FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 13 · December 4, 2016 · 12 min read

Washington Commanders vs. Arizona Cardinals: 2016 Week 13 Recap

Cardinals defeat Commanders 31–23 in Week 13

C.Palmer led Fantasy Impact as Cardinals prevailed in a 23–31 Week 13 finish.

Washington Commanders 23 6–5
Final 23–31
Arizona Cardinals 31 5–6 Winner
Winner
Arizona Cardinals
Final score
23–31
Halftime
Washington Commanders 6–10 Arizona Cardinals
Top passer
C. Palmer
FantasyHQ MVP
C.Palmer
Game date
December 4, 2016

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

  • P.Garcon 7 REC · 78 YDS +6.7 Fantasy Impact
  • V.Davis 5 REC · 47 YDS +3.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Richie Grant
    Richie Grant 2 REC · 20 YDS +2.2 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

  • C.Palmer 30/51 · 281 YDS · 3 TD +13.4 Fantasy Impact
  • J.Gresham 5 REC · 52 YDS +5.7 Fantasy Impact
  • L.Fitzgerald 10 REC · 78 YDS +5.4 Fantasy Impact

Quick answer

Winner
Arizona Cardinals
Final score
Arizona Cardinals 31–23 Washington Commanders
Halftime
Washington Commanders 6–10 Arizona Cardinals at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
C. Palmer
Top passer
C. Palmer
Biggest EPA play
(5:13) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at WAS 36 for -9 yards (93-C.Campbell). FUMBLES (93-C.…
Game date
2016-12-04

Game summary

The Arizona Cardinals beat the Washington Commanders 31–23 on 2016-12-04. C. Palmer posted a game-high +13.36 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 21 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4T
Washington Commanders06143023
Arizona Cardinals73714031

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

WASWashington Commanders
ARIArizona Cardinals

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

16 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 6:48TD
    Dyontae Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 1
    Score
    0-6

    (6:48) (Shotgun) 31-D.Johnson up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 6:43XP
    CCC. Catanzaro

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 15
    Score
    0-7

    7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.

  3. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 9:53FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 29
    Score
    3-7

    (9:53) 3-D.Hopkins 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  4. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 1:55FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 1
    Score
    6-7

    (1:55) 3-D.Hopkins 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  5. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 0:11FG
    CCC. Catanzaro

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 10
    Score
    6-10

    (:11) 7-C.Catanzaro 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.

  6. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 12:45TD
    Kirk Cousins

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 1
    Score
    12-10

    (12:45) 74-A.Kouandjio and 96-H.Bates reported in as eligible. 8-K.Cousins up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 12:36XP
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    13-10

    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  8. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q3 4:16TD
    MFM. Floyd

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 6
    Score
    13-16

    (4:16) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 15-M.Floyd for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q3 4:10XP
    CCC. Catanzaro

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 15
    Score
    13-17

    7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.

  10. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 1:12TD
    Jamison Crowder

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 26
    Score
    19-17

    (1:12) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 80-J.Crowder for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 1:06XP
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    20-17

    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  12. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 11:16TD
    Dyontae Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 25
    Score
    20-23

    (11:16) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 31-D.Johnson for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 11:09XP
    CCC. Catanzaro

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 15
    Score
    20-24

    7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.

  14. WASWashington Commanders
    Q4 6:06FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 35
    Score
    23-24

    (6:06) 3-D.Hopkins 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  15. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 2:03TD
    Jack Nelson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 42
    Score
    23-30

    (2:03) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 14-J.Nelson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

  16. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 1:56XP
    CCC. Catanzaro

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 15
    Score
    23-31

    7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1C. Palmer · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +13.36 total EPA · 51 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
  2. 2P. Garcon · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +6.74 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
  3. 3J. Gresham · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.74 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
  4. 4L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.40 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
  5. 5Jack NelsonJack Nelson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +4.02 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.01 EPA/play
  6. 6Dyontae JohnsonDyontae Johnson · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +3.84 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
  7. 7Dyontae JohnsonDyontae Johnson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.78 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
  8. 8V. Davis · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +3.63 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.61 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

C. Palmer — ARI · Passing

C. Palmer posted the highest total EPA (+13.36) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Arizona Cardinals. Across 51 counted snaps, they averaged +0.26 EPA per play.

