Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 31–24 Dallas Cowboys
- Halftime
- Dallas Cowboys 7–10 New Orleans Saints at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Justin Tucker
- Top passer
- T. Aikman
- Biggest EPA play
- (11:16) T.Aikman pass to E.Smith to NO 42 for no gain (R.Newkirk). FUMBLES (R.Newkirk), RE…
- Game date
- 1999-12-24
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Dallas Cowboys 31–24 on 1999-12-24. Justin Tucker posted a game-high +8.95 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 24 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dallas Cowboys | 0 | 7 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
 New Orleans Saints | 10 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 31 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
DALDallas Cowboys(10:37) D.Brien 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
(4:09) J.Delhomme pass to K.Poole for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
(11:47) E.Smith right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.
(15:00) T.Aikman pass to J.Tucker for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.
(8:05) E.Murray 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.
(5:56) J.Delhomme pass to E.Kennison for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
(:33) T.Aikman pass to D.LaFleur for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.
(15:00) J.Delhomme up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
(11:16) T.Aikman pass to E.Smith to NO 42 for no gain (R.Newkirk). FUMBLES (R.Newkirk), RECOVERED by NO-F.Weary at NO 42. F.Weary for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
NONew Orleans SaintsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 10:37FG Points+3
- Yard line
- DAL 14
- Score
- 0-3
(10:37) D.Brien 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 4:09TD Points+6
- Yard line
- DAL 8
- Score
- 0-9
(4:09) J.Delhomme pass to K.Poole for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 1:38XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DAL 2
- Score
- 0-10
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 11:47TD Points+6
- Yard line
- NO 1
- Score
- 6-10
(11:47) E.Smith right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 10:36XP Points+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 7-10
E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 15:00TD Points+6
- Yard line
- NO 20
- Score
- 13-10
(15:00) T.Aikman pass to J.Tucker for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 10:34XP Points+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 14-10
E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 8:05FG Points+3
- Yard line
- NO 16
- Score
- 17-10
(8:05) E.Murray 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 5:56TD Points+6
- Yard line
- DAL 51
- Score
- 17-16
(5:56) J.Delhomme pass to E.Kennison for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 5:10XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DAL 2
- Score
- 17-17
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 0:33TD Points+6
- Yard line
- NO 3
- Score
- 23-17
(:33) T.Aikman pass to D.LaFleur for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 0:16XP Points+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 24-17
E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 15:00TD Points+6
- Yard line
- DAL 4
- Score
- 24-23
(15:00) J.Delhomme up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 11:16XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DAL 2
- Score
- 24-24
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 11:16TD Points+6
- Yard line
- NO 42
- Score
- 24-30
(11:16) T.Aikman pass to E.Smith to NO 42 for no gain (R.Newkirk). FUMBLES (R.Newkirk), RECOVERED by NO-F.Weary at NO 42. F.Weary for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 9:59XP Points+1
- Yard line
- DAL 2
- Score
- 24-31
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
Justin Tucker · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +8.95 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play - 2K. Poole · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +7.30 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.22 EPA/play
- 3E. Kennison · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.62 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play
- 4J. Delhomme · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +2.79 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.09 EPA/play
- 5J. Delhomme · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +1.72 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
- 6Elerson G. Smith · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +1.52 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 7J. Wilcox · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.46 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
- 8
Drew Sanders · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +0.81 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.27 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
Justin Tucker — DAL · Receiving
Justin Tucker posted the highest total EPA (+8.95) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Dallas Cowboys. Across 11 counted snaps, they averaged +0.81 EPA per play.
Justin Tucker's top snap (+3.07 EPA): (1:55) (Shotgun) T.Aikman pass to J.Tucker to NO 6 for 31 yards (F.Weary).
Biggest single play (-9.03 EPA): Another player — (11:16) T.Aikman pass to E.Smith to NO 42 for no gain (R.Newkirk). FUMBLES (R.Newkirk), RECOVERED by NO-F.Weary at NO 42. F.Weary for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
T. Aikman led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T. Aikman (Dallas Cowboys) · 42 dropbacks · 54.8% completion · -0.23 EPA/play · -9.46 total EPA
- J. Delhomme (New Orleans Saints) · 31 dropbacks · 51.6% completion · +0.09 EPA/play · +2.79 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.038 | +0.006 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.3% | 38.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.225 | +0.054 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.081 | -0.153 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.006 | +0.038 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.6% | 52.7% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Dallas Cowboys -0.04, New Orleans Saints +0.01) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Dallas Cowboys: -0.04 EPA/play (46th percentile vs. 1999 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: +0.01 EPA/play (58th percentile vs. 1999 team-game averages)
- Dallas Cowboys: 12 drives, -3.52 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 13 drives, +0.50 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 — unlisted player
- Dallas Cowboys — unlisted player
- Dallas Cowboys — unlisted player
- New Orleans Saints — unlisted player
- Dallas Cowboys — unlisted player
- New Orleans Saints — unlisted player
- New Orleans Saints — unlisted player
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — unlisted player
- Dallas Cowboys — unlisted player
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 10–0. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the DAL 14 (Q1 10:37) — (10:37) D.Brien 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the DAL 8 (Q1 4:09) — (4:09) J.Delhomme pass to K.Poole for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q1 1:38) — D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt..
