New Orleans Saints vs. Baltimore Ravens: 2010 Week 15 Recap

Game story

In Week 15 of the 2010 NFL season on 2010-12-19, the Baltimore Ravens took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 30–24 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) paced the passing game, with +3.20 total EPA, and +0.3% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, R. Rice (Baltimore Ravens) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.47 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+19.0% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when New Orleans Saints changed the game: (11:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 16-L.Moore for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Lance Moore catches TD pass in corner of end zone. Baltimore challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was

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 R. Rice · Baltimore Ravens · Receiving · +5.47 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play
2. 2 J. Flacco · Baltimore Ravens · Passing · +4.38 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
3. 3 L. Moore · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.30 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.43 EPA/play
4. 4 E. Dickson · Baltimore Ravens · Receiving · +3.69 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.85 EPA/play
5. 5 D. Mason · Baltimore Ravens · Receiving · +3.63 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.82 EPA/play
6. 6 D. Henderson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.23 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play
7. 7 D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +3.20 total EPA · 51 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
8. 8 W. McGahee · Baltimore Ravens · Rushing · +2.92 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.42 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 Orleans Saints — J. Graham (D. Brees pass) (Q1 54:10)
• Baltimore Ravens — E. Dickson (J. Flacco pass) (Q1 49:53)
• Baltimore Ravens — R. Rice (Q2 44:24)
• Baltimore Ravens — R. Rice (J. Flacco pass) (Q2 40:12)
• New Orleans Saints — J. Graham (D. Brees pass) (Q2 30:25)
• New Orleans Saints — L. Moore (D. Brees pass) (Q4 11:41)

Field goals

• New Orleans Saints — G. Hartley (Q3 21:30)
• Baltimore Ravens — B. Cundiff (Q3 17:20)
• Baltimore Ravens — B. Cundiff (Q4 10:08)
• Baltimore Ravens — B. Cundiff (Q4 0:12)

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 Orleans Saints found the end zone from the BAL 18 (Q1 54:10); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the BAL 2 (Q1 54:03) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.; Baltimore Ravens found the end zone from the NO 34 (Q1 49:53) — (4:53) (Shotgun) 5-J.Flacco pass short middle to 83-E.Dickson for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ed Dickson's first TD catch of pro career.; Baltimore Ravens added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q1 49:43) — 7-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch..

The second quarter: Baltimore Ravens won the period 14–7. Baltimore Ravens found the end zone from the NO 10 (Q2 44:24) — (14:24) 27-R.Rice right tackle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ray Rice scores 4th rushing touchdown of season.; Baltimore Ravens added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 44:20) — 7-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch.; Baltimore Ravens found the end zone from the NO 17 (Q2 40:12); Baltimore Ravens added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 40:05) — 7-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the BAL 1 (Q2 30:25) — (:25) (No Huddle) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 80-J.Graham for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Jimmy Graham's 2nd TD catch of the game.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the BAL 2 (Q2 30:22) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel..

The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the BAL 29 (Q3 21:30) — (6:30) (Field Goal formation) 5-G.Hartley 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.; Baltimore Ravens connected on a field goal from the NO 15 (Q3 17:20) — (2:20) (Field Goal formation) 7-B.Cundiff 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch..

The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–6. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the BAL 15 (Q4 11:41); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the BAL 2 (Q4 11:34); Baltimore Ravens connected on a field goal from the NO 14 (Q4 10:08) — (10:08) (Field Goal formation) 7-B.Cundiff 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch.; Baltimore Ravens connected on a field goal from the NO 9 (Q4 0:12) — (:12) (Field Goal formation) 7-B.Cundiff 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch..

Turning points

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

• New Orleans Saints (Q4 11:41) — (11:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 16-L.Moore for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Lance Moore catches TD pass in corner of end zone. Baltimore challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was [WPA +19.0% · EPA +3.79]
• Baltimore Ravens (Q1 49:53) — (4:53) (Shotgun) 5-J.Flacco pass short middle to 83-E.Dickson for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ed Dickson's first TD catch of pro career. [WPA +14.3% · EPA +4.41]
• New Orleans Saints (Q4 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle intended for 17-R.Meachem INTERCEPTED by 93-C.Redding (92-H.Ngata) at NO 18. 93-C.Redding to NO 18 for no gain (17-R.Meachem). Penalty on NO-74-J.Bushrod, [WPA -14.1% · EPA -3.03]
• Baltimore Ravens (Q4 11:34) — (11:34) 27-R.Rice left guard to NO 30 for 50 yards (24-L.Torrence). PENALTY on NO-41-R.Harper, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at NO 30. [WPA +13.4% · EPA +3.99]
• New Orleans Saints (Q4 7:19) — (7:19) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 25-R.Bush to NO 42 for -10 yards (55-T.Suggs). [WPA -13.1% · EPA -1.60]

