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NFL · Week 15 · December 19, 2004 · 12 min read

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions: 2004 Week 15 Recap

Vikings defeat Lions 28–27 in Week 15

D.Culpepper led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 28–27 Week 15 finish.

Minnesota Vikings 28 8–6 Winner
Final 28–27
Detroit Lions 27 5–9
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
28–27
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 14–13 Detroit Lions
Top passer
Jax Harrington
FantasyHQ MVP
D.Culpepper
Game date
December 19, 2004

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • D.Culpepper 25/41 · 370 YDS · 3 TD +17.4 Fantasy Impact
  • N.Burleson 5 REC · 134 YDS · 2 TD +11.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Riley Moss
    Riley Moss 4 REC · 102 YDS · 1 TD +10.3 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Lions

  • Ryan Williams
    Ryan Williams 7 REC · 104 YDS · 2 TD +11.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Jax Harrington 25/47 · 352 YDS · 2 TD +10.2 Fantasy Impact
  • A.Hakim 4 REC · 133 YDS +9.8 Fantasy Impact
View Vikings vs Lions box score View all 2004 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
Minnesota Vikings 28–27 Detroit Lions
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 14–13 Detroit Lions at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
D. Culpepper
Top passer
Jax Harrington
Biggest EPA play
(10:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 84-R.Moss for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date
2004-12-19

Game summary

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 28–27 on 2004-12-19. D. Culpepper posted a game-high +17.39 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 28 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q4——T
Minnesota Vikings77140028
Detroit Lions310140027

Scoring Map

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

MINMinnesota Vikings
DETDetroit Lions

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. DETDetroit Lions
    Q1 8:37FG
    Jake Hanson

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 13
    Score
    0-3

    (8:37) 4-J.Hanson 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.

  2. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 2:05TD
    NBN. Burleson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 36
    Score
    6-3

    (2:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 1:58XP
    MAM. Andersen

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    7-3

    7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 10:05TD
    Riley Moss

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 82
    Score
    13-3

    (10:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 84-R.Moss for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 9:53XP
    MAM. Andersen

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    14-3

    7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.

  6. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 3:28TD
    Keandre Jones

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 16
    Score
    14-9

    (3:28) 34-K.Jones left tackle for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 3:21XP
    Jake Hanson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 2
    Score
    14-10

    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.

  8. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 0:33FG
    Jake Hanson

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 5
    Score
    14-13

    (:33) 4-J.Hanson 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.

  9. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 8:53TD
    NBN. Burleson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 37
    Score
    20-13

    (8:53) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 8:44XP
    MAM. Andersen

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    21-13

    7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.

  11. DETDetroit Lions
    Q4 6:17TD
    Ryan Williams

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 9
    Score
    21-19

    (6:17) 3-J.Harrington pass to 11-R.Williams for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. DETDetroit Lions
    Q4 6:11Safety
    JHJax Harrington

    Points+2

    Yard line
    MIN 1
    Score
    21-21

    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-J.Harrington pass to 84-T.Streets is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

  13. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 1:43TD
    Mykel Williams

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 11
    Score
    27-21

    (1:43) 20-M.Williams up the middle for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  14. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 1:37XP
    MAM. Andersen

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    28-21

    7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte. PENALTY on DET-42-T.Holt, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.

  15. DETDetroit Lions
    Q4 0:12TD
    Ryan Williams

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 1
    Score
    28-27

    (:12) 3-J.Harrington pass to 11-R.Williams for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1D. Culpepper · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +17.39 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
  2. 2Ryan WilliamsRyan Williams · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +11.61 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.66 EPA/play
  3. 3N. Burleson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +11.56 total EPA · 5 snaps · +2.31 EPA/play
  4. 4Riley MossRiley Moss · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +10.32 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.58 EPA/play
  5. 5Jax Harrington · Detroit Lions · Passing · +10.23 total EPA · 47 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
  6. 6A. Hakim · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +9.79 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.45 EPA/play
  7. 7M. Bennett · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.80 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.93 EPA/play
  8. 8Mykel WilliamsMykel Williams · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +3.02 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.51 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. Culpepper — MIN · Passing

D. Culpepper posted the highest total EPA (+17.39) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 41 counted snaps, they averaged +0.42 EPA per play.

D. Culpepper's top snap (+8.59 EPA): (10:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 84-R.Moss for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Jax Harrington led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Jax Harrington (Detroit Lions) · 47 dropbacks · 53.2% completion · +0.22 EPA/play · +10.23 total EPA
  • D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings) · 41 dropbacks · 61.0% completion · +0.42 EPA/play · +17.39 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMinnesota VikingsDetroit Lions
Offensive EPA/play+0.129+0.115
Offensive success rate46.4%46.6%
Pass EPA/play+0.433+0.257
Rush EPA/play-0.096-0.058
Defensive EPA/play-0.115-0.129
Defensive success rate53.4%53.6%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Minnesota Vikings +0.13, Detroit Lions +0.12) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Minnesota Vikings: +0.13 EPA/play (79th percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)
  • Detroit Lions: +0.12 EPA/play (75th percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)
  • Detroit Lions: 11 drives, +10.08 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, +10.81 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Minnesota Vikings — N. Burleson (D. Culpepper pass) (Q1 2:05)
  • Riley MossMinnesota Vikings — Riley Moss (D. Culpepper pass) (Q2 10:05)
  • Keandre JonesDetroit Lions — Keandre Jones (Q2 3:28)
  • Minnesota Vikings — N. Burleson (D. Culpepper pass) (Q4 8:53)
  • Ryan WilliamsDetroit Lions — Ryan Williams (Jax Harrington pass) (Q4 6:17)
  • Mykel WilliamsMinnesota Vikings — Mykel Williams (Q4 1:43)
  • Ryan WilliamsDetroit Lions — Ryan Williams (Jax Harrington pass) (Q4 0:12)

Field goals

  • Jake HansonDetroit Lions — Jake Hanson (Q1 8:37)
  • Jake HansonDetroit Lions — Jake Hanson (Q2 0:33)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–3. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 13 (Q1 8:37) — (8:37) 4-J.Hanson 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 36 (Q1 2:05) — (2:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 1:58) — 7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte..

