Game story
In Week 15 of the 2020 NFL season on 2020-12-20, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 31–27 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 28 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with +6.85 total EPA, and +2.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.17 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+23.5% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (6:25) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 81-A.Brown for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 0 | 21 | 10 | 0 | 31 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Brady · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +16.17 total EPA · 50 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 2 M. Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +10.19 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.46 EPA/play
- 3 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +6.85 total EPA · 53 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
- 4 A. Brown · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +5.16 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 5 C. Brate · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.61 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.15 EPA/play
- 6 C. Godwin · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.32 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
- 7 R. Gage · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.27 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
- 8 C. Ridley · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.02 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Brady — TB · Passing
T. Brady posted the highest total EPA (+16.17) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 50 counted snaps, they averaged +0.32 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.14 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (:37) 12-T.Brady kneels to ATL 10 for -1 yards.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — R. Gage (M. Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — L. Fournette
- Atlanta Falcons — H. Hurst (M. Ryan pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Godwin (T. Brady pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — L. Fournette
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Brown (T. Brady pass)
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — Y. Koo
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop
- Atlanta Falcons — Y. Koo
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 5 (Q1 55:39) — (10:39) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 83-R.Gage for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 55:34) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 12 (Q2 37:55) — (7:55) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 18-C.Ridley for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 37:48) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the TB 14 (Q2 30:18) — (:18) 7-Y.Koo 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter..
The third quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 21–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q3 26:33) — (11:33) 73-J.Haeg reported in as eligible. 28-L.Fournette left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 26:28) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 7 (Q3 22:39) — (7:39) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 81-H.Hurst for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q3 22:34) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 4 (Q3 18:49) — (3:49) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 14-C.Godwin for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 18:44) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q3 15:10) — (:10) 28-L.Fournette left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 15:05) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the ATL 9 (Q4 11:15) — (11:15) 3-R.Succop 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the TB 34 (Q4 8:28) — (8:28) 7-Y.Koo 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 46 (Q4 6:25) — (6:25) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 81-A.Brown for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 6:19) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 6:25) — (6:25) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 81-A.Brown for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 8:28) — (8:28) 7-Y.Koo 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 6:57) — (6:57) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right to 14-C.Godwin pushed ob at ATL 46 for 13 yards (45-D.Jones).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 9:09) — (9:09) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at TB 34 for -7 yards (45-D.White).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 13:48) — (13:48) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 13-M.Evans pushed ob at ATL 35 for 11 yards (20-K.Sheffield).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:37) — (:37) 12-T.Brady kneels to ATL 10 for -1 yards.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 6:25) — (6:25) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 81-A.Brown for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:10) — (2:10) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 18-C.Ridley to ATL 19 for 13 yards (43-R.Cockrell).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 39:41) — (9:41) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 83-R.Gage to TB 39 for 7 yards (51-K.Minter).
Quarterback report card
M.Ryan led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 53 dropbacks · 64.2% completion · +2.3% CPOE · +0.13 EPA/play · +6.85 total EPA
- T.Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 50 dropbacks · 62.0% completion · +1.8% CPOE · +0.32 EPA/play · +16.17 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.130 | +0.050 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.6% | 40.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.323 | +0.129 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.008 | -0.419 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.050 | -0.130 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.5% | 52.4% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.13 vs +0.05), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +4.17 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 12 drives, +10.96 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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.
- T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) 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.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 55:39 · TB 5 · Score 0-6
(10:39) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 83-R.Gage for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 55:34 · TB 15 · Score 0-7
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 37:55 · TB 12 · Score 0-13
(7:55) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 18-C.Ridley for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 37:48 · TB 15 · Score 0-14
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 30:18 · TB 14 · Score 0-17
(:18) 7-Y.Koo 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 26:33 · ATL 1 · Score 6-17
(11:33) 73-J.Haeg reported in as eligible. 28-L.Fournette left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 26:28 · ATL 15 · Score 7-17
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 22:39 · TB 7 · Score 7-23
(7:39) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 81-H.Hurst for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 22:34 · TB 15 · Score 7-24
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 18:49 · ATL 4 · Score 13-24
(3:49) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 14-C.Godwin for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 18:44 · ATL 15 · Score 14-24
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 15:10 · ATL 1 · Score 20-24
(:10) 28-L.Fournette left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 15:05 · ATL 15 · Score 21-24
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 11:15 · ATL 9 · Score 24-24
(11:15) 3-R.Succop 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 8:28 · TB 34 · Score 24-27
(8:28) 7-Y.Koo 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-4-S.Hofrichter. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 6:25 · ATL 46 · Score 30-27
(6:25) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 81-A.Brown for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 6:19 · ATL 15 · Score 31-27
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-27 in Week 15, 2020 on 2020-12-20.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, Atlanta Falcons 27 (TB 31-27 ATL) in Week 15, 2020 on 2020-12-20.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0, Atlanta Falcons 10; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, Atlanta Falcons 3; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, Atlanta Falcons 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — R. Gage (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 55:39) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 37:55) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — L. Fournette (Q3 26:33) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — H. Hurst (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 22:39) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Godwin (T. Brady pass) (Q3 18:49) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — L. Fournette (Q3 15:10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q4 6:25) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q2 30:18, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q4 11:15, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q4 8:28, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 64.2% completion, +2.3% CPOE, +0.13 EPA per dropback, +6.85 total passing EPA. T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 62.0% completion, +1.8% CPOE, +0.32 EPA per dropback, +16.17 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +16.17 on passing plays. across 50 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.14 EPA): (:37) 12-T.Brady kneels to ATL 10 for -1 yards.. The biggest win-probability swing was +23.5%.
Was Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 31-27 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 8-5 Now 9-5 W
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 4-9 Now 4-10 L
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