Quick answer
- Winner
- Denver Broncos
- Final score
- Denver Broncos 37–20 Arizona Cardinals
- Halftime
- Denver Broncos 16–10 Arizona Cardinals at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- J. Cutler
- Top passer
- M. Leinart
- Biggest EPA play
- (7:59) 26-T.Bell left end to DEN 10 for -6 yards (56-C.Okeafor). FUMBLES (56-C.Okeafor), t…
- Game date
- 2006-12-17
Game summary
The Denver Broncos beat the Arizona Cardinals 37–20 on 2006-12-17. J. Cutler posted a game-high +17.35 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Denver Broncos | 10 | 6 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 37 |
 Arizona Cardinals | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
DENDenver Broncos
(12:10) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 84-J.Walker for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [24-A.Wilson].
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(8:54) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(13:02) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(8:17) 1-N.Rackers 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(7:59) 26-T.Bell left end to DEN 10 for -6 yards (56-C.Okeafor). FUMBLES (56-C.Okeafor), touched at DEN 4, RECOVERED by ARI-94-A.Smith at DEN 4. 94-A.Smith for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(1:01) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(9:01) 6-J.Cutler pass short left to 80-R.Smith for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(2:24) 1-N.Rackers 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(13:54) 20-M.Bell up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(7:50) 32-E.James up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(2:49) 20-M.Bell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
ARIArizona CardinalsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 12:10TD Johnny Walker Jr.Points+6
- Yard line
- ARI 54
- Score
- 6-0
(12:10) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 84-J.Walker for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [24-A.Wilson].
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 12:00XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 7-0
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 8:54FG JEJ. ElamPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 12
- Score
- 10-0
(8:54) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 13:02FG JEJ. ElamPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 4
- Score
- 13-0
(13:02) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 8:17FG NRN. RackersPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 31
- Score
- 13-3
(8:17) 1-N.Rackers 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 7:59TD Travis BellPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 84
- Score
- 13-9
(7:59) 26-T.Bell left end to DEN 10 for -6 yards (56-C.Okeafor). FUMBLES (56-C.Okeafor), touched at DEN 4, RECOVERED by ARI-94-A.Smith at DEN 4. 94-A.Smith for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 7:53XP NRN. RackersPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 13-10
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 1:01FG JEJ. ElamPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 12
- Score
- 16-10
(1:01) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q3 9:01TD Ryan SmithPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 10
- Score
- 22-10
(9:01) 6-J.Cutler pass short left to 80-R.Smith for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q3 8:54XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 23-10
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q3 2:24FG NRN. RackersPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 20
- Score
- 23-13
(2:24) 1-N.Rackers 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 13:54TD Markquese BellPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 1
- Score
- 29-13
(13:54) 20-M.Bell up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 13:51XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 30-13
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 7:50TD EJE. JamesPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 4
- Score
- 30-19
(7:50) 32-E.James up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 7:46XP NRN. RackersPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 30-20
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 2:49TD Markquese BellPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 1
- Score
- 36-20
(2:49) 20-M.Bell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 2:44XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 37-20
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1J. Cutler · Denver Broncos · Passing · +17.35 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 2Johnny Walker Jr. · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +7.97 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.59 EPA/play
- 3L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +7.20 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.44 EPA/play
- 4T. Scheffler · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +5.46 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.82 EPA/play
- 5B. Marshall · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +5.11 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play
- 6A. Boldin · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.96 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 7Markquese Bell · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +3.72 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 8Ryan Smith · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.23 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.81 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
J. Cutler — DEN · Passing
J. Cutler posted the highest total EPA (+17.35) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Denver Broncos. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.51 EPA per play.
J. Cutler's top snap (+4.92 EPA): (12:10) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 84-J.Walker for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [24-A.Wilson].
Biggest single play (-6.90 EPA): Travis Bell — (7:59) 26-T.Bell left end to DEN 10 for -6 yards (56-C.Okeafor). FUMBLES (56-C.Okeafor), touched at DEN 4, RECOVERED by ARI-94-A.Smith at DEN 4. 94-A.Smith for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
M. Leinart led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M. Leinart (Arizona Cardinals) · 40 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -5.3% CPOE · -0.23 EPA/play · -9.29 total EPA
- J. Cutler (Denver Broncos) · 34 dropbacks · 61.8% completion · +7.7% CPOE · +0.51 EPA/play · +17.35 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Denver Broncos | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.147 | -0.109 |
| Offensive success rate | 53.5% | 50.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.510 | -0.232 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.230 | +0.144 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.109 | -0.147 |
| Defensive success rate | 50.0% | 46.5% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Denver Broncos generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs -0.11), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Denver Broncos: +0.15 EPA/play (88th percentile vs. 2006 team-game averages)
- Arizona Cardinals: -0.11 EPA/play (27th percentile vs. 2006 team-game averages)
- Arizona Cardinals: 11 drives, -8.53 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Denver Broncos: 11 drives, +12.68 total EPA, 8 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — Johnny Walker Jr. (J. Cutler pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — Travis Bell
- Denver Broncos — Ryan Smith (J. Cutler pass)
- Denver Broncos — Markquese Bell
- Arizona Cardinals — E. James
- Denver Broncos — Markquese Bell
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- Arizona Cardinals — N. Rackers
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- Arizona Cardinals — N. Rackers
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 10–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ARI 54 (Q1 12:10) — (12:10) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 84-J.Walker for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [24-A.Wilson].; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q1 12:00) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the ARI 12 (Q1 8:54) — (8:54) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer..