The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 11:47) — (11:47) E.Smith right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 10:36) — E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson..
The third quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 17–7. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the NO 20 (Q3 15:00) — (15:00) T.Aikman pass to J.Tucker for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 10:34) — E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the NO 16 (Q3 8:05) — (8:05) E.Murray 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the DAL 51 (Q3 5:56) — (5:56) J.Delhomme pass to E.Kennison for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q3 5:10) — D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the NO 3 (Q3 0:33) — (:33) T.Aikman pass to D.LaFleur for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 0:16) — E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 14–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the DAL 4 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) J.Delhomme up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 11:16) — D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the NO 42 (Q4 11:16); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 9:59) — D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 15:00) — T.Gowin kicks 54 yards from DAL 30 to NO 16. D.Philyaw pushed ob at NO 45 for 29 yards (D.Woodson).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 11:16) — (11:16) T.Aikman pass to E.Smith to NO 42 for no gain (R.Newkirk). FUMBLES (R.Newkirk), RECOVERED by NO-F.Weary at NO 42. F.Weary for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 1:14) — (1:14) T.Aikman pass intended for D.LaFleur INTERCEPTED by M.Fields at NO 0. Touchback.
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 5:56) — (5:56) J.Delhomme pass to E.Kennison for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) J.Delhomme up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 11:16) — (11:16) T.Aikman pass to E.Smith to NO 42 for no gain (R.Newkirk). FUMBLES (R.Newkirk), RECOVERED by NO-F.Weary at NO 42. F.Weary for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 1:14) — (1:14) T.Aikman pass intended for D.LaFleur INTERCEPTED by M.Fields at NO 0. Touchback.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 4:25) — (4:25) T.Aikman pass intended for C.Brazzell INTERCEPTED by F.Weary at DAL 45. F.Weary pushed ob at DAL 23 for 22 yards (R.Thomas).
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 10:34) — (10:34) J.Delhomme sacked at NO 21 for -16 yards (R.Godfrey). FUMBLES (R.Godfrey), RECOVERED by DAL-L.Lett at NO 21.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q1 10:37 · DAL 14 · Score 0-3
(10:37) D.Brien 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 4:09 · DAL 8 · Score 0-9
(4:09) J.Delhomme pass to K.Poole for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 1:38 · DAL 2 · Score 0-10
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 11:47 · NO 1 · Score 6-10
(11:47) E.Smith right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 10:36 · NO 2 · Score 7-10
E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 15:00 · NO 20 · Score 13-10
(15:00) T.Aikman pass to J.Tucker for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 10:34 · NO 2 · Score 14-10
E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 8:05 · NO 16 · Score 17-10
(8:05) E.Murray 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 5:56 · DAL 51 · Score 17-16
(5:56) J.Delhomme pass to E.Kennison for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 5:10 · DAL 2 · Score 17-17
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 0:33 · NO 3 · Score 23-17
(:33) T.Aikman pass to D.LaFleur for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 0:16 · NO 2 · Score 24-17
E.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Hellestrae, Holder-E.Bjornson. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · DAL 4 · Score 24-23
(15:00) J.Delhomme up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 11:16 · DAL 2 · Score 24-24
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 11:16 · NO 42 · Score 24-30
(11:16) T.Aikman pass to E.Smith to NO 42 for no gain (R.Newkirk). FUMBLES (R.Newkirk), RECOVERED by NO-F.Weary at NO 42. F.Weary for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 9:59 · DAL 2 · Score 24-31
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.
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.
- Justin Tucker (Dallas Cowboys) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints on 1999-12-24?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Dallas Cowboys 31-24 in Week 16, 1999.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Dallas Cowboys 0, New Orleans Saints 10; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 7, New Orleans Saints 0; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 17, New Orleans Saints 7; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 0, New Orleans Saints 14; Final: Dallas Cowboys 24, New Orleans Saints 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — unlisted player (Q1 4:09) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 11:47) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — unlisted player (Q3 15:00) New Orleans Saints touchdown — unlisted player (Q3 5:56) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — unlisted player (Q3 0:33) New Orleans Saints touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 15:00) New Orleans Saints touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 11:16) New Orleans Saints field goal — unlisted player (Q1 10:37, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — unlisted player (Q3 8:05, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints?
T. Aikman (Dallas Cowboys), 54.8% completion, -0.23 EPA per dropback, -9.46 total passing EPA. J. Delhomme (New Orleans Saints), 51.6% completion, +0.09 EPA per dropback, +2.79 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints?
Justin Tucker (Dallas Cowboys) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +8.95 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 11 snaps. Their top snap (+3.07 EPA): (1:55) (Shotgun) T.Aikman pass to J.Tucker to NO 6 for 31 yards (F.Weary)..
Was Dallas Cowboys 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
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 7-7 Now 7-8 L
New Orleans Saints
Entered 2-12 Now 3-12 W
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