The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 10–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 82 (Q2 10:05) — (10:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 84-R.Moss for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 9:53) — 7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 16 (Q2 3:28) — (3:28) 34-K.Jones left tackle for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q2 3:21) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 5 (Q2 0:33) — (:33) 4-J.Hanson 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris..

The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 14–14. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 37 (Q4 8:53) — (8:53) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 8:44) — 7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 9 (Q4 6:17) — (6:17) 3-J.Harrington pass to 11-R.Williams for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions registered a safety from the MIN 1 (Q4 6:11) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-J.Harrington pass to 84-T.Streets is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 11 (Q4 1:43) — (1:43) 20-M.Williams up the middle for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 1:37); Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q4 0:12) — (:12) 3-J.Harrington pass to 11-R.Williams for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Detroit Lions (Q4 0:08) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is Aborted, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris. Snap bounces to holder, tackled by MIN #25-Shaw. [WPA -30.7% · EPA -0.98]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 8:53) — (8:53) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +22.3% · EPA +4.88]
  • Detroit Lions (Q3 6:51) — (6:51) 34-K.Jones up the middle to MIN 29 for no gain (55-C.Claiborne). FUMBLES (55-C.Claiborne), RECOVERED by MIN-55-C.Claiborne at MIN 29. 55-C.Claiborne to MIN 29 for no gain (34-K.Jones). Play Cha [WPA -19.2% · EPA -4.55]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 10:05) — (10:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 84-R.Moss for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.8% · EPA +8.59]
  • Detroit Lions (Q4 0:12) — (:12) 3-J.Harrington pass to 11-R.Williams for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.7% · EPA +2.17]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 10:05) — (10:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 84-R.Moss for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.8% · EPA +8.59]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 2:05) — (2:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.1% · EPA +5.21]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 8:53) — (8:53) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +22.3% · EPA +4.88]
  • Detroit Lions (Q3 6:51) — (6:51) 34-K.Jones up the middle to MIN 29 for no gain (55-C.Claiborne). FUMBLES (55-C.Claiborne), RECOVERED by MIN-55-C.Claiborne at MIN 29. 55-C.Claiborne to MIN 29 for no gain (34-K.Jones). Play Cha [WPA -19.2% · EPA -4.55]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 8:37 · MIN 13 · Score 0-3
    (8:37) 4-J.Hanson 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
  2. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 2:05 · DET 36 · Score 6-3
    (2:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 1:58 · DET 2 · Score 7-3
    7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.
  4. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 10:05 · DET 82 · Score 13-3
    (10:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 84-R.Moss for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 9:53 · DET 2 · Score 14-3
    7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.
  6. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 3:28 · MIN 16 · Score 14-9
    (3:28) 34-K.Jones left tackle for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 3:21 · MIN 2 · Score 14-10
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
  8. Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 0:33 · MIN 5 · Score 14-13
    (:33) 4-J.Hanson 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
  9. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 8:53 · DET 37 · Score 20-13
    (8:53) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 81-N.Burleson for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 8:44 · DET 2 · Score 21-13
    7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.
  11. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 6:17 · MIN 9 · Score 21-19
    (6:17) 3-J.Harrington pass to 11-R.Williams for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Detroit Lions Safety (+2) — Q4 6:11 · MIN 1 · Score 21-21
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-J.Harrington pass to 84-T.Streets is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  13. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 1:43 · DET 11 · Score 27-21
    (1:43) 20-M.Williams up the middle for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 1:37 · DET 2 · Score 28-21
    7-M.Andersen extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-G.Frerotte. PENALTY on DET-42-T.Holt, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
  15. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 0:12 · MIN 1 · Score 28-27
    (:12) 3-J.Harrington pass to 11-R.Williams for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

Key takeaways

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

  • Minnesota Vikings earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions on 2004-12-19?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 28-27 in Week 15, 2004.

What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 7, Detroit Lions 3; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 7, Detroit Lions 10; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 14, Detroit Lions 14; Final: Minnesota Vikings 28, Detroit Lions 27.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — N. Burleson (D. Culpepper pass) (Q1 2:05) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — R. Moss (D. Culpepper pass) (Q2 10:05) Detroit Lions touchdown — K. Jones (Q2 3:28) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — N. Burleson (D. Culpepper pass) (Q4 8:53) Detroit Lions touchdown — R. Williams (J. Harrington pass) (Q4 6:17) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — M. Williams (Q4 1:43) Detroit Lions touchdown — R. Williams (J. Harrington pass) (Q4 0:12) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q1 8:37, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q2 0:33, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?

Jax Harrington (Detroit Lions), 53.2% completion, +0.22 EPA per dropback, +10.23 total passing EPA. D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings), 61.0% completion, +0.42 EPA per dropback, +17.39 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?

D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +17.39 total EPA on Passing plays. across 41 snaps. Their top snap (+8.59 EPA): (10:05) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 84-R.Moss for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Was Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions a close game?

Yes — the margin was 1 points. Minnesota Vikings won 28-27 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 7-6 Now 8-6 W

Detroit Lions

Entered 5-8 Now 5-9 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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