Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +22.36 total EPA on Passing plays. across 42 snaps. Their top snap (+4.29 EPA): (8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Commanders 34–30 Falcons: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 4, 2021

Game story

The Washington Commanders defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34–30 in Week 4 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-10-03, a matchup that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half. The decisive swing (+37.3% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Washington Commanders swung the momentum.

In Week 4 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-10-03, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 34–30 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 27 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with +19.35 total EPA, and -1.8% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +22.36 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+37.3% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Washington Commanders changed the game: (:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 41-J.McKissic for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Washington Commanders	0	13	9	12	0	34
Atlanta Falcons	3	14	6	7	0	30

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1 T. Heinicke · Washington Commanders · Passing · +22.36 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
2 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +19.35 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
3 C. Patterson · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +10.64 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.77 EPA/play
4 T. McLaurin · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +7.06 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
5 C. Samuel · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +5.02 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.26 EPA/play
6 J. McKissic · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +3.72 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
7 K. Pitts · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.85 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
8 M. Davis · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.66 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

T. Heinicke — WAS · Passing

T. Heinicke posted the highest total EPA (+22.36) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Washington Commanders's efficiency. Across 42 counted snaps, they averaged +0.53 EPA per play.

The signature play (+6.07 EPA) came from Washington Commanders: 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Atlanta Falcons — C. Patterson (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 41:16)
Washington Commanders — T. McLaurin (T. Heinicke pass) (Q2 38:02)
Washington Commanders — A. Gibson (Q2 32:09)
Atlanta Falcons — C. Patterson (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 30:19)
Washington Commanders — D. Carter (Q3 30:00)
Atlanta Falcons — C. Patterson (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 26:15)
Atlanta Falcons — M. Davis (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 15:00)
Washington Commanders — T. McLaurin (T. Heinicke pass) (Q4 4:02)
Washington Commanders — J. McKissic (T. Heinicke pass) (Q4 0:46)

Field goals

Atlanta Falcons — Y. Koo (Q1 52:05)
Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins (Q3 20:35)

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 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the WAS 7 (Q1 52:05) — (7:05) 7-Y.Koo 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–13. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 42 (Q2 41:16) — (11:16) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-C.Patterson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-Jon.Allen].; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 41:07) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 33 (Q2 38:02) — (8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 37:55) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q2 32:09) — (2:09) 24-A.Gibson left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 12 (Q2 30:19) — (:19) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 30:14) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek..

The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 9–6. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 35 (Q3 30:00) — 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 14 (Q3 26:15) — (11:15) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ATL 2 (Q3 20:35) — (5:35) 3-D.Hopkins 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. WAS-75-B.Scherff was injured during the play..

The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 12–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 7 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 28-M.Davis for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 14:52) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 17 (Q4 4:02) — (4:02) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep middle to 17-T.McLaurin for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-F.Oluokun].; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 30 (Q4 0:46).

Turning points

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

Washington Commanders (Q4 0:46) — (:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 41-J.McKissic for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field [WPA +37.3% · EPA +4.13]
Washington Commanders (Q3 30:00) — 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +20.5% · EPA +6.07]
Atlanta Falcons (Q4 0:01) — (:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass incomplete deep middle (20-B.McCain). WAS-35-T.McTyer was injured during the play. [WPA -20.2% · EPA -1.13]
Washington Commanders (Q3 23:58) — (8:58) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 10-C.Samuel to ATL 29 for 10 yards (21-D.Harmon). Penalty on ATL-54-F.Oluokun, Defensive Holding, declined. [WPA +14.0% · EPA +4.06]
Washington Commanders (Q4 1:12) — (1:12) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 13-A.Humphries pushed ob at ATL 33 for 19 yards (35-A.Williams). [WPA +13.7% · EPA +1.57]

Impact plays

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

Washington Commanders (Q3 30:00) — 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +20.5% · EPA +6.07]
Washington Commanders (Q2 38:02) — (8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.0% · EPA +4.29]
Washington Commanders (Q4 0:46) — (:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 41-J.McKissic for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field [WPA +37.3% · EPA +4.13]
Washington Commanders (Q3 23:58) — (8:58) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 10-C.Samuel to ATL 29 for 10 yards (21-D.Harmon). Penalty on ATL-54-F.Oluokun, Defensive Holding, declined. [WPA +14.0% · EPA +4.06]

