Quick answer
- Winner
- Atlanta Falcons
- Final score
- Atlanta Falcons 34–31 New Orleans Saints
- Halftime
- Atlanta Falcons 17–10 New Orleans Saints at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- A. Brooks
- Top passer
- A. Brooks
- Biggest EPA play
- (4:17) 32-A.Smith to ATL 34 for -2 yards (59-M.Boley). FUMBLES (59-M.Boley), RECOVERED by …
- Game date
- 2005-10-16
Game summary
The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 34–31 on 2005-10-16. A. Brooks posted a game-high +10.48 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 31 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 34 | |
| 7 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 31 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
A. Brooks · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +10.48 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play - 2
A. Hakim · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.34 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.06 EPA/play - 3
Darrell Henderson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.05 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.51 EPA/play - 4
D. Stallworth · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +5.76 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play - 5
A. Stecker · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +4.59 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play - 6
M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.43 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.22 EPA/play - 7
W. Dunn · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +3.61 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play - 8
A. Crumpler · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.71 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.68 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
A. Brooks — NO · Passing
A. Brooks posted the highest total EPA (+10.48) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New Orleans Saints. Across 43 counted snaps, they averaged +0.24 EPA per play.
A. Brooks's top snap (-5.46 EPA): (5:21) 2-A.Brooks pass intended for 19-D.Henderson INTERCEPTED by 56-K.Brooking at NO 33. 56-K.Brooking to NO 11 for 22 yards (44-M.Karney).
Biggest single play (-10.36 EPA): Arian Smith — (4:17) 32-A.Smith to ATL 34 for -2 yards (59-M.Boley). FUMBLES (59-M.Boley), RECOVERED by ATL-21-D.Hall at ATL 34. 21-D.Hall for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
A. Brooks led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints) · 43 dropbacks · 51.2% completion · +0.24 EPA/play · +10.48 total EPA
M. Vick (Atlanta Falcons) · 30 dropbacks · 36.7% completion · -0.09 EPA/play · -2.62 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.067 | -0.005 |
| Offensive success rate | 54.3% | 63.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.087 | +0.244 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.096 | -0.071 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.005 | -0.067 |
| Defensive success rate | 36.8% | 45.7% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.07 vs -0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.07 EPA/play (68th percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: -0.01 EPA/play (49th percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +5.40 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, -0.40 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns

New Orleans Saints — Arian Smith 
Atlanta Falcons — Derick Hall 
Atlanta Falcons — Dorian Williams 
New Orleans Saints — Arian Smith
Atlanta Falcons — Jonas Griffith (M. Vick pass)
New Orleans Saints — D. Stallworth (A. Brooks pass)
Atlanta Falcons — W. Dunn
New Orleans Saints — Darrell Henderson (A. Brooks pass)
Field goals
Atlanta Falcons — T. Peterson
New Orleans Saints — J. Carney
Atlanta Falcons — T. Peterson
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 19 (Q1 9:43) — (9:43) 2-T.Peterson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 24 (Q1 3:40) — (3:40) 32-A.Smith up the middle for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 3:37) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 1 (Q2 9:58) — (9:58) 3-J.Carney 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ATL 32 (Q2 4:17); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 4:04) — 2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-44-F.McCrary.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ATL 29 (Q2 0:04); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 0:00) — 2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub..
