Game story
In Week 2 of the 2016 NFL season on 2016-09-18, the New York Giants took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 16–13 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 16 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) paced the passing game, with -1.88 total EPA, and +1.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, S. Shepard (New York Giants) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.94 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-25.7% win probability) landed in the second quarter when New Orleans Saints changed the game: (2:45) 3-W.Lutz 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (95-J.Hankins), Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead, RECOVERED by NYG-20-J.Jenkins at NYG 35. 20-J.Jenkins for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | 3 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| New York Giants | 7 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 S. Shepard · New York Giants · Receiving · +7.94 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.99 EPA/play
- 2 M. Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.33 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.87 EPA/play
- 3 B. Cooks · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.18 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 4 W. Snead · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.17 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 5 E. Manning · New York Giants · Passing · +2.69 total EPA · 47 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 6 O. Beckham · New York Giants · Receiving · +2.08 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 7 S. Vereen · New York Giants · Receiving · +1.97 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
- 8 T. Cadet · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +0.19 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
S. Shepard — NYG · Receiving
S. Shepard posted the highest total EPA (+7.94) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on New York Giants's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +0.99 EPA per play.
The signature play (-9.51 EPA) came from New Orleans Saints: (2:45) 3-W.Lutz 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (95-J.Hankins), Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead, RECOVERED by NYG-20-J.Jenkins at NYG 35. 20-J.Jenkins for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New York Giants — J. Jenkins
- New Orleans Saints — W. Snead (D. Brees pass)
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — W. Lutz
- New York Giants — J. Brown
- New York Giants — J. Brown
- New Orleans Saints — W. Lutz
- New York Giants — J. Brown
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: New York Giants won the period 7–3. New York Giants found the end zone from the NYG 20 (Q2 32:45); New York Giants added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 32:30) — 3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the NYG 21 (Q2 30:11) — (:11) 3-W.Lutz 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The third quarter: New York Giants won the period 3–0. New York Giants connected on a field goal from the NO 30 (Q3 17:51) — (2:51) 3-J.Brown 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 10–6. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the NYG 17 (Q4 13:53) — (13:53) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 83-W.Snead for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the NYG 15 (Q4 13:45) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New York Giants connected on a field goal from the NO 1 (Q4 8:49) — (8:49) 3-J.Brown 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the NYG 27 (Q4 2:59) — (2:59) 3-W.Lutz 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New York Giants connected on a field goal from the NO 5 (Q4 0:02).
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 32:45) — (2:45) 3-W.Lutz 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (95-J.Hankins), Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead, RECOVERED by NYG-20-J.Jenkins at NYG 35. 20-J.Jenkins for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New York Giants (Q4 1:49) — (1:49) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass deep right to 80-V.Cruz to NO 2 for 34 yards (46-K.Crawley).
- New York Giants (Q2 34:15) — (4:15) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-E.Manning sacked at NYG 26 for -9 yards (56-M.Mauti). FUMBLES (56-M.Mauti) [56-M.Mauti], RECOVERED by NO-99-P.Kruger at NYG 26. 99-P.Kruger to NYG 25 for 1 yard (74-E.Fl
- New York Giants (Q4 0:02) — (:02) 3-J.Brown 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. Penalty on NO-90-N.Fairley, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, declined.
- New York Giants (Q4 11:29) — (11:29) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 87-S.Shepard to NO 17 for 32 yards (24-S.Moore).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 32:45) — (2:45) 3-W.Lutz 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (95-J.Hankins), Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead, RECOVERED by NYG-20-J.Jenkins at NYG 35. 20-J.Jenkins for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New York Giants (Q2 44:24) — (14:24) (No Huddle) 34-S.Vereen right tackle to NO 38 for -1 yards (32-K.Vaccaro). FUMBLES (32-K.Vaccaro), RECOVERED by NO-53-J.Laurinaitis at NO 36. 53-J.Laurinaitis to NO 36 for no gain (67-J.Pugh).
- New York Giants (Q2 34:15) — (4:15) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-E.Manning sacked at NYG 26 for -9 yards (56-M.Mauti). FUMBLES (56-M.Mauti) [56-M.Mauti], RECOVERED by NO-99-P.Kruger at NYG 26. 99-P.Kruger to NYG 25 for 1 yard (74-E.Fl
- New York Giants (Q4 1:49) — (1:49) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass deep right to 80-V.Cruz to NO 2 for 34 yards (46-K.Crawley).
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) · 48 dropbacks · 60.4% completion · +1.6% CPOE · -0.04 EPA/play · -1.88 total EPA
- E.Manning (New York Giants) · 47 dropbacks · 68.1% completion · +10.7% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +2.69 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | New York Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.161 | -0.120 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.9% | 42.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.039 | +0.057 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.217 | -0.339 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.120 | +0.161 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.1% | 56.1% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (New Orleans Saints -0.16, New York Giants -0.12) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, -13.22 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New York Giants: 12 drives, -10.90 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- New York Giants 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.
- S. Shepard (New York Giants) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- E. Manning (NYG) 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.
- New York Giants TD (+6) — Q2 32:45 · NYG 20 · Score 0-6
(2:45) 3-W.Lutz 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (95-J.Hankins), Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead, RECOVERED by NYG-20-J.Jenkins at NYG 35. 20-J.Jenkins f - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q2 32:30 · NO 15 · Score 0-7
3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 30:11 · NYG 21 · Score 3-7
(:11) 3-W.Lutz 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q3 17:51 · NO 30 · Score 3-10
(2:51) 3-J.Brown 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 13:53 · NYG 17 · Score 9-10
(13:53) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 83-W.Snead for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 13:45 · NYG 15 · Score 10-10
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q4 8:49 · NO 1 · Score 10-13
(8:49) 3-J.Brown 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 2:59 · NYG 27 · Score 13-13
(2:59) 3-W.Lutz 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q4 0:02 · NO 5 · Score 13-16
(:02) 3-J.Brown 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. Penalty on NO-90-N.Fairley, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, declined.
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants?
The New York Giants beat the New Orleans Saints 16-13 in Week 2, 2016 on 2016-09-18.
What was the final score of New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants?
The final score was New Orleans Saints 13, New York Giants 16 (NO 13-16 NYG) in Week 2, 2016 on 2016-09-18.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants?
Q2: New Orleans Saints 3, New York Giants 7; Q3: New Orleans Saints 0, New York Giants 3; Q4: New Orleans Saints 10, New York Giants 6; Final: New Orleans Saints 13, New York Giants 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants?
New York Giants touchdown — J. Jenkins (Q2 32:45) New Orleans Saints touchdown — W. Snead (D. Brees pass) (Q4 13:53) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 30:11, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Brown (Q3 17:51, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Brown (Q4 8:49, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q4 2:59, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Brown (Q4 0:02, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 60.4% completion, +1.6% CPOE, -0.04 EPA per dropback, -1.88 total passing EPA. E. Manning (New York Giants), 68.1% completion, +10.7% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +2.69 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants?
S. Shepard (New York Giants) led the game in total EPA with +7.94 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-9.51 EPA): (2:45) 3-W.Lutz 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (95-J.Hankins), Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead, RECOVERED by NYG-20-J.Jenkins at NYG 35. 20-J.Jenkins for 65 yards, TOUCHDO. The biggest win-probability swing was -25.7%.
Was New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. New York Giants won 16-13 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 0-1 Now 0-2 L
New York Giants
Entered 1-0 Now 2-0 W
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