Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 43–37 Atlanta Falcons
- Halftime
- New Orleans Saints 16–14 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Matt Ryan
- Top passer
- D. Brees
- Biggest EPA play
- (2:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Game date
- 2018-09-23
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 43–37 on 2018-09-23. Matt Ryan posted a game-high +27.00 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 30 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 7 | 14 | 6 | 43 | |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 16 | 0 | 37 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +27.00 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play - 2
D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +21.19 total EPA · 53 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play - 3

Calvin Ridley · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +16.52 total EPA · 8 snaps · +2.06 EPA/play - 4
Michael Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +11.11 total EPA · 10 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play - 5

Justin Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.43 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play - 6

Trysten Hill · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +3.48 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.16 EPA/play - 7

Blake Watson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.46 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play - 8
M. Sanu · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.66 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Matt Ryan — ATL · Passing
Matt Ryan posted the highest total EPA (+27.00) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 46 counted snaps, they averaged +0.59 EPA per play.
Matt Ryan's top snap (+6.28 EPA): (2:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
D. Brees led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 53 dropbacks · 73.6% completion · +6.4% CPOE · +0.40 EPA/play · +21.19 total EPA
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 46 dropbacks · 56.5% completion · +8.0% CPOE · +0.59 EPA/play · +27.00 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.208 | +0.139 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.5% | 48.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.400 | +0.587 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.094 | -0.518 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.139 | -0.208 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.7% | 51.5% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, New Orleans Saints generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.21 vs +0.14), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- New Orleans Saints: +0.21 EPA/play (93rd percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.14 EPA/play (83rd percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 13 drives, +12.08 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 13 drives, +21.01 total EPA, 8 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
New Orleans Saints — T. Ginn (D. Brees pass) 
Atlanta Falcons — Calvin Ridley (Matt Ryan pass) 
Atlanta Falcons — Calvin Ridley (Matt Ryan pass) 
Atlanta Falcons — Calvin Ridley (Matt Ryan pass)
New Orleans Saints — C. Meredith (D. Brees pass)
Atlanta Falcons — Tavian Coleman (Matt Ryan pass)
New Orleans Saints — Z. Line (D. Brees pass)
Atlanta Falcons — M. Sanu (Matt Ryan pass)
New Orleans Saints — D. Brees
New Orleans Saints — D. Brees
Field goals