C. Palmer's top snap (+4.66 EPA): (2:03) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 14-J.Nelson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

Biggest single play (-6.81 EPA): Kirk Cousins — (5:13) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at WAS 36 for -9 yards (93-C.Campbell). FUMBLES (93-C.Campbell) [93-C.Campbell], RECOVERED by ARI-44-M.Golden at WAS 30. 44-M.Golden to WAS 10 for 20 yards (25-C.Th

Quarterback report card

C. Palmer led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) · 51 dropbacks · 58.8% completion · +0.8% CPOE · +0.26 EPA/play · +13.36 total EPA
  • Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins (Washington Commanders) · 42 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -3.6% CPOE · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.98 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatWashington CommandersArizona Cardinals
Offensive EPA/play+0.054+0.090
Offensive success rate45.5%43.6%
Pass EPA/play+0.023+0.262
Rush EPA/play+0.180+0.032
Defensive EPA/play-0.090-0.054
Defensive success rate56.4%54.5%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Washington Commanders +0.05, Arizona Cardinals +0.09) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Washington Commanders: +0.05 EPA/play (66th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
  • Arizona Cardinals: +0.09 EPA/play (76th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
  • Arizona Cardinals: 10 drives, +8.46 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Washington Commanders: 10 drives, +4.17 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Dyontae JohnsonArizona Cardinals — Dyontae Johnson (Q1 6:48)
  • Kirk CousinsWashington Commanders — Kirk Cousins (Q3 12:45)
  • Arizona Cardinals — M. Floyd (C. Palmer pass) (Q3 4:16)
  • Jamison CrowderWashington Commanders — Jamison Crowder (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q3 1:12)
  • Dyontae JohnsonArizona Cardinals — Dyontae Johnson (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 11:16)
  • Jack NelsonArizona Cardinals — Jack Nelson (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 2:03)

Field goals

  • Dustin HopkinsWashington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q2 9:53)
  • Dustin HopkinsWashington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q2 1:55)
  • Arizona Cardinals — C. Catanzaro (Q2 0:11)
  • Dustin HopkinsWashington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q4 6:06)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the WAS 1 (Q1 6:48) — (6:48) (Shotgun) 31-D.Johnson up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q1 6:43) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler..

The second quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 6–3. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ARI 29 (Q2 9:53) — (9:53) 3-D.Hopkins 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ARI 1 (Q2 1:55) — (1:55) 3-D.Hopkins 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the WAS 10 (Q2 0:11) — (:11) 7-C.Catanzaro 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler..

The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 14–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q3 12:45) — (12:45) 74-A.Kouandjio and 96-H.Bates reported in as eligible. 8-K.Cousins up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q3 12:36) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the WAS 6 (Q3 4:16) — (4:16) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 15-M.Floyd for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q3 4:10) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ARI 26 (Q3 1:12) — (1:12) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 80-J.Crowder for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q3 1:06) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..

