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NFL · Week 3 · September 25, 2005 · 12 min read

New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2005 Week 3 Recap

Vikings defeat Saints 33–16 in Week 3

Darrell Henderson led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 16–33 Week 3 finish.

New Orleans Saints 16 1–2
Final 16–33
Minnesota Vikings 33 1–2 Winner
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
16–33
Halftime
New Orleans Saints 6–24 Minnesota Vikings
Top passer
D. Culpepper
FantasyHQ MVP
Darrell Henderson
Game date
September 25, 2005

Top fantasy performers · Saints

  • Darrell Henderson
    Darrell Henderson 3 REC · 95 YDS +9.1 Fantasy Impact
  • E.Conwell 3 REC · 65 YDS · 1 TD +6.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Arian Smith
    Arian Smith 3 CAR · 22 YDS +1.6 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • J.Wiggins 6 REC · 60 YDS +6.9 Fantasy Impact
  • D.Culpepper 21/44 · 294 YDS · 3 TD +6.7 Fantasy Impact
  • T.Williamson 3 REC · 83 YDS · 1 TD +6.3 Fantasy Impact
View Saints vs Vikings box score View all 2005 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
Minnesota Vikings 33–16 New Orleans Saints
Halftime
New Orleans Saints 6–24 Minnesota Vikings at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Darrell Henderson
Top passer
D. Culpepper
Biggest EPA play
(8:33) 2-A.Brooks pass to 19-D.Henderson pushed ob at MIN 18 for 66 yards (33-R.Brown).
Game date
2005-09-25

Game summary

The Minnesota Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints 33–16 on 2005-09-25. Darrell Henderson posted a game-high +9.07 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 17 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
New Orleans Saints0637016
Minnesota Vikings17709033

Scoring Map

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

NONew Orleans Saints
MINMinnesota Vikings

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

14 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 14:53TD
    Tyrod Taylor

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NO 24
    Score
    0-6

    (14:53) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 89-T.Taylor for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by NO and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by NO at 14:47.)

  2. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 14:47XP
    PEP. Edinger

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NO 2
    Score
    0-7

    1-P.Edinger extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.

  3. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 7:21FG
    PEP. Edinger

    Points+3

    Yard line
    NO 6
    Score
    0-10

    (7:21) 1-P.Edinger 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 0:38TD
    Tyrod Taylor

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NO 13
    Score
    0-16

    (:38) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 89-T.Taylor for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 0:33XP
    PEP. Edinger

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NO 2
    Score
    0-17

    1-P.Edinger extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.

  6. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 5:44TD
    TWT. Williamson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NO 53
    Score
    0-23

    (5:44) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 19-T.Williamson for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-57-C.Bockwoldt, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.

  7. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 5:37XP
    PEP. Edinger

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NO 2
    Score
    0-24

    1-P.Edinger extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.

  8. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q2 1:59TD
    ECE. Conwell

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 13
    Score
    6-24

    (1:59) 2-A.Brooks pass to 85-E.Conwell for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q3 5:41FG
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 4
    Score
    9-24

    (5:41) 3-J.Carney 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.

  10. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q4 11:45TD
    DMD. McAllister

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 1
    Score
    15-24

    (11:45) 26-D.McAllister right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q4 11:40XP
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 2
    Score
    16-24

    3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.

  12. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 6:20FG
    PEP. Edinger

    Points+3

    Yard line
    NO 10
    Score
    16-27

    (6:20) 1-P.Edinger 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.

  13. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 4:33FG
    PEP. Edinger

    Points+3

    Yard line
    NO 29
    Score
    16-30

    (4:33) 1-P.Edinger 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.

  14. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 1:11FG
    PEP. Edinger

    Points+3

    Yard line
    NO 17
    Score
    16-33

    (1:11) 1-P.Edinger 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Darrell HendersonDarrell Henderson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +9.07 total EPA · 3 snaps · +3.02 EPA/play
  2. 2J. Wiggins · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +6.87 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.15 EPA/play
  3. 3D. Culpepper · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +6.74 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
  4. 4E. Conwell · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.57 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.19 EPA/play
  5. 5T. Williamson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +6.32 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.11 EPA/play
  6. 6Tyrod TaylorTyrod Taylor · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.53 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.84 EPA/play
  7. 7Micah RobinsonMicah Robinson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.92 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.46 EPA/play
  8. 8Arian SmithArian Smith · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +1.57 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Darrell Henderson

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Darrell Henderson — NO · Receiving

Darrell Henderson posted the highest total EPA (+9.07) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New Orleans Saints. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +3.02 EPA per play.

