New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks: 2020 Week 2 Recap

Game story

In Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season on 2020-09-20, the Seattle Seahawks took care of business against the New England Patriots, pulling away with a 35–30 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

C. Newton (New England Patriots) paced the passing game, with +22.92 total EPA, and +1.9% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, C. Newton (New England Patriots) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +22.92 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-51.8% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when New England Patriots changed the game: (:03) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton left tackle to SEA 2 for -1 yards (91-L.Collier).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

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

1. 1 C. Newton · New England Patriots · Passing · +22.92 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
2. 2 J. Edelman · New England Patriots · Receiving · +13.16 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
3. 3 R. Wilson · Seattle Seahawks · Passing · +13.13 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
4. 4 D. Metcalf · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +6.75 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
5. 5 T. Lockett · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +5.97 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
6. 6 N. Harry · New England Patriots · Receiving · +4.30 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
7. 7 D. Moore · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +4.16 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.39 EPA/play
8. 8 C. Carson · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +4.10 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.37 EPA/play

Player of the game

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

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

• New England Patriots — D. McCourty (Q1 58:48)
• Seattle Seahawks — T. Lockett (R. Wilson pass) (Q1 50:33)
• New England Patriots — C. Newton (Q2 44:02)
• Seattle Seahawks — D. Metcalf (R. Wilson pass) (Q2 37:06)
• Seattle Seahawks — D. Moore (R. Wilson pass) (Q3 22:12)
• Seattle Seahawks — F. Swain (R. Wilson pass) (Q3 17:07)
• New England Patriots — J. Johnson (C. Newton pass) (Q4 14:18)
• Seattle Seahawks — C. Carson (R. Wilson pass) (Q4 4:38)
• New England Patriots — C. Newton (Q4 2:19)

Field goals

• New England Patriots — N. Folk (Q3 25:16)
• New England Patriots — R. Wilson (Q3 25:12)

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 7–7. New England Patriots found the end zone from the NE 62 (Q1 58:48); New England Patriots added 1 points from the SEA 15 (Q1 58:39) — 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the NE 4 (Q1 50:33) — (5:33) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short middle to 16-T.Lockett for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q1 50:27) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New England Patriots found the end zone from the SEA 1 (Q2 44:02) — (14:02) (Shotgun) 71-M.Onwenu and 75-J.Herron reported in as eligible. 1-C.Newton left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the SEA 15 (Q2 43:59) — 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the NE 54 (Q2 37:06) — (7:06) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 14-D.Metcalf for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [50-C.Winovich].; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q2 36:57) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson..

The third quarter: Seattle Seahawks won the period 14–6. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the SEA 7 (Q3 25:16) — (10:16) 6-N.Folk 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the NE 75 (Q3 25:12) — (10:12) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 32-C.Carson to SEA 34 for 9 yards (21-A.Phillips).; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the NE 38 (Q3 22:12); Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q3 22:04) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the NE 21 (Q3 17:07) — (2:07) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 18-F.Swain for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-L.Guy].; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q3 17:00) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson..

The fourth quarter: New England Patriots won the period 13–7. New England Patriots found the end zone from the SEA 1 (Q4 14:18) — (14:18) (Shotgun) 75-J.Herron and 71-M.Onwenu reported in as eligible. 1-C.Newton pass short right to 47-J.Johnson for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the NE 18 (Q4 4:38) — (4:38) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 32-C.Carson for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q4 4:32) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the SEA 1 (Q4 2:19) — (2:19) (Shotgun) 75-J.Herron and 71-M.Onwenu reported in as eligible. 1-C.Newton left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the SEA 15 (Q4 2:16) — 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey..

