New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders: 2019 Week 16 Recap

Game story

In Week 16 of the 2019 NFL season on 2019-12-22, the New York Giants took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 41–35 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 91 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

D. Jones (New York Giants) paced the passing game, with +25.89 total EPA, and +6.2% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, D. Jones (New York Giants) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +25.89 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+27.5% win probability) landed in overtime when New York Giants changed the game: (9:07) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass deep middle to 87-S.Shepard to WAS 40 for 23 yards (55-C.Holcomb) [90-M.Sweat].

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 D. Jones · New York Giants · Passing · +25.89 total EPA · 47 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
2. 2 D. Haskins · Washington Commanders · Passing · +9.86 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
3. 3 S. Shepard · New York Giants · Receiving · +9.69 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.62 EPA/play
4. 4 C. Keenum · Washington Commanders · Passing · +8.73 total EPA · 26 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
5. 5 S. Barkley · New York Giants · Rushing · +6.29 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
6. 6 S. Barkley · New York Giants · Receiving · +5.89 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.47 EPA/play
7. 7 K. Smith · New York Giants · Receiving · +4.70 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
8. 8 H. Hentges · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.06 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.03 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 York Giants — S. Shepard (D. Jones pass) (Q1 57:27)
• New York Giants — S. Sims (D. Haskins pass) (Q1 52:44)
• Washington Commanders — S. Sims (D. Haskins pass) (Q1 52:44)
• Washington Commanders — H. Hentges (D. Haskins pass) (Q2 45:00)
• New York Giants — S. Barkley (D. Jones pass) (Q2 39:23)
• New York Giants — C. Latimer (D. Jones pass) (Q2 30:44)
• Washington Commanders — S. Sims (C. Keenum pass) (Q3 21:43)
• New York Giants — K. Smith (D. Jones pass) (Q3 18:43)
• Washington Commanders — A. Peterson (Q4 14:34)
• Washington Commanders — T. Bergstrom (Q4 0:37)
• New York Giants — K. Smith (D. Jones pass) (OT 4:19)

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 56–35. New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 23 (Q1 57:27) — (12:27) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass deep left to 87-S.Shepard for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants found the end zone from the NYG 35 (Q1 57:21) — 2-A.Rosas kicks 65 yards from NYG 35 to end zone, Touchback.; New York Giants found the end zone from the NYG 10 (Q1 52:44) — (7:44) (Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 15-S.Sims for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 10 (Q1 52:44) — (7:44) (Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 15-S.Sims for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the NYG 15 (Q1 52:37) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 35 (Q1 52:37) — 3-D.Hopkins kicks 65 yards from WAS 35 to end zone, Touchback.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the WAS 35 (Q1 52:37) — 3-D.Hopkins kicks 65 yards from WAS 35 to end zone, Touchback.; New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 15 (Q1 51:46) — 2-A.Rosas extra point is GOOD, Center-69-C.Holba, Holder-9-R.Dixon.; New York Giants added 1 points from the NYG 35 (Q1 51:46) — 2-A.Rosas kicks 65 yards from NYG 35 to end zone, Touchback.; New York Giants found the end zone from the NYG 73 (Q1 51:13) — (6:13) (Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin to WAS 31 for 4 yards (27-D.Baker).; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 73 (Q1 51:13) — (6:13) (Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin to WAS 31 for 4 yards (27-D.Baker).; New York Giants found the end zone from the NYG 62 (Q1 49:18) — (4:18) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson right end to WAS 49 for 11 yards (55-D.Mayo; 25-C.Ballentine).; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 62 (Q1 49:18) — (4:18) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson right end to WAS 49 for 11 yards (55-D.Mayo; 25-C.Ballentine).; New York Giants found the end zone from the NYG 63 (Q1 49:55) — (4:55) (Shotgun) 26-A.Peterson up the middle to WAS 38 for 1 yard (29-D.Bucannon).; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 63 (Q1 49:55) — (4:55) (Shotgun) 26-A.Peterson up the middle to WAS 38 for 1 yard (29-D.Bucannon)..

The second quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 48–35. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 6 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 66-T.Bergstrom reported in as eligible. 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 88-H.Hentges for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN [99-L.Williams].; New York Giants found the end zone from the NYG 15 (Q2 44:56) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 15 (Q2 44:56) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 75 (Q2 44:51); Washington Commanders found the end zone from the WAS 75 (Q2 44:51); New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 75 (Q2 44:44) — (14:44) 18-D.Scott right end to NYG 30 for 5 yards (52-R.Anderson).; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the WAS 75 (Q2 44:44) — (14:44) 18-D.Scott right end to NYG 30 for 5 yards (52-R.Anderson).; New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 33 (Q2 39:23) — (9:23) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass deep left to 26-S.Barkley for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 39:16) — 2-A.Rosas extra point is GOOD, Center-69-C.Holba, Holder-9-R.Dixon.; New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 10 (Q2 30:44) — (:44) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass short left to 12-C.Latimer for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 30:38) — 2-A.Rosas extra point is GOOD, Center-69-C.Holba, Holder-9-R.Dixon..