Darrell Henderson's top snap (+6.35 EPA): (8:33) 2-A.Brooks pass to 19-D.Henderson pushed ob at MIN 18 for 66 yards (33-R.Brown).

Quarterback report card

D. Culpepper led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings) · 44 dropbacks · 47.7% completion · +0.15 EPA/play · +6.74 total EPA
  • A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints) · 41 dropbacks · 29.3% completion · -0.15 EPA/play · -5.97 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatNew Orleans SaintsMinnesota Vikings
Offensive EPA/play-0.134+0.040
Offensive success rate39.5%46.5%
Pass EPA/play-0.146+0.153
Rush EPA/play-0.003-0.121
Defensive EPA/play-0.040+0.134
Defensive success rate53.5%60.5%

Drive & efficiency notes

Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.04 vs -0.13), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • New Orleans Saints: -0.13 EPA/play (20th percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
  • Minnesota Vikings: +0.04 EPA/play (61st percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
  • Minnesota Vikings: 15 drives, +4.06 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
  • New Orleans Saints: 14 drives, -10.85 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Tyrod TaylorMinnesota Vikings — Tyrod Taylor (D. Culpepper pass) (Q1 14:53)
  • Tyrod TaylorMinnesota Vikings — Tyrod Taylor (D. Culpepper pass) (Q1 0:38)
  • Minnesota Vikings — T. Williamson (D. Culpepper pass) (Q2 5:44)
  • New Orleans Saints — E. Conwell (A. Brooks pass) (Q2 1:59)
  • New Orleans Saints — D. McAllister (Q4 11:45)

Field goals

  • Minnesota Vikings — P. Edinger (Q1 7:21)
  • New Orleans Saints — J. Carney (Q3 5:41)
  • Minnesota Vikings — P. Edinger (Q4 6:20)
  • Minnesota Vikings — P. Edinger (Q4 4:33)
  • Minnesota Vikings — P. Edinger (Q4 1:11)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 17–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the NO 24 (Q1 14:53) — (14:53) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 89-T.Taylor for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by NO and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by NO at 14:47.); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q1 14:47) — 1-P.Edinger extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the NO 6 (Q1 7:21) — (7:21) 1-P.Edinger 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the NO 13 (Q1 0:38) — (:38) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 89-T.Taylor for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q1 0:33) — 1-P.Edinger extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson..