The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q3 7:44) — (7:44) 32-A.Smith left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 7:39) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 17–14. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 12 (Q4 12:23) — (12:23) 7-M.Vick pass to 33-J.Griffith for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 12:17) — 2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 27 (Q4 7:02) — (7:02) 2-A.Brooks pass to 83-D.Stallworth for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-36-J.Webster, Defensive Holding, declined.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 6:56) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 21 (Q4 4:48) — (4:48) 28-W.Dunn right end for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 4:37) — 2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 15 (Q4 0:51) — (:51) 2-A.Brooks pass to 19-D.Henderson for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 0:46) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 18 (Q4 0:02) — (:02) 2-T.Peterson 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 0:04) — (:04) 3-J.Carney 47 yard field goal is BLOCKED (59-M.Boley), Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman, RECOVERED by ATL-51-D.Williams at ATL 41. 51-D.Williams for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 4:17) — (4:17) 32-A.Smith to ATL 34 for -2 yards (59-M.Boley). FUMBLES (59-M.Boley), RECOVERED by ATL-21-D.Hall at ATL 34. 21-D.Hall for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 5:21) — (5:21) 2-A.Brooks pass intended for 19-D.Henderson INTERCEPTED by 56-K.Brooking at NO 33. 56-K.Brooking to NO 11 for 22 yards (44-M.Karney).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 0:51) — (:51) 2-A.Brooks pass to 19-D.Henderson for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 7:02) — (7:02) 2-A.Brooks pass to 83-D.Stallworth for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-36-J.Webster, Defensive Holding, declined.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 4:17) — (4:17) 32-A.Smith to ATL 34 for -2 yards (59-M.Boley). FUMBLES (59-M.Boley), RECOVERED by ATL-21-D.Hall at ATL 34. 21-D.Hall for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 0:04) — (:04) 3-J.Carney 47 yard field goal is BLOCKED (59-M.Boley), Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman, RECOVERED by ATL-51-D.Williams at ATL 41. 51-D.Williams for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) 7-M.Vick pass intended for 85-D.Blakley INTERCEPTED by 29-J.Bullocks at NO 4. 29-J.Bullocks to ATL 45 for 51 yards (62-T.McClure).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 5:21) — (5:21) 2-A.Brooks pass intended for 19-D.Henderson INTERCEPTED by 56-K.Brooking at NO 33. 56-K.Brooking to NO 11 for 22 yards (44-M.Karney).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 9:43 · NO 19 · Score 3-0
(9:43) 2-T.Peterson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 3:40 · ATL 24 · Score 3-6
(3:40) 32-A.Smith up the middle for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 3:37 · ATL 2 · Score 3-7
3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.
New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 9:58 · ATL 1 · Score 3-10
(9:58) 3-J.Carney 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 4:17 · ATL 32 · Score 9-10
(4:17) 32-A.Smith to ATL 34 for -2 yards (59-M.Boley). FUMBLES (59-M.Boley), RECOVERED by ATL-21-D.Hall at ATL 34. 21-D.Hall for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 4:04 · NO 2 · Score 10-10
2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-44-F.McCrary.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 0:04 · ATL 29 · Score 16-10
(:04) 3-J.Carney 47 yard field goal is BLOCKED (59-M.Boley), Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman, RECOVERED by ATL-51-D.Williams at ATL 41. 51-D.Williams for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 0:00 · NO 2 · Score 17-10
2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 7:44 · ATL 1 · Score 17-16
(7:44) 32-A.Smith left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 7:39 · ATL 2 · Score 17-17
3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 12:23 · NO 12 · Score 23-17
(12:23) 7-M.Vick pass to 33-J.Griffith for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 12:17 · NO 2 · Score 24-17
2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 7:02 · ATL 27 · Score 24-23
(7:02) 2-A.Brooks pass to 83-D.Stallworth for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-36-J.Webster, Defensive Holding, declined.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 6:56 · ATL 2 · Score 24-24
3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 4:48 · NO 21 · Score 30-24
(4:48) 28-W.Dunn right end for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 4:37 · NO 2 · Score 31-24
2-T.Peterson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 0:51 · ATL 15 · Score 31-30
(:51) 2-A.Brooks pass to 19-D.Henderson for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 0:46 · ATL 2 · Score 31-31
3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Bouman.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 0:02 · NO 18 · Score 34-31
(:02) 2-T.Peterson 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-8-M.Schaub.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Atlanta Falcons earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints on 2005-10-16?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 34-31 in Week 6, 2005.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 3, New Orleans Saints 7; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 14, New Orleans Saints 3; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 0, New Orleans Saints 7; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 17, New Orleans Saints 14; Final: Atlanta Falcons 34, New Orleans Saints 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Smith (Q1 3:40) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Hall (Q2 4:17) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Williams (Q2 0:04) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Smith (Q3 7:44) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Griffith (M. Vick pass) (Q4 12:23) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Stallworth (A. Brooks pass) (Q4 7:02) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — W. Dunn (Q4 4:48) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Henderson (A. Brooks pass) (Q4 0:51) Atlanta Falcons field goal — T. Peterson (Q1 9:43, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — J. Carney (Q2 9:58, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — T. Peterson (Q4 0:02, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints), 51.2% completion, +0.24 EPA per dropback, +10.48 total passing EPA. M. Vick (Atlanta Falcons), 36.7% completion, -0.09 EPA per dropback, -2.62 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.48 total EPA on Passing plays. across 43 snaps. Their top snap (-5.46 EPA): (5:21) 2-A.Brooks pass intended for 19-D.Henderson INTERCEPTED by 56-K.Brooking at NO 33. 56-K.Brooking to NO 11 for 22 yards (44-M.Karney)..
Was Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Atlanta Falcons won 34-31 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 3-2 Now 4-2 W
New Orleans Saints
Entered 2-3 Now 2-4 L