The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 7 (Q3 21:43) — (6:43) (Shotgun) 8-C.Keenum pass short middle to 15-S.Sims for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the NYG 15 (Q3 21:38) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 9 (Q3 18:43) — (3:43) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass short right to 82-K.Smith for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q3 18:40) — 2-A.Rosas extra point is GOOD, Center-69-C.Holba, Holder-9-R.Dixon..

The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 14–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 1 (Q4 14:34) — (14:34) 66-T.Bergstrom reported in as eligible. 26-A.Peterson up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the NYG 15 (Q4 14:30) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 1 (Q4 0:37); Washington Commanders added 1 points from the NYG 15 (Q4 0:29) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..

Overtime: New York Giants won the period 6–0. New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 3 (OT 4:19) — (4:19) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass short middle to 82-K.Smith for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Turning points

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

• New York Giants (OT 9:07) — (9:07) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass deep middle to 87-S.Shepard to WAS 40 for 23 yards (55-C.Holcomb) [90-M.Sweat]. [WPA +27.5% · EPA +2.61]
• New York Giants (Q1 51:58) — (6:58) (Shotgun) 26-S.Barkley right guard for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.4% · EPA +5.58]
• New York Giants (Q4 0:10) — (:10) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass deep left to 15-G.Tate pushed ob at WAS 45 for 16 yards (37-C.Sensabaugh). The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling o [WPA +15.3% · EPA +0.30]
• Washington Commanders (Q4 0:41) — (:41) (Shotgun) 8-C.Keenum pass incomplete short right to 15-S.Sims (25-C.Ballentine). PENALTY on NYG-25-C.Ballentine, Defensive Pass Interference, 2 yards, enforced at NYG 3 - No Play. [WPA +14.9% · EPA +3.32]
• New York Giants (Q4 0:02) — (:02) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass incomplete deep middle (30-T.Apke). [WPA -12.4% · EPA -0.51]

Impact plays

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

• New York Giants (Q1 51:58) — (6:58) (Shotgun) 26-S.Barkley right guard for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.4% · EPA +5.58]
• New York Giants (Q3 20:31) — (5:31) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass short right to 26-S.Barkley pushed ob at WAS 14 for 51 yards (47-A.Colvin). [WPA +7.9% · EPA +4.00]
• New York Giants (Q2 39:23) — (9:23) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass deep left to 26-S.Barkley for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +12.2% · EPA +3.55]
• Washington Commanders (Q4 0:41) — (:41) (Shotgun) 8-C.Keenum pass incomplete short right to 15-S.Sims (25-C.Ballentine). PENALTY on NYG-25-C.Ballentine, Defensive Pass Interference, 2 yards, enforced at NYG 3 - No Play. [WPA +14.9% · EPA +3.32]

Quarterback report card

D.Jones led all passers in efficiency for New York Giants, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• D.Jones (New York Giants) · 47 dropbacks · 59.6% completion · +6.2% CPOE · +0.55 EPA/play · +25.89 total EPA
• C.Keenum (Washington Commanders) · 26 dropbacks · 61.5% completion · +13.6% CPOE · +0.34 EPA/play · +8.73 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