Impact plays

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

• Baltimore Ravens (Q1 49:53) — (4:53) (Shotgun) 5-J.Flacco pass short middle to 83-E.Dickson for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ed Dickson's first TD catch of pro career. [WPA +14.3% · EPA +4.41]
• Baltimore Ravens (Q4 11:34) — (11:34) 27-R.Rice left guard to NO 30 for 50 yards (24-L.Torrence). PENALTY on NO-41-R.Harper, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at NO 30. [WPA +13.4% · EPA +3.99]
• Baltimore Ravens (Q2 35:54) — (5:54) (Shotgun) 5-J.Flacco pass deep right to 85-D.Mason to NO 37 for 42 yards (24-L.Torrence). [WPA +3.5% · EPA +3.88]
• New Orleans Saints (Q4 11:41) — (11:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 16-L.Moore for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Lance Moore catches TD pass in corner of end zone. Baltimore challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was [WPA +19.0% · EPA +3.79]

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) · 51 dropbacks · 56.9% completion · +0.3% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +3.20 total EPA
• J.Flacco (Baltimore Ravens) · 23 dropbacks · 43.5% completion · -9.4% CPOE · +0.19 EPA/play · +4.38 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

By the numbers

Baltimore Ravens held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.10 vs +0.05), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

• Baltimore Ravens: 12 drives, +8.73 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
• New Orleans Saints: 12 drives, +3.93 total EPA, 4 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

• Baltimore Ravens 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.
• R. Rice (Baltimore Ravens) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• J. Flacco (BAL) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

1. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 54:10 · BAL 18 · Score 6-0
   (9:10) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 80-J.Graham for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Jimmy Graham makes one-handed grab in end zone for 2nd touchdown of year.
2. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 54:03 · BAL 2 · Score 7-0
   5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
3. Baltimore Ravens TD (+6) — Q1 49:53 · NO 34 · Score 7-6
   (4:53) (Shotgun) 5-J.Flacco pass short middle to 83-E.Dickson for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ed Dickson's first TD catch of pro career.
4. Baltimore Ravens XP (+1) — Q1 49:43 · NO 2 · Score 7-7
   7-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch.
5. Baltimore Ravens TD (+6) — Q2 44:24 · NO 10 · Score 7-13
   (14:24) 27-R.Rice right tackle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ray Rice scores 4th rushing touchdown of season.
6. Baltimore Ravens XP (+1) — Q2 44:20 · NO 2 · Score 7-14
   7-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch.
7. Baltimore Ravens TD (+6) — Q2 40:12 · NO 17 · Score 7-20
   (10:12) (Shotgun) 5-J.Flacco pass deep right to 27-R.Rice for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ray Rice's first TD reception of season - 2nd TD of game.
8. Baltimore Ravens XP (+1) — Q2 40:05 · NO 2 · Score 7-21
   7-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch.
9. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 30:25 · BAL 1 · Score 13-21
   (:25) (No Huddle) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 80-J.Graham for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Jimmy Graham's 2nd TD catch of the game.
10. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 30:22 · BAL 2 · Score 14-21
    5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
11. New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q3 21:30 · BAL 29 · Score 17-21
    (6:30) (Field Goal formation) 5-G.Hartley 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
12. Baltimore Ravens FG (+3) — Q3 17:20 · NO 15 · Score 17-24
    (2:20) (Field Goal formation) 7-B.Cundiff 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch.
13. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 11:41 · BAL 15 · Score 23-24
    (11:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 16-L.Moore for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Lance Moore catches TD pass in corner of end zone. Baltimore challenged the p
14. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 11:34 · BAL 2 · Score 24-24
    5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. PENALTY on BAL-21-L.Webb, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
15. Baltimore Ravens FG (+3) — Q4 10:08 · NO 14 · Score 24-27
    (10:08) (Field Goal formation) 7-B.Cundiff 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch.
16. Baltimore Ravens FG (+3) — Q4 0:12 · NO 9 · Score 24-30
    (:12) (Field Goal formation) 7-B.Cundiff 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-S.Koch.