Game story
In Week 13 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-12-02, the New England Patriots took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 24–10 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 10 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with -12.41 total EPA, and +2.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Brady (New England Patriots) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.94 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+13.2% win probability) landed in the third quarter when New England Patriots changed the game: (:42) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 10-J.Gordon for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 508th career TD pass, ties Favre for 3rd-most all-time. NE 12-Brady 579th career TD pass (including pos
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| New England Patriots | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Brady · New England Patriots · Passing · +11.94 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 2 J. Gordon · New England Patriots · Receiving · +5.35 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.78 EPA/play
- 3 C. Patterson · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.82 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.91 EPA/play
- 4 C. Hogan · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.61 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.81 EPA/play
- 5 K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.27 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.09 EPA/play
- 6 J. Edelman · New England Patriots · Rushing · +2.27 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.14 EPA/play
- 7 J. White · New England Patriots · Receiving · +1.39 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
- 8 S. Diggs · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.31 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Brady — NE · Passing
T. Brady posted the highest total EPA (+11.94) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on New England Patriots's efficiency. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.35 EPA per play.
The signature play (-3.89 EPA) came from New England Patriots: (5:31) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right intended for 11-J.Edelman INTERCEPTED by 54-E.Kendricks [22-H.Smith] at MIN 45. 54-E.Kendricks to MIN 45 for no gain (11-J.Edelman).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New England Patriots — J. Develin
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass)
- New England Patriots — J. Gordon (T. Brady pass)
- New England Patriots — J. Develin
Field goals
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
- 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: New England Patriots won the period 7–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q1 54:36) — (9:36) 68-L.Waddle reported in as eligible. 46-J.Develin up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 54:33) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. NE 3-Gostkowski 1,711 career pts, ties Lowery for 14th all-time..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–3. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the MIN 1 (Q2 35:48); Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the NE 5 (Q2 30:19) — (:19) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 19-A.Thielen for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q2 30:15) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..
The third quarter: New England Patriots won the period 7–3. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the NE 21 (Q3 17:24) — (2:24) 5-D.Bailey 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIN 24 (Q3 15:42); New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 15:35) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen..
The fourth quarter: New England Patriots won the period 7–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIN 2 (Q4 10:57) — (10:57) 68-L.Waddle reported in as eligible. 46-J.Develin up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 10:54) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New England Patriots (Q3 15:42) — (:42) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 10-J.Gordon for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 508th career TD pass, ties Favre for 3rd-most all-time. NE 12-Brady 579th career TD pass (including pos
- New England Patriots (Q2 30:01) — (:01) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 28-J.White to MIN 11 for 42 yards (22-H.Smith).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at MIN 20 for -10 yards (98-T.Flowers).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 18:57) — (3:57) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph pushed ob at NE 40 for 5 yards (22-O.Melifonwu). New England challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on
- New England Patriots (Q3 21:26) — (6:26) 3-S.Gostkowski 48 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- New England Patriots (Q4 5:31) — (5:31) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right intended for 11-J.Edelman INTERCEPTED by 54-E.Kendricks [22-H.Smith] at MIN 45. 54-E.Kendricks to MIN 45 for no gain (11-J.Edelman).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 50:31) — (5:31) 5-D.Bailey 48 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 4:50) — (4:50) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left intended for 17-A.Robinson INTERCEPTED by 21-D.Harmon (27-J.Jackson) at NE -7. Touchback.
- New England Patriots (Q3 21:26) — (6:26) 3-S.Gostkowski 48 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
Quarterback report card
K.Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- K.Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 47 dropbacks · 68.1% completion · +2.5% CPOE · -0.26 EPA/play · -12.41 total EPA
- T.Brady (New England Patriots) · 34 dropbacks · 70.6% completion · +1.6% CPOE · +0.35 EPA/play · +11.94 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | New England Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.162 | +0.046 |
| Offensive success rate | 40.8% | 55.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.264 | +0.351 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.139 | -0.063 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.046 | +0.162 |
| Defensive success rate | 44.3% | 59.2% |
By the numbers
New England Patriots held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.05 vs -0.16), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, -12.34 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- New England Patriots: 12 drives, +4.07 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- New England Patriots leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- T. Brady (New England Patriots) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 54:36 · MIN 1 · Score 0-6
(9:36) 68-L.Waddle reported in as eligible. 46-J.Develin up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 54:33 · MIN 15 · Score 0-7
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. NE 3-Gostkowski 1,711 career pts, ties Lowery for 14th all-time. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 35:48 · MIN 1 · Score 0-10
(5:48) 3-S.Gostkowski 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. NE 3-Gostkowski 12th career 100-pt season, ties Akers, Hanson & Stover - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 30:19 · NE 5 · Score 6-10
(:19) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 19-A.Thielen for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 30:15 · NE 15 · Score 7-10
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 17:24 · NE 21 · Score 10-10
(2:24) 5-D.Bailey 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 15:42 · MIN 24 · Score 10-16
(:42) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 10-J.Gordon for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 508th career TD pass, ties Favre for 3rd-most all-time. NE 12-B - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q3 15:35 · MIN 15 · Score 10-17
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 10:57 · MIN 2 · Score 10-23
(10:57) 68-L.Waddle reported in as eligible. 46-J.Develin up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 10:54 · MIN 15 · Score 10-24
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs New England Patriots?
The New England Patriots beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-10 in Week 13, 2018 on 2018-12-02.
What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs New England Patriots?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 10, New England Patriots 24 (MIN 10-24 NE) in Week 13, 2018 on 2018-12-02.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs New England Patriots?
Q1: Minnesota Vikings 0, New England Patriots 7; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 7, New England Patriots 3; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 3, New England Patriots 7; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 0, New England Patriots 7; Final: Minnesota Vikings 10, New England Patriots 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs New England Patriots?
New England Patriots touchdown — J. Develin (Q1 54:36) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 30:19) New England Patriots touchdown — J. Gordon (T. Brady pass) (Q3 15:42) New England Patriots touchdown — J. Develin (Q4 10:57) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q2 35:48, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q3 17:24, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs New England Patriots?
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 68.1% completion, +2.5% CPOE, -0.26 EPA per dropback, -12.41 total passing EPA. T. Brady (New England Patriots), 70.6% completion, +1.6% CPOE, +0.35 EPA per dropback, +11.94 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Minnesota Vikings vs New England Patriots?
T. Brady (New England Patriots) led the game in total EPA with +11.94 on passing plays. across 34 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-3.89 EPA): (5:31) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right intended for 11-J.Edelman INTERCEPTED by 54-E.Kendricks [22-H.Smith] at MIN 45. 54-E.Kendricks to MIN 45 for no gain (11-J.Edelman).. The biggest win-probability swing was +13.2%.
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 6-4 Now 6-5 L
New England Patriots
Entered 8-3 Now 9-3 W
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