Turning points

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

• New England Patriots (Q4 0:03) — (:03) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton left tackle to SEA 2 for -1 yards (91-L.Collier). [WPA -51.8% · EPA -3.73]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q1 58:48) — (13:48) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left intended for 88-G.Olsen INTERCEPTED by 32-D.McCourty at SEA 43. 32-D.McCourty for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -24.5% · EPA -9.33]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q2 37:06) — (7:06) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 14-D.Metcalf for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [50-C.Winovich]. [WPA +17.4% · EPA +5.31]
• New England Patriots (Q4 0:09) — (:09) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 15-N.Harry to SEA 1 for 12 yards (22-Q.Dunbar). [WPA +14.6% · EPA +0.79]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q3 22:12) — (7:12) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep left to 83-D.Moore for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-L.Guy]. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field s [WPA +11.4% · EPA +3.44]

Impact plays

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

• Seattle Seahawks (Q1 58:48) — (13:48) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left intended for 88-G.Olsen INTERCEPTED by 32-D.McCourty at SEA 43. 32-D.McCourty for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -24.5% · EPA -9.33]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q2 37:06) — (7:06) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 14-D.Metcalf for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [50-C.Winovich]. [WPA +17.4% · EPA +5.31]
• New England Patriots (Q3 19:36) — (4:36) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left intended for 10-D.Byrd INTERCEPTED by 22-Q.Dunbar at SEA 48. 22-Q.Dunbar to SEA 48 for no gain (10-D.Byrd). [WPA -10.8% · EPA -4.69]
• New England Patriots (Q1 45:54) — (:54) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 15-N.Harry to SEA 17 for 13 yards (37-Q.Diggs). PENALTY on SEA-37-Q.Diggs, Disqualification, 9 yards, enforced at SEA 17. [WPA +9.9% · EPA +3.76]

Quarterback report card

C.Newton led all passers in efficiency for New England Patriots, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• C.Newton (New England Patriots) · 48 dropbacks · 62.5% completion · +1.9% CPOE · +0.48 EPA/play · +22.92 total EPA
• R.Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) · 37 dropbacks · 56.8% completion · +17.1% CPOE · +0.35 EPA/play · +13.13 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

By the numbers

Seattle Seahawks held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.17 vs +0.11), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

• New England Patriots: 11 drives, +9.94 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
• Seattle Seahawks: 10 drives, +13.34 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

• Seattle Seahawks 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.
• C. Newton (New England Patriots) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• R. Wilson (SEA) 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. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 58:48 · NE 62 · Score 6-0
   (13:48) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left intended for 88-G.Olsen INTERCEPTED by 32-D.McCourty at SEA 43. 32-D.McCourty for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 58:39 · SEA 15 · Score 7-0
   6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.
3. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q1 50:33 · NE 4 · Score 7-6
   (5:33) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short middle to 16-T.Lockett for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q1 50:27 · NE 15 · Score 7-7
   5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
5. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 44:02 · SEA 1 · Score 13-7
   (14:02) (Shotgun) 71-M.Onwenu and 75-J.Herron reported in as eligible. 1-C.Newton left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
6. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 43:59 · SEA 15 · Score 14-7
   6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.
7. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q2 37:06 · NE 54 · Score 14-13
   (7:06) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 14-D.Metcalf for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [50-C.Winovich].
8. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q2 36:57 · NE 15 · Score 14-14
   5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
9. New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q3 25:16 · SEA 7 · Score 17-14
   (10:16) 6-N.Folk 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.
10. New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q3 25:12 · NE 75 · Score 17-14
    (10:12) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 32-C.Carson to SEA 34 for 9 yards (21-A.Phillips).
11. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q3 22:12 · NE 38 · Score 17-20
    (7:12) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep left to 83-D.Moore for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-L.Guy]. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the pl
12. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q3 22:04 · NE 15 · Score 17-21
    5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
13. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q3 17:07 · NE 21 · Score 17-27
    (2:07) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 18-F.Swain for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-L.Guy].
14. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q3 17:00 · NE 15 · Score 17-28
    5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
15. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 14:18 · SEA 1 · Score 23-28
    (14:18) (Shotgun) 75-J.Herron and 71-M.Onwenu reported in as eligible. 1-C.Newton pass short right to 47-J.Johnson for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
16. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q4 4:38 · NE 18 · Score 23-34
    (4:38) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 32-C.Carson for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
17. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q4 4:32 · NE 15 · Score 23-35
    5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
18. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 2:19 · SEA 1 · Score 29-35
    (2:19) (Shotgun) 75-J.Herron and 71-M.Onwenu reported in as eligible. 1-C.Newton left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
19. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 2:16 · SEA 15 · Score 30-35
    6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.