New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz 
New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz 
New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 4 (Q1 11:51) — (11:51) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 19-T.Ginn for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-34-B.Poole, Defensive Holding, declined.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 11:45) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 18 (Q1 3:12) — (3:12) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 2:45) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The second quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 9–7. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 31 (Q2 9:43) — (9:43) 3-W.Lutz 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. Kick hit left upright and went through.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 3 (Q2 3:09) — (3:09) 3-W.Lutz 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 75 (Q2 2:23) — (2:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 2:12) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 27 (Q2 0:10) — (:10) 3-W.Lutz 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 9 (Q3 12:09); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 12:00) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 11 (Q3 6:15); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 6:07) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 16–14. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 5 (Q4 14:17) — (14:17) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 26-T.Coleman for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons registered a safety from the NO 2 (Q4 14:11) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 81-A.Hooper is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q4 10:03) — (10:03) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 42-Z.Line for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 9:59) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 5 (Q4 7:04) — (7:04) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 12-M.Sanu for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons registered a safety from the NO 2 (Q4 6:58) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 12-M.Sanu is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 7 (Q4 1:24) — (1:24) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees scrambles left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 1:15) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
Overtime: New Orleans Saints won the period 6–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 1 (OT 2:58) — (2:58) 74-J.Bushrod reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 2:23) — (2:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 12:17) — (12:17) (Shotgun) 7-T.Hill right guard to ATL 20 for 35 yards (34-B.Poole). PENALTY on ATL-34-B.Poole, Horse Collar Tackle, 10 yards, enforced at ATL 20.
- New Orleans Saints (OT 8:44) — (8:44) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 13-M.Thomas to ATL 46 for 23 yards (27-D.Kazee).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 12:41) — (12:41) 2-M.Ryan pass incomplete deep middle to 18-C.Ridley. PENALTY on NO-20-K.Crawley, Defensive Pass Interference, 45 yards, enforced at 50 - No Play.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 10:03) — (10:03) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 42-Z.Line for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 2:23) — (2:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 8:50) — (8:50) 5-M.Bosher punt is BLOCKED by 57-A.Okafor, Center-47-J.Harris, RECOVERED by NO-52-C.Robertson at ATL 28. 52-C.Robertson to ATL 16 for 12 yards (20-I.Oliver).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 12:17) — (12:17) (Shotgun) 7-T.Hill right guard to ATL 20 for 35 yards (34-B.Poole). PENALTY on ATL-34-B.Poole, Horse Collar Tackle, 10 yards, enforced at ATL 20.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 12:41) — (12:41) 2-M.Ryan pass incomplete deep middle to 18-C.Ridley. PENALTY on NO-20-K.Crawley, Defensive Pass Interference, 45 yards, enforced at 50 - No Play.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 11:51 · ATL 4 · Score 6-0
(11:51) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 19-T.Ginn for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-34-B.Poole, Defensive Holding, declined.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 11:45 · ATL 15 · Score 7-0
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 3:12 · NO 18 · Score 7-6
(3:12) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 2:45 · NO 15 · Score 7-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 9:43 · ATL 31 · Score 10-7
(9:43) 3-W.Lutz 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. Kick hit left upright and went through.
New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 3:09 · ATL 3 · Score 13-7
(3:09) 3-W.Lutz 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 2:23 · NO 75 · Score 13-13
(2:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 2:12 · NO 15 · Score 13-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 0:10 · ATL 27 · Score 16-14
(:10) 3-W.Lutz 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 12:09 · NO 9 · Score 16-20
(12:09) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 18-C.Ridley for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 12:00 · NO 15 · Score 16-21
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 6:15 · ATL 11 · Score 22-21
(6:15) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 81-C.Meredith for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 6:07 · ATL 15 · Score 23-21
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 14:17 · NO 5 · Score 23-27
(14:17) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 26-T.Coleman for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons Safety (+2) — Q4 14:11 · NO 2 · Score 23-29
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 81-A.Hooper is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 10:03 · ATL 1 · Score 29-29
(10:03) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 42-Z.Line for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 9:59 · ATL 15 · Score 30-29
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 7:04 · NO 5 · Score 30-35
(7:04) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 12-M.Sanu for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons Safety (+2) — Q4 6:58 · NO 2 · Score 30-37
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 12-M.Sanu is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 1:24 · ATL 7 · Score 36-37
(1:24) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees scrambles left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 1:15 · ATL 15 · Score 37-37
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — OT 2:58 · ATL 1 · Score 43-37
(2:58) 74-J.Bushrod reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New Orleans Saints earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- D. Brees (NO) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons on 2018-09-23?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 43-37 in Week 3, 2018.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: New Orleans Saints 7, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q2: New Orleans Saints 9, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q3: New Orleans Saints 7, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: New Orleans Saints 14, Atlanta Falcons 16; Q5: New Orleans Saints 6, Atlanta Falcons 0; Final: New Orleans Saints 43, Atlanta Falcons 37.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — T. Ginn (D. Brees pass) (Q1 11:51) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 3:12) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 2:23) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 12:09) New Orleans Saints touchdown — C. Meredith (D. Brees pass) (Q3 6:15) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Coleman (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 14:17) New Orleans Saints touchdown — Z. Line (D. Brees pass) (Q4 10:03) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Sanu (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 7:04) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Brees (Q4 1:24) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Brees (OT 2:58) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 9:43, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 3:09, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 0:10, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 73.6% completion, +6.4% CPOE, +0.40 EPA per dropback, +21.19 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 56.5% completion, +8.0% CPOE, +0.59 EPA per dropback, +27.00 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +27.00 total EPA on Passing plays. across 46 snaps. Their top snap (+6.28 EPA): (2:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 18-C.Ridley for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. New Orleans Saints won 43-37 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 1-1 Now 2-1 W
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 1-1 Now 1-2 L