The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 10–6. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the ARI 4 (Q2 13:02) — (13:02) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the DEN 31 (Q2 8:17) — (8:17) 1-N.Rackers 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 84 (Q2 7:59); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 7:53) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the ARI 12 (Q2 1:01) — (1:01) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer..
The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–3. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ARI 10 (Q3 9:01) — (9:01) 6-J.Cutler pass short left to 80-R.Smith for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 8:54) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the DEN 20 (Q3 2:24) — (2:24) 1-N.Rackers 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–7. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q4 13:54) — (13:54) 20-M.Bell up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 13:51) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the DEN 4 (Q4 7:50) — (7:50) 32-E.James up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q4 7:46) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q4 2:49) — (2:49) 20-M.Bell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 2:44) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 7:59) — (7:59) 26-T.Bell left end to DEN 10 for -6 yards (56-C.Okeafor). FUMBLES (56-C.Okeafor), touched at DEN 4, RECOVERED by ARI-94-A.Smith at DEN 4. 94-A.Smith for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q1 12:10) — (12:10) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 84-J.Walker for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [24-A.Wilson].
- Denver Broncos (Q3 14:21) — (14:21) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle intended for 80-R.Smith INTERCEPTED by 34-R.Griffith at ARI 49. 34-R.Griffith ran ob at DEN 28 for 23 yards (50-B.Hamilton).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 12:02) — (12:02) 1-N.Rackers 40 yard field goal is GOOD, NULLIFIED by Penalty, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. PENALTY on ARI-87-F.Wakefield, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at DEN 22 - No Play.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 12:49) — (12:49) 28-J.Arrington left tackle to DEN 22 for -2 yards (52-I.Gold).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 7:59) — (7:59) 26-T.Bell left end to DEN 10 for -6 yards (56-C.Okeafor). FUMBLES (56-C.Okeafor), touched at DEN 4, RECOVERED by ARI-94-A.Smith at DEN 4. 94-A.Smith for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 11:54) — (11:54) 7-M.Leinart pass short right intended for 81-A.Boldin INTERCEPTED by 24-C.Bailey at ARI 31. 24-C.Bailey to ARI 26 for 5 yards (81-A.Boldin).
- Denver Broncos (Q1 12:10) — (12:10) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 84-J.Walker for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [24-A.Wilson].
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 10:47) — (10:47) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass deep middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald to DEN 22 for 19 yards (41-K.Paymah).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 12:10 · ARI 54 · Score 6-0
(12:10) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 84-J.Walker for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [24-A.Wilson]. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 12:00 · ARI 2 · Score 7-0
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q1 8:54 · ARI 12 · Score 10-0
(8:54) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 13:02 · ARI 4 · Score 13-0
(13:02) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 8:17 · DEN 31 · Score 13-3
(8:17) 1-N.Rackers 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 7:59 · ARI 84 · Score 13-9
(7:59) 26-T.Bell left end to DEN 10 for -6 yards (56-C.Okeafor). FUMBLES (56-C.Okeafor), touched at DEN 4, RECOVERED by ARI-94-A.Smith at DEN 4. 94-A.Smith for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 7:53 · DEN 2 · Score 13-10
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 1:01 · ARI 12 · Score 16-10
(1:01) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 9:01 · ARI 10 · Score 22-10
(9:01) 6-J.Cutler pass short left to 80-R.Smith for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 8:54 · ARI 2 · Score 23-10
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q3 2:24 · DEN 20 · Score 23-13
(2:24) 1-N.Rackers 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 13:54 · ARI 1 · Score 29-13
(13:54) 20-M.Bell up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 13:51 · ARI 2 · Score 30-13
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 7:50 · DEN 4 · Score 30-19
(7:50) 32-E.James up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 7:46 · DEN 2 · Score 30-20
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 2:49 · ARI 1 · Score 36-20
(2:49) 20-M.Bell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 2:44 · ARI 2 · Score 37-20
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
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.
- J. Cutler (Denver Broncos) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- M. Leinart (ARI) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
- J. Cutler (DEN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Denver Broncos vs Arizona Cardinals on 2006-12-17?
The Denver Broncos beat the Arizona Cardinals 37-20 in Week 15, 2006.
What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Arizona Cardinals?
Q1: Denver Broncos 10, Arizona Cardinals 0; Q2: Denver Broncos 6, Arizona Cardinals 10; Q3: Denver Broncos 7, Arizona Cardinals 3; Q4: Denver Broncos 14, Arizona Cardinals 7; Final: Denver Broncos 37, Arizona Cardinals 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Arizona Cardinals?
Denver Broncos touchdown — J. Walker (J. Cutler pass) (Q1 12:10) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — T. Bell (Q2 7:59) Denver Broncos touchdown — R. Smith (J. Cutler pass) (Q3 9:01) Denver Broncos touchdown — M. Bell (Q4 13:54) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — E. