Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 31–24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Halftime
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7–13 New Orleans Saints at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- D. Brees
- Top passer
- Jameis Winston
- Biggest EPA play
- (8:13) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left intended for 89-R.Shepard INTERCEPTED by 31-J…
- Game date
- 2016-12-24
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31–24 on 2016-12-24. D. Brees posted a game-high +8.97 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 29 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 7 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
 New Orleans Saints | 7 | 6 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 31 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
(1:01) 22-M.Ingram left guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(10:55) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 84-C.Brate for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 7, YAC 5
19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(6:50) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(:03) (Field Goal formation) 3-W.Lutz 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(14:06) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(8:43) 32-J.Rodgers right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(6:24) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 38-T.Cadet for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 4, YAC 7
(Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 22-M.Ingram rushes left guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
(1:59) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep left to 13-M.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN [90-N.Fairley]. Penalty on NO-24-S.Moore, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. Pass 30, YAC 4
19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(11:58) 3-W.Lutz 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(2:05) 19-R.Aguayo 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.
NONew Orleans SaintsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 1:01TD Points+6
- Yard line
- TB 6
- Score
- 0-6
(1:01) 22-M.Ingram left guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 0:57XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 0-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q2 10:55TD CBC. BratePoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 12
- Score
- 6-7
(10:55) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 84-C.Brate for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 7, YAC 5
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q2 10:50XP RAR. AguayoPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 7-7
19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 6:50FG Wil LutzPoints+3
- Yard line
- TB 24
- Score
- 7-10
(6:50) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 0:03FG Wil LutzPoints+3
- Yard line
- TB 16
- Score
- 7-13
(:03) (Field Goal formation) 3-W.Lutz 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 14:06TD Points+6
- Yard line
- TB 14
- Score
- 7-19
(14:06) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 14:01XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 7-20
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 8:43TD JRJ. RodgersPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 3
- Score
- 13-20
(8:43) 32-J.Rodgers right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 8:38XP RAR. AguayoPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 14-20
19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 6:24TD TCT. CadetPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 11
- Score
- 14-26
(6:24) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 38-T.Cadet for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 4, YAC 7
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 6:20Safety Points+2
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 14-28
(Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 22-M.Ingram rushes left guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 1:59TD Mitchell EvansPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 34
- Score
- 20-28
(1:59) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep left to 13-M.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN [90-N.Fairley]. Penalty on NO-24-S.Moore, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. Pass 30, YAC 4
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 1:52XP RAR. AguayoPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 21-28
19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 11:58FG Wil LutzPoints+3
- Yard line
- TB 3
- Score
- 21-31
(11:58) 3-W.Lutz 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 2:05FG RAR. AguayoPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 17
- Score
- 24-31
(2:05) 19-R.Aguayo 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +8.97 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 2
Jameis Winston · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +7.18 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play - 3Mitchell Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +5.64 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
- 4Michael Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.24 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
- 5T. Cadet · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.40 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
- 6Melvin Ingram · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +2.09 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
- 7C. Fleener · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.96 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
- 8
Brandin Cooks · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.92 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
D. Brees — NO · Passing
D. Brees posted the highest total EPA (+8.97) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New Orleans Saints. Across 39 counted snaps, they averaged +0.23 EPA per play.
D. Brees's top snap (+3.02 EPA): (:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep left to 10-B.Cooks to TB 18 for 42 yards (28-V.Hargreaves). Pass 37, YAC 5
Biggest single play (-3.76 EPA): Jameis Winston — (8:13) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left intended for 89-R.Shepard INTERCEPTED by 31-J.Byrd at NO 17. 31-J.Byrd to NO 36 for 19 yards (34-C.Sims). PENALTY on NO-24-S.Moore, Illegal Block Above the
Quarterback report card
Jameis Winston led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 43 dropbacks · 53.5% completion · +3.0% CPOE · +0.17 EPA/play · +7.18 total EPA
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 39 dropbacks · 59.0% completion · +0.5% CPOE · +0.23 EPA/play · +8.97 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.065 | +0.112 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.7% | 51.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.167 | +0.230 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.026 | +0.101 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.112 | -0.065 |
| Defensive success rate | 48.3% | 51.3% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Tampa Bay Buccaneers +0.07, New Orleans Saints +0.11) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +0.07 EPA/play (69th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: +0.11 EPA/play (81st percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: 10 drives, +9.72 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9 drives, +4.94 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New Orleans Saints — Melvin Ingram
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Brate (Jameis Winston pass)
- New Orleans Saints — Melvin Ingram
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — J. Rodgers
- New Orleans Saints — T. Cadet (D. Brees pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Mitchell Evans (Jameis Winston pass)
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz
- New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz
- New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Aguayo
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 6 (Q1 1:01) — (1:01) 22-M.Ingram left guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 0:57) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 12 (Q2 10:55) — (10:55) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 84-C.Brate for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 7, YAC 5; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 10:50) — 19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 24 (Q2 6:50) — (6:50) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 16 (Q2 0:03) — (:03) (Field Goal formation) 3-W.Lutz 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 15–14. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 14 (Q3 14:06) — (14:06) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q3 14:01) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 3 (Q3 8:43) — (8:43) 32-J.Rodgers right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 8:38) — 19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 11 (Q3 6:24) — (6:24) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 38-T.Cadet for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 4, YAC 7; New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the TB 2 (Q3 6:20) — (Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 22-M.Ingram rushes left guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 34 (Q3 1:59); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 1:52) — 19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 3 (Q4 11:58) — (11:58) 3-W.Lutz 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 17 (Q4 2:05) — (2:05) 19-R.Aguayo 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 14:18) — (14:18) 3-J.Winston pass deep left intended for 13-M.Evans INTERCEPTED by 31-J.Byrd at TB 38. 31-J.Byrd to TB 14 for 24 yards (32-J.Rodgers).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 10:55) — (10:55) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 84-C.Brate for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 7, YAC 5
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 1:59) — (1:59) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep left to 13-M.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN [90-N.Fairley]. Penalty on NO-24-S.Moore, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. Pass 30, YAC 4
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 9:51) — (9:51) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-J.Winston sacked at NO 31 for -7 yards (94-C.Jordan).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 8:43) — (8:43) 32-J.Rodgers right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 8:13) — (8:13) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left intended for 89-R.Shepard INTERCEPTED by 31-J.Byrd at NO 17. 31-J.Byrd to NO 36 for 19 yards (34-C.Sims). PENALTY on NO-24-S.Moore, Illegal Block Above the
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 14:18) — (14:18) 3-J.Winston pass deep left intended for 13-M.Evans INTERCEPTED by 31-J.Byrd at TB 38. 31-J.Byrd to TB 14 for 24 yards (32-J.Rodgers).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 1:59) — (1:59) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep left to 13-M.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN [90-N.Fairley]. Penalty on NO-24-S.Moore, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. Pass 30, YAC 4
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 0:41) — (:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep left to 10-B.Cooks to TB 18 for 42 yards (28-V.Hargreaves). Pass 37, YAC 5
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 1:01 · TB 6 · Score 0-6
(1:01) 22-M.Ingram left guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 0:57 · TB 15 · Score 0-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 10:55 · NO 12 · Score 6-7
(10:55) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 84-C.Brate for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 7, YAC 5 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 10:50 · NO 15 · Score 7-7
19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 6:50 · TB 24 · Score 7-10
(6:50) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 0:03 · TB 16 · Score 7-13
(:03) (Field Goal formation) 3-W.Lutz 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 14:06 · TB 14 · Score 7-19
(14:06) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 14:01 · TB 15 · Score 7-20
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 8:43 · NO 3 · Score 13-20
(8:43) 32-J.Rodgers right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 8:38 · NO 15 · Score 14-20
19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 6:24 · TB 11 · Score 14-26
(6:24) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 38-T.Cadet for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 4, YAC 7 - New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q3 6:20 · TB 2 · Score 14-28
(Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 22-M.Ingram rushes left guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 1:59 · NO 34 · Score 20-28
(1:59) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep left to 13-M.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN [90-N.Fairley]. Penalty on NO-24-S.Moore, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. Pass 30, YAC 4 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 1:52 · NO 15 · Score 21-28
19-R.Aguayo extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 11:58 · TB 3 · Score 21-31
(11:58) 3-W.Lutz 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 2:05 · NO 17 · Score 24-31
(2:05) 19-R.Aguayo 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New Orleans Saints earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints on 2016-12-24?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-24 in Week 16, 2016.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0, New Orleans Saints 7; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, New Orleans Saints 6; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14, New Orleans Saints 15; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3, New Orleans Saints 3; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24, New Orleans Saints 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Ingram (Q1 1:01) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Brate (J. Winston pass) (Q2 10:55) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Ingram (Q3 14:06) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — J. Rodgers (Q3 8:43) New Orleans Saints touchdown — T. Cadet (D. Brees pass) (Q3 6:24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Evans (J. Winston pass) (Q3 1:59) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 6:50, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 0:03, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q4 11:58, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Aguayo (Q4 2:05, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 53.5% completion, +3.0% CPOE, +0.17 EPA per dropback, +7.18 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 59.0% completion, +0.5% CPOE, +0.23 EPA per dropback, +8.97 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +8.97 total EPA on Passing plays. across 39 snaps. Their top snap (+3.02 EPA): (:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep left to 10-B.Cooks to TB 18 for 42 yards (28-V.Hargreaves). Pass 37, YAC 5.
Was Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. New Orleans Saints won 31-24 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 8-6 Now 8-7 L
New Orleans Saints
Entered 6-8 Now 7-8 W
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