The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–3. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the WAS 25 (Q4 11:16) — (11:16) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 31-D.Johnson for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 11:09) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ARI 35 (Q4 6:06) — (6:06) 3-D.Hopkins 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the WAS 42 (Q4 2:03); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 1:56) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Washington Commanders (Q3 5:13) — (5:13) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at WAS 36 for -9 yards (93-C.Campbell). FUMBLES (93-C.Campbell) [93-C.Campbell], RECOVERED by ARI-44-M.Golden at WAS 30. 44-M.Golden to WAS 10 for 20 yards (25-C.Th [WPA -25.8% · EPA -6.81]
  • Washington Commanders (Q3 14:15) — (14:15) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 11-D.Jackson to ARI 5 for 59 yards (27-T.Branch). ARI-93-C.Campbell was injured during the play. [WPA +15.7% · EPA +4.18]
  • Washington Commanders (Q3 1:12) — (1:12) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 80-J.Crowder for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.5% · EPA +3.71]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q4 11:16) — (11:16) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 31-D.Johnson for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.2% · EPA +2.81]
  • Washington Commanders (Q3 2:50) — (2:50) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 88-P.Garcon to ARI 42 for 28 yards (22-T.Jefferson) [44-M.Golden]. [WPA +11.0% · EPA +2.95]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Washington Commanders (Q3 5:13) — (5:13) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at WAS 36 for -9 yards (93-C.Campbell). FUMBLES (93-C.Campbell) [93-C.Campbell], RECOVERED by ARI-44-M.Golden at WAS 30. 44-M.Golden to WAS 10 for 20 yards (25-C.Th [WPA -25.8% · EPA -6.81]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q4 2:03) — (2:03) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 14-J.Nelson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. [WPA +7.8% · EPA +4.66]
  • Washington Commanders (Q3 14:15) — (14:15) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 11-D.Jackson to ARI 5 for 59 yards (27-T.Branch). ARI-93-C.Campbell was injured during the play. [WPA +15.7% · EPA +4.18]
  • Washington Commanders (Q3 1:12) — (1:12) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 80-J.Crowder for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.5% · EPA +3.71]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 6:48 · WAS 1 · Score 0-6
    (6:48) (Shotgun) 31-D.Johnson up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 6:43 · WAS 15 · Score 0-7
    7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.
  3. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 9:53 · ARI 29 · Score 3-7
    (9:53) 3-D.Hopkins 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  4. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 1:55 · ARI 1 · Score 6-7
    (1:55) 3-D.Hopkins 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  5. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 0:11 · WAS 10 · Score 6-10
    (:11) 7-C.Catanzaro 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.
  6. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 12:45 · ARI 1 · Score 12-10
    (12:45) 74-A.Kouandjio and 96-H.Bates reported in as eligible. 8-K.Cousins up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 12:36 · ARI 15 · Score 13-10
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  8. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 4:16 · WAS 6 · Score 13-16
    (4:16) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 15-M.Floyd for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 4:10 · WAS 15 · Score 13-17
    7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.
  10. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 1:12 · ARI 26 · Score 19-17
    (1:12) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 80-J.Crowder for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 1:06 · ARI 15 · Score 20-17
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  12. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 11:16 · WAS 25 · Score 20-23
    (11:16) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 31-D.Johnson for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 11:09 · WAS 15 · Score 20-24
    7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.
  14. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q4 6:06 · ARI 35 · Score 23-24
    (6:06) 3-D.Hopkins 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  15. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 2:03 · WAS 42 · Score 23-30
    (2:03) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 14-J.Nelson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
  16. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 1:56 · WAS 15 · Score 23-31
    7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-D.Butler.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Arizona Cardinals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Kirk Cousins (WAS) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Washington Commanders vs Arizona Cardinals on 2016-12-04?

The Arizona Cardinals beat the Washington Commanders 31-23 in Week 13, 2016.

What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Arizona Cardinals?

Q1: Washington Commanders 0, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q2: Washington Commanders 6, Arizona Cardinals 3; Q3: Washington Commanders 14, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q4: Washington Commanders 3, Arizona Cardinals 14; Final: Washington Commanders 23, Arizona Cardinals 31.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Arizona Cardinals?

Arizona Cardinals touchdown — D. Johnson (Q1 6:48) Washington Commanders touchdown — K. Cousins (Q3 12:45) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — M. Floyd (C. Palmer pass) (Q3 4:16) Washington Commanders touchdown — J. Crowder (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 1:12) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — D. Johnson (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 11:16) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — J. Nelson (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 2:03) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 9:53, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 1:55, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q2 0:11, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q4 6:06, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Arizona Cardinals?

C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals), 58.8% completion, +0.8% CPOE, +0.26 EPA per dropback, +13.36 total passing EPA. Kirk Cousins (Washington Commanders), 50.0% completion, -3.6% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.98 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Washington Commanders vs Arizona Cardinals?

C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +13.36 total EPA on Passing plays. across 51 snaps. Their top snap (+4.66 EPA): (2:03) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 14-J.Nelson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field.

Season records after this game

Washington Commanders

Entered 6-4 Now 6-5 L

Arizona Cardinals

Entered 4-6 Now 5-6 W