Game story
In Week 8 of the 2004 NFL season on 2004-10-31, the New York Giants took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 34–13 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with -4.56 total EPA.
On the individual side, J. Shockey (New York Giants) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.27 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-18.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (13:14) 11-D.Culpepper FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 34, RECOVERED by NYG-59-K.Lewis at MIN 38. 59-K.Lewis to MIN 22 for 16 yards (30-M.Moore). Play Challenged by MIN and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by MIN at 13:0
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Giants | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 34 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Shockey · New York Giants · Receiving · +8.27 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.76 EPA/play
- 2 M. Robinson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.26 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.82 EPA/play
- 3 M. Cloud · New York Giants · Rushing · +5.18 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 4 N. Burleson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.54 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
- 5 K. Warner · New York Giants · Passing · +3.95 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
- 6 A. Toomer · New York Giants · Receiving · +3.40 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.13 EPA/play
- 7 T. Barber · New York Giants · Rushing · +2.79 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 8 M. Moore · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.22 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.22 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Shockey — NYG · Receiving
J. Shockey posted the highest total EPA (+8.27) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on New York Giants's efficiency. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +2.76 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.36 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: (13:14) 11-D.Culpepper FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 34, RECOVERED by NYG-59-K.Lewis at MIN 38. 59-K.Lewis to MIN 22 for 16 yards (30-M.Moore). Play Challenged by MIN and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by MIN at 13:02.)
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New York Giants — T. Barber
- New York Giants — T. Barber
- New York Giants — M. Cloud
- New York Giants — M. Cloud
- Minnesota Vikings — M. Bennett
- Minnesota Vikings — N. Burleson (D. Culpepper pass)
Field goals
- New York Giants — S. Christie
- New York Giants — S. Christie
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: New York Giants won the period 10–0. New York Giants connected on a field goal from the MIN 32 (Q1 56:22) — (11:22) 2-S.Christie 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles.; New York Giants found the end zone from the MIN 2 (Q1 53:19) — (8:19) 21-T.Barber up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q1 53:15) — 2-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles..
The second quarter: New York Giants won the period 10–0. New York Giants found the end zone from the MIN 5 (Q2 43:24) — (13:24) 21-T.Barber up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q2 43:20) — 2-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles.; New York Giants connected on a field goal from the MIN 12 (Q2 30:05) — (:05) 2-S.Christie 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles..
The third quarter: New York Giants won the period 7–0. New York Giants found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q3 20:45) — (5:45) 30-M.Cloud up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 20:39) — 2-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 13–7. New York Giants found the end zone from the MIN 2 (Q4 12:11) — (12:11) 30-M.Cloud left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q4 12:08) — 2-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the NYG 10 (Q4 9:07) — (9:07) (Shotgun) 23-M.Bennett up the middle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the NYG 2 (Q4 9:01) — 7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the NYG 1 (Q4 2:48) — (2:48) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 58:14) — (13:14) 11-D.Culpepper FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 34, RECOVERED by NYG-59-K.Lewis at MIN 38. 59-K.Lewis to MIN 22 for 16 yards (30-M.Moore). Play Challenged by MIN and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by MIN at 13:0
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 45:29) — (:29) 11-D.Culpepper pass intended for 85-J.Wiggins INTERCEPTED by 28-G.Wilson at NYG 25. 28-G.Wilson to MIN 36 for 39 yards (76-C.Liwienski).
- New York Giants (Q1 56:57) — (11:57) 13-K.Warner sacked at MIN 32 for -8 yards (95-K.Udeze).
- New York Giants (Q1 56:22) — (11:22) 2-S.Christie 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 55:32) — (10:32) 11-D.Culpepper pass incomplete to 87-M.Robinson (24-W.Peterson).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 58:14) — (13:14) 11-D.Culpepper FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 34, RECOVERED by NYG-59-K.Lewis at MIN 38. 59-K.Lewis to MIN 22 for 16 yards (30-M.Moore). Play Challenged by MIN and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by MIN at 13:0
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 45:29) — (:29) 11-D.Culpepper pass intended for 85-J.Wiggins INTERCEPTED by 28-G.Wilson at NYG 25. 28-G.Wilson to MIN 36 for 39 yards (76-C.Liwienski).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 24:56) — (9:56) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass intended for 81-N.Burleson INTERCEPTED by 25-W.Allen at NYG 34. 25-W.Allen to NYG 45 for 11 yards (20-M.Williams).
