 13:45 · MIN 6 · Score 33-13
(13:45) 8-S.Bradford pass short right to 16-D.Amendola for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q4 13:39 · MIN 2 · Score 33-14
4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 7:52 · MIN 6 · Score 33-20
(7:52) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short middle to 88-L.Kendricks for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams Safety (+2) — Q4 7:48 · MIN 2 · Score 33-22
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-S.Bradford pass to 16-D.Amendola is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 5:36 · LA 33 · Score 36-22
(5:36) 3-B.Walsh 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Los Angeles Rams 36-22 in Week 15, 2012 on 2012-12-16.
What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 36, Los Angeles Rams 22 (MIN 36-22 LA) in Week 15, 2012 on 2012-12-16.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
Q1: Minnesota Vikings 7, Los Angeles Rams 0; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 23, Los Angeles Rams 7; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 3, Los Angeles Rams 0; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 3, Los Angeles Rams 15; Final: Minnesota Vikings 36, Los Angeles Rams 22.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — C. Ponder (Q1 52:14) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — B. Quick (S. Bradford pass) (Q2 42:44) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Peterson (Q2 42:34) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — E. Griffen (Q2 38:33) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — D. Amendola (S. Bradford pass) (Q4 13:45) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — L. Kendricks (S. Bradford pass) (Q4 7:52) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 39:17, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 33:15, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 30:02, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q3 21:01, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q4 5:36, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
S. Bradford (Los Angeles Rams), 54.7% completion, -3.3% CPOE, +0.01 EPA per dropback, +0.75 total passing EPA. C. Ponder (Minnesota Vikings), 60.7% completion, -0.1% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +1.80 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
A. Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +5.46 on rushing plays. across 24 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.82 EPA): (8:33) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short middle intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 97-E.Griffen at LA 29. 97-E.Griffen for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +20.1%.
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 7-6 Now 8-6 W
Los Angeles Rams
Entered 6-6 Now 6-7 L
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