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) · 48 dropbacks · 52.1% completion · -1.8% CPOE · +0.40 EPA/play · +19.35 total EPA
T.Heinicke (Washington Commanders) · 42 dropbacks · 54.8% completion · +3.5% CPOE · +0.53 EPA/play · +22.36 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

Stat	Washington Commanders	Atlanta Falcons
Offensive EPA/play	+0.233	+0.119
Offensive success rate	45.8%	42.6%
Pass EPA/play	+0.532	+0.403
Rush EPA/play	-0.273	-0.201
Defensive EPA/play	-0.119	-0.233
Defensive success rate	57.4%	54.2%

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.23 vs +0.12), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, +11.19 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Washington Commanders: 10 drives, +19.36 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

Washington Commanders 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. Heinicke (Washington Commanders) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
T. Heinicke (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.

Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 52:05 · WAS 7 · Score 0-3
(7:05) 7-Y.Koo 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 41:16 · WAS 42 · Score 0-9
(11:16) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-C.Patterson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-Jon.Allen].
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 41:07 · WAS 15 · Score 0-10
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 38:02 · ATL 33 · Score 6-10
(8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 37:55 · ATL 15 · Score 7-10
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 32:09 · ATL 2 · Score 13-10
(2:09) 24-A.Gibson left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 30:19 · WAS 12 · Score 13-16
(:19) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 30:14 · WAS 15 · Score 13-17
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 30:00 · ATL 35 · Score 19-17
9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 26:15 · WAS 14 · Score 19-23
(11:15) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 20:35 · ATL 2 · Score 22-23
(5:35) 3-D.Hopkins 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. WAS-75-B.Scherff was injured during the play.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · WAS 7 · Score 22-29
(15:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 28-M.Davis for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 14:52 · WAS 15 · Score 22-30
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 4:02 · ATL 17 · Score 28-30
(4:02) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep middle to 17-T.McLaurin for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-F.Oluokun].
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 0:46 · ATL 30 · Score 34-30
(:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 41-J.McKissic for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the

Frequently asked questions

Who won Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

The Washington Commanders beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-30 in Week 4, 2021 on 2021-10-03.

What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

The final score was Washington Commanders 34, Atlanta Falcons 30 (WAS 34-30 ATL) in Week 4, 2021 on 2021-10-03.

What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

Q1: Washington Commanders 0, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q2: Washington Commanders 13, Atlanta Falcons 14; Q3: Washington Commanders 9, Atlanta Falcons 6; Q4: Washington Commanders 12, Atlanta Falcons 7; Final: Washington Commanders 34, Atlanta Falcons 30.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Patterson (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 41:16) Washington Commanders touchdown — T. McLaurin (T. Heinicke pass) (Q2 38:02) Washington Commanders touchdown — A. Gibson (Q2 32:09) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Patterson (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 30:19) Washington Commanders touchdown — D. Carter (Q3 30:00) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Patterson (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 26:15) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Davis (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 15:00) Washington Commanders touchdown — T. McLaurin (T. Heinicke pass) (Q4 4:02) Washington Commanders touchdown — J. McKissic (T. Heinicke pass) (Q4 0:46) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q1 52:05, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q3 20:35, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 52.1% completion, -1.8% CPOE, +0.40 EPA per dropback, +19.35 total passing EPA. T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders), 54.8% completion, +3.5% CPOE, +0.53 EPA per dropback, +22.36 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders) led the game in total EPA with +22.36 on passing plays. across 42 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.07 EPA): 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +37.3%.

Was Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Washington Commanders won 34-30 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

Season records after this game

Washington Commanders

Entered 1-2 Now 2-2 W

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 1-2 Now 1-3 L

Washington Commanders vs. Atlanta Falcons: 2021 Week 4 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

Game story

Line score

Stars of the game

Player of the game