By the numbers

Despite the final score, New York Giants generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.28 vs +0.18), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• New York Giants: 12 drives, +24.78 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
• Washington Commanders: 12 drives, +15.94 total EPA, 5 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.
• D. Jones (New York Giants) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• D. Jones (NYG) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
• C. Keenum (WAS) 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 York Giants TD (+6) — Q1 57:27 · WAS 23 · Score 6-0
   (12:27) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass deep left to 87-S.Shepard for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q1 57:21 · NYG 35 · Score 7-0
   2-A.Rosas kicks 65 yards from NYG 35 to end zone, Touchback.
3. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q1 52:44 · NYG 10 · Score 7-6
   (7:44) (Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 15-S.Sims for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q1 52:44 · NYG 10 · Score 7-6
   (7:44) (Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 15-S.Sims for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q1 52:37 · NYG 15 · Score 7-7
   3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
6. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q1 52:37 · WAS 35 · Score 7-7
   3-D.Hopkins kicks 65 yards from WAS 35 to end zone, Touchback.
7. Washington Commanders TD (+7) — Q1 52:37 · WAS 35 · Score 7-7
   3-D.Hopkins kicks 65 yards from WAS 35 to end zone, Touchback.
8. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q1 51:46 · WAS 15 · Score 14-7
   2-A.Rosas extra point is GOOD, Center-69-C.Holba, Holder-9-R.Dixon.
9. New York Giants XP (+1) — Q1 51:46 · NYG 35 · Score 14-7
   2-A.Rosas kicks 65 yards from NYG 35 to end zone, Touchback.
10. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q1 51:13 · NYG 73 · Score 14-7
    (6:13) (Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin to WAS 31 for 4 yards (27-D.Baker).
11. Washington Commanders TD (+7) — Q1 51:13 · NYG 73 · Score 14-7
    (6:13) (Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin to WAS 31 for 4 yards (27-D.Baker).
12. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q1 49:18 · NYG 62 · Score 14-7
    (4:18) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson right end to WAS 49 for 11 yards (55-D.Mayo; 25-C.Ballentine).
13. Washington Commanders TD (+7) — Q1 49:18 · NYG 62 · Score 14-7
    (4:18) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson right end to WAS 49 for 11 yards (55-D.Mayo; 25-C.Ballentine).
14. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q1 49:55 · NYG 63 · Score 14-7
    (4:55) (Shotgun) 26-A.Peterson up the middle to WAS 38 for 1 yard (29-D.Bucannon).
15. Washington Commanders TD (+7) — Q1 49:55 · NYG 63 · Score 14-7
    (4:55) (Shotgun) 26-A.Peterson up the middle to WAS 38 for 1 yard (29-D.Bucannon).
16. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 45:00 · NYG 6 · Score 14-13
    (15:00) 66-T.Bergstrom reported in as eligible. 7-D.Haskins pass short left to 88-H.Hentges for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN [99-L.Williams].
17. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q2 44:56 · NYG 15 · Score 14-14
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
18. Washington Commanders TD (+14) — Q2 44:56 · NYG 15 · Score 14-14
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
19. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q2 44:51 · WAS 75 · Score 14-14
    (14:51) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass incomplete deep right to 15-G.Tate (20-L.Collins). New York Giants challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was Uphe
20. Washington Commanders TD (+14) — Q2 44:51 · WAS 75 · Score 14-14
    (14:51) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass incomplete deep right to 15-G.Tate (20-L.Collins). New York Giants challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was Uphe
21. New York Giants TD (+7) — Q2 44:44 · WAS 75 · Score 14-14
    (14:44) 18-D.Scott right end to NYG 30 for 5 yards (52-R.Anderson).
22. Washington Commanders TD (+14) — Q2 44:44 · WAS 75 · Score 14-14
    (14:44) 18-D.Scott right end to NYG 30 for 5 yards (52-R.Anderson).
23. New York Giants TD (+6) — Q2 39:23 · WAS 33 · Score 20-14
    (9:23) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass deep left to 26-S.Barkley for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
24. New York Giants XP (+1) — Q2 39:16 · WAS 15 · Score 21-14
    2-A.Rosas extra point is GOOD, Center-69-C.Holba, Holder-9-R.Dixon.
25. New York Giants TD (+6) — Q2 30:44 · WAS 10 · Score 27-14
    (:44) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass short left to 12-C.Latimer for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
26. New York Giants XP (+1) — Q2 30:38 · WAS 15 · Score 28-14
    2-A.Rosas extra point is GOOD, Center-69-C.Holba, Holder-9-R.Dixon.
27. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 21:43 · NYG 7 · Score 28-20
    (6:43) (Shotgun) 8-C.Keenum pass short middle to 15-S.Sims for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
28. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 21:38 · NYG 15 · Score 28-21
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
29. New York Giants TD (+6) — Q3 18:43 · WAS 9 · Score 34-21
    (3:43) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass short right to 82-K.Smith for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
30. New York Giants XP (+1) — Q3 18:40 · WAS 15 · Score 35-21
    2-A.Rosas extra point is GOOD, Center-69-C.Holba, Holder-9-R.Dixon.
31. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 14:34 · NYG 1 · Score 35-27
    (14:34) 66-T.Bergstrom reported in as eligible. 26-A.Peterson up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
32. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 14:30 · NYG 15 · Score 35-28
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
33. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 0:37 · NYG 1 · Score 35-34
    (:37) 66-T.Bergstrom reported in as eligible. 8-C.Keenum scrambles right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruli
34. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 0:29 · NYG 15 · Score 35-35
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
35. New York Giants TD (+6) — OT 4:19 · WAS 3 · Score 41-35
    (4:19) (Shotgun) 8-D.Jones pass short middle to 82-K.Smith for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.