- New York Giants (Q3 21:15) — (6:15) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass to 80-J.Shockey pushed ob at MIN 1 for 26 yards (24-W.Offord).
Quarterback report card
D.Culpepper led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings) · 44 dropbacks · 54.5% completion · -0.10 EPA/play · -4.56 total EPA
- K.Warner (New York Giants) · 31 dropbacks · 41.9% completion · +0.13 EPA/play · +3.95 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | New York Giants | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.141 | -0.172 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.1% | 40.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.128 | -0.052 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.102 | -0.366 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.172 | -0.141 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.3% | 48.9% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, New York Giants generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.14 vs -0.17), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Minnesota Vikings: 13 drives, -13.90 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- New York Giants: 12 drives, +12.41 total EPA, 6 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.
- J. Shockey (New York Giants) 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 York Giants FG (+3) — Q1 56:22 · MIN 32 · Score 3-0
(11:22) 2-S.Christie 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q1 53:19 · MIN 2 · Score 9-0
(8:19) 21-T.Barber up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q1 53:15 · MIN 2 · Score 10-0
2-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q2 43:24 · MIN 5 · Score 16-0
(13:24) 21-T.Barber up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q2 43:20 · MIN 2 · Score 17-0
2-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q2 30:05 · MIN 12 · Score 20-0
(:05) 2-S.Christie 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q3 20:45 · MIN 1 · Score 26-0
(5:45) 30-M.Cloud up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q3 20:39 · MIN 2 · Score 27-0
2-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q4 12:11 · MIN 2 · Score 33-0
(12:11) 30-M.Cloud left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q4 12:08 · MIN 2 · Score 34-0
2-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-90-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-J.Feagles. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 9:07 · NYG 10 · Score 34-6
(9:07) (Shotgun) 23-M.Bennett up the middle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 9:01 · NYG 2 · Score 34-7
7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 2:48 · NYG 1 · Score 34-13
(2:48) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Frequently asked questions
Who won New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings?
The New York Giants beat the Minnesota Vikings 34-13 in Week 8, 2004 on 2004-10-31.
What was the final score of New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was New York Giants 34, Minnesota Vikings 13 (NYG 34-13 MIN) in Week 8, 2004 on 2004-10-31.
What was the score by quarter in New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: New York Giants 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q2: New York Giants 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q3: New York Giants 7, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q4: New York Giants 7, Minnesota Vikings 13; Final: New York Giants 34, Minnesota Vikings 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings?
New York Giants touchdown — T. Barber (Q1 53:19) New York Giants touchdown — T. Barber (Q2 43:24) New York Giants touchdown — M. Cloud (Q3 20:45) New York Giants touchdown — M. Cloud (Q4 12:11) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — M. Bennett (Q4 9:07) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — N. Burleson (D. Culpepper pass) (Q4 2:48) New York Giants field goal — S. Christie (Q1 56:22, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — S. Christie (Q2 30:05, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings?
D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings), 54.5% completion, -0.10 EPA per dropback, -4.56 total passing EPA. K. Warner (New York Giants), 41.9% completion, +0.13 EPA per dropback, +3.95 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings?
J. Shockey (New York Giants) led the game in total EPA with +8.27 on receiving plays. across 3 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.36 EPA): (13:14) 11-D.Culpepper FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 34, RECOVERED by NYG-59-K.Lewis at MIN 38. 59-K.Lewis to MIN 22 for 16 yards (30-M.Moore). Play Challenged by MIN and Upheld. (Timeo. The biggest win-probability swing was -18.2%.
Season records after this game
New York Giants
Entered 4-2 Now 5-2 W
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 5-1 Now 5-2 L
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