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NFL · Week 17 · December 29, 2002 · 12 min read

Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos: 2002 Week 17 Recap

Broncos defeat Cardinals 37–7 in Week 17

C.Portis led Fantasy Impact as Broncos prevailed in a 7–37 Week 17 finish.

Arizona Cardinals 7 5–11
Final 7–37
Denver Broncos 37 9–7 Winner
Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
7–37
Halftime
Arizona Cardinals 7–9 Denver Broncos
Top passer
Jack Plummer
FantasyHQ MVP
C.Portis
Game date
December 29, 2002

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

  • K.Kasper 4 REC · 44 YDS · 1 TD +5.1 Fantasy Impact
  • F.Jones +4.2 Fantasy Impact
  • J.McCown +1.3 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Broncos

  • C.Portis 26 CAR · 228 YDS · 2 TD +12.9 Fantasy Impact
  • S.Beuerlein 16/30 · 191 YDS · 2 TD +9.5 Fantasy Impact
  • E.McCaffrey 7 REC · 112 YDS +7.6 Fantasy Impact
View Cardinals vs Broncos box score View all 2002 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
Denver Broncos 37–7 Arizona Cardinals
Halftime
Arizona Cardinals 7–9 Denver Broncos at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
C. Portis
Top passer
Jack Plummer
Biggest EPA play
(5:13) 12-J.McCown sacked at ARI 44 for -13 yards (94-L.Dalton). FUMBLES (94-L.Dalton), to…
Game date
2002-12-29

Game summary

The Denver Broncos beat the Arizona Cardinals 37–7 on 2002-12-29. C. Portis posted a game-high +12.90 total EPA in the rushing.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Arizona Cardinals070007
Denver Broncos36721037

Scoring Map

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

ARIArizona Cardinals
DENDenver Broncos

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 4:34FG
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 26
    Score
    0-3

    (4:34) 1-J.Elam 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.

  2. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 14:18FG
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 35
    Score
    0-6

    (14:18) 1-J.Elam 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.

  3. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 8:10FG
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 3
    Score
    0-9

    (8:10) 1-J.Elam 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.

  4. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 0:06TD
    KKK. Kasper

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 1
    Score
    6-9

    (:06) (Shotgun) 16-J.Plummer pass to 11-K.Kasper for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 0:01XP
    BGB. Gramatica

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    7-9

    7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.

  6. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 6:22TD
    ALA. Lelie

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 5
    Score
    7-15

    (6:22) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 85-A.Lelie for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 6:17XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 2
    Score
    7-16

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.

  8. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 12:55TD
    Ryan Smith

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 10
    Score
    7-22

    (12:55) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 80-R.Smith for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 12:49XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 2
    Score
    7-23

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.

  10. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 7:39TD
    CPC. Portis

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 4
    Score
    7-29

    (7:39) 26-C.Portis left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 7:35XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 2
    Score
    7-30

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.

  12. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 4:18TD
    CPC. Portis

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 12
    Score
    7-36

    (4:18) 26-C.Portis right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 4:11XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 2
    Score
    7-37

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1C. Portis · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +12.90 total EPA · 26 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
  2. 2S. Beuerlein · Denver Broncos · Passing · +9.53 total EPA · 30 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
  3. 3E. McCaffrey · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +7.61 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
  4. 4Ryan SmithRyan Smith · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +6.76 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.13 EPA/play
  5. 5K. Kasper · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.07 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
  6. 6F. Jones · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +4.20 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
  7. 7J. McCown · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +1.34 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.34 EPA/play
  8. 8Jack PlummerJack Plummer · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +1.26 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.04 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. Portis — DEN · Rushing

C. Portis posted the highest total EPA (+12.90) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Denver Broncos. Across 26 counted snaps, they averaged +0.50 EPA per play.

C. Portis's top snap (+3.96 EPA): (9:51) 26-C.Portis right guard to ARI 4 for 59 yards (23-J.Rhinehart).

Biggest single play (-7.12 EPA): J. McCown — (5:13) 12-J.McCown sacked at ARI 44 for -13 yards (94-L.Dalton). FUMBLES (94-L.Dalton), touched at ARI 44, RECOVERED by DEN-52-I.Gold at ARI 34. 52-I.Gold to ARI 16 for 18 yards (19-N.Poole).

Quarterback report card

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

  • Jack PlummerJack Plummer (Arizona Cardinals) · 31 dropbacks · 41.9% completion · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.26 total EPA
  • S. Beuerlein (Denver Broncos) · 30 dropbacks · 53.3% completion · +0.32 EPA/play · +9.53 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatArizona CardinalsDenver Broncos
Offensive EPA/play-0.059+0.334
Offensive success rate48.1%55.8%
Pass EPA/play-0.131+0.318
Rush EPA/play-0.196+0.330
Defensive EPA/play-0.334+0.059
Defensive success rate44.2%51.9%

Drive & efficiency notes

Denver Broncos held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.33 vs -0.06), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Arizona Cardinals: -0.06 EPA/play (34th percentile vs. 2002 team-game averages)
  • Denver Broncos: +0.33 EPA/play (99th percentile vs. 2002 team-game averages)
  • Arizona Cardinals: 9 drives, -4.56 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
  • Denver Broncos: 10 drives, +25.72 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Arizona Cardinals — K. Kasper (Jack Plummer pass) (Q2 0:06)
  • Denver Broncos — A. Lelie (S. Beuerlein pass) (Q3 6:22)
  • Ryan SmithDenver Broncos — Ryan Smith (S. Beuerlein pass) (Q4 12:55)
  • Denver Broncos — C. Portis (Q4 7:39)
  • Denver Broncos — C. Portis (Q4 4:18)

Field goals

  • Denver Broncos — J. Elam (Q1 4:34)
  • Denver Broncos — J. Elam (Q2 14:18)
  • Denver Broncos — J. Elam (Q2 8:10)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 3–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the ARI 26 (Q1 4:34) — (4:34) 1-J.Elam 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein..