The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–6. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the NO 53 (Q2 5:44) — (5:44) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 19-T.Williamson for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-57-C.Bockwoldt, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 5:37) — 1-P.Edinger extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the MIN 13 (Q2 1:59) — (1:59) 2-A.Brooks pass to 85-E.Conwell for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 3–0. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the MIN 4 (Q3 5:41) — (5:41) 3-J.Carney 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 9–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q4 11:45) — (11:45) 26-D.McAllister right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q4 11:40) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the NO 10 (Q4 6:20) — (6:20) 1-P.Edinger 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the NO 29 (Q4 4:33) — (4:33) 1-P.Edinger 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the NO 17 (Q4 1:11) — (1:11) 1-P.Edinger 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 14:53) — (14:53) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 89-T.Taylor for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by NO and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by NO at 14:47.) [WPA +11.3% · EPA +2.60]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q1 15:00) — 1-P.Edinger kicks 55 yards from MIN 30 to NO 15. 27-A.Stecker to NO 30 for 15 yards (49-R.Owens). FUMBLES (49-R.Owens), RECOVERED by MIN-26-A.Winfield at NO 24. 26-A.Winfield to NO 24 for no gain (25- [WPA -7.4% · EPA -4.43]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 6:17) — (6:17) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 87-M.Robinson to NO 16 for 68 yards (21-J.Craft). [WPA +5.6% · EPA +4.01]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q1 3:13) — (3:13) 2-A.Brooks pass intended for 85-E.Conwell INTERCEPTED by 52-K.Newman at NO 27. 52-K.Newman to NO 26 for 1 yard (85-E.Conwell). [WPA -4.9% · EPA -2.83]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 11:04) — (11:04) 30-M.Moore left end pushed ob at NO 38 for 28 yards (57-C.Bockwoldt). [WPA +4.7% · EPA +1.81]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • New Orleans Saints (Q3 8:33) — (8:33) 2-A.Brooks pass to 19-D.Henderson pushed ob at MIN 18 for 66 yards (33-R.Brown). [WPA +3.7% · EPA +6.35]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 5:44) — (5:44) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 19-T.Williamson for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-57-C.Bockwoldt, Illegal Use of Hands, declined. [WPA +2.1% · EPA +4.73]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q1 15:00) — 1-P.Edinger kicks 55 yards from MIN 30 to NO 15. 27-A.Stecker to NO 30 for 15 yards (49-R.Owens). FUMBLES (49-R.Owens), RECOVERED by MIN-26-A.Winfield at NO 24. 26-A.Winfield to NO 24 for no gain (25- [WPA -7.4% · EPA -4.43]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 6:17) — (6:17) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 87-M.Robinson to NO 16 for 68 yards (21-J.Craft). [WPA +5.6% · EPA +4.01]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 14:53 · NO 24 · Score 0-6
    (14:53) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 89-T.Taylor for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by NO and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by NO at 14:47.)
  2. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 14:47 · NO 2 · Score 0-7
    1-P.Edinger extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.
  3. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q1 7:21 · NO 6 · Score 0-10
    (7:21) 1-P.Edinger 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.
  4. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 0:38 · NO 13 · Score 0-16
    (:38) (Shotgun) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 89-T.Taylor for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 0:33 · NO 2 · Score 0-17
    1-P.Edinger extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.
  6. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 5:44 · NO 53 · Score 0-23
    (5:44) 11-D.Culpepper pass to 19-T.Williamson for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-57-C.Bockwoldt, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.
  7. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 5:37 · NO 2 · Score 0-24
    1-P.Edinger extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.
  8. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 1:59 · MIN 13 · Score 6-24
    (1:59) 2-A.Brooks pass to 85-E.Conwell for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q3 5:41 · MIN 4 · Score 9-24
    (5:41) 3-J.Carney 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.
  10. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 11:45 · MIN 1 · Score 15-24
    (11:45) 26-D.McAllister right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 11:40 · MIN 2 · Score 16-24
    3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.
  12. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 6:20 · NO 10 · Score 16-27
    (6:20) 1-P.Edinger 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.
  13. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 4:33 · NO 29 · Score 16-30
    (4:33) 1-P.Edinger 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.
  14. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 1:11 · NO 17 · Score 16-33
    (1:11) 1-P.Edinger 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-14-B.Johnson.

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.
  • Darrell Henderson (New Orleans Saints) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings on 2005-09-25?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints 33-16 in Week 3, 2005.

What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings?

Q1: New Orleans Saints 0, Minnesota Vikings 17; Q2: New Orleans Saints 6, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q3: New Orleans Saints 3, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q4: New Orleans Saints 7, Minnesota Vikings 9; Final: New Orleans Saints 16, Minnesota Vikings 33.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — T. Taylor (D. Culpepper pass) (Q1 14:53) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — T. Taylor (D. Culpepper pass) (Q1 0:38) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — T. Williamson (D. Culpepper pass) (Q2 5:44) New Orleans Saints touchdown — E. Conwell (A. Brooks pass) (Q2 1:59) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. McAllister (Q4 11:45) Minnesota Vikings field goal — P. Edinger (Q1 7:21, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — J. Carney (Q3 5:41, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — P. Edinger (Q4 6:20, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — P. Edinger (Q4 4:33, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — P. Edinger (Q4 1:11, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings?

D. Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings), 47.7% completion, +0.15 EPA per dropback, +6.74 total passing EPA. A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints), 29.3% completion, -0.15 EPA per dropback, -5.97 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings?

Darrell Henderson (New Orleans Saints) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +9.07 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 3 snaps. Their top snap (+6.35 EPA): (8:33) 2-A.Brooks pass to 19-D.Henderson pushed ob at MIN 18 for 66 yards (33-R.Brown)..

Season records after this game

New Orleans Saints

Entered 1-1 Now 1-2 L

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 0-2 Now 1-2 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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