The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–6. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the ARI 35 (Q2 14:18) — (14:18) 1-J.Elam 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the ARI 3 (Q2 8:10) — (8:10) 1-J.Elam 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q2 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 16-J.Plummer pass to 11-K.Kasper for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 0:01) — 7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..

The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ARI 5 (Q3 6:22) — (6:22) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 85-A.Lelie for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 6:17) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein..

The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 21–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ARI 10 (Q4 12:55) — (12:55) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 80-R.Smith for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 12:49) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ARI 4 (Q4 7:39) — (7:39) 26-C.Portis left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 7:35) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ARI 12 (Q4 4:18) — (4:18) 26-C.Portis right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 4:11) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Denver Broncos (Q1 6:12) — (6:12) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 80-R.Smith to ARI 30 for 20 yards (55-R.Thompson). [WPA +11.1% · EPA +2.87]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 14:18) — (14:18) 1-J.Elam 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein. [WPA +9.4% · EPA +2.75]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 9:51) — (9:51) 26-C.Portis right guard to ARI 4 for 59 yards (23-J.Rhinehart). [WPA +8.6% · EPA +3.96]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 0:01) — 7-B.Gramatica kicks 39 yards from ARI 30 to DEN 31. 89-D.Carswell to DEN 31 for no gain. Penalty on ARI-56-L.Woods, Offensive Offside, declined. [WPA -7.5% · EPA +0.01]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q3 4:56) — (4:56) (Shotgun) 16-J.Plummer pass to 11-K.Kasper pushed ob at DEN 46 for 22 yards (28-K.Kennedy). [WPA +6.8% · EPA +3.01]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Arizona Cardinals (Q4 5:13) — (5:13) 12-J.McCown sacked at ARI 44 for -13 yards (94-L.Dalton). FUMBLES (94-L.Dalton), touched at ARI 44, RECOVERED by DEN-52-I.Gold at ARI 34. 52-I.Gold to ARI 16 for 18 yards (19-N.Poole). [WPA -0.0% · EPA -7.12]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 9:51) — (9:51) 26-C.Portis right guard to ARI 4 for 59 yards (23-J.Rhinehart). [WPA +8.6% · EPA +3.96]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 8:24) — (8:24) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 87-E.McCaffrey to ARI 4 for 52 yards (22-D.Starks). [WPA +0.1% · EPA +3.59]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q2 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 16-J.Plummer pass to 11-K.Kasper for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +3.1% · EPA +3.15]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q1 4:34 · ARI 26 · Score 0-3
    (4:34) 1-J.Elam 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.
  2. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 14:18 · ARI 35 · Score 0-6
    (14:18) 1-J.Elam 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.
  3. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 8:10 · ARI 3 · Score 0-9
    (8:10) 1-J.Elam 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.
  4. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 0:06 · DEN 1 · Score 6-9
    (:06) (Shotgun) 16-J.Plummer pass to 11-K.Kasper for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 0:01 · DEN 2 · Score 7-9
    7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  6. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 6:22 · ARI 5 · Score 7-15
    (6:22) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 85-A.Lelie for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 6:17 · ARI 2 · Score 7-16
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.
  8. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 12:55 · ARI 10 · Score 7-22
    (12:55) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 80-R.Smith for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 12:49 · ARI 2 · Score 7-23
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.
  10. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 7:39 · ARI 4 · Score 7-29
    (7:39) 26-C.Portis left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 7:35 · ARI 2 · Score 7-30
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.
  12. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 4:18 · ARI 12 · Score 7-36
    (4:18) 26-C.Portis right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 4:11 · ARI 2 · Score 7-37
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.

Key takeaways

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

  • Denver Broncos earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • C. Portis (Denver Broncos) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Denver Broncos on 2002-12-29?

The Denver Broncos beat the Arizona Cardinals 37-7 in Week 17, 2002.

What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Denver Broncos?

Q1: Arizona Cardinals 0, Denver Broncos 3; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 7, Denver Broncos 6; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 0, Denver Broncos 7; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 0, Denver Broncos 21; Final: Arizona Cardinals 7, Denver Broncos 37.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Denver Broncos?

Arizona Cardinals touchdown — K. Kasper (J. Plummer pass) (Q2 0:06) Denver Broncos touchdown — A. Lelie (S. Beuerlein pass) (Q3 6:22) Denver Broncos touchdown — R. Smith (S. Beuerlein pass) (Q4 12:55) Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Portis (Q4 7:39) Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Portis (Q4 4:18) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q1 4:34, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 14:18, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 8:10, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Denver Broncos?

Jack Plummer (Arizona Cardinals), 41.9% completion, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +1.26 total passing EPA. S. Beuerlein (Denver Broncos), 53.3% completion, +0.32 EPA per dropback, +9.53 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Arizona Cardinals vs Denver Broncos?

C. Portis (Denver Broncos) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +12.90 total EPA on Rushing plays. across 26 snaps. Their top snap (+3.96 EPA): (9:51) 26-C.Portis right guard to ARI 4 for 59 yards (23-J.Rhinehart)..

Season records after this game

Arizona Cardinals

Entered 5-10 Now 5-11 L

Denver Broncos

Entered 8-7 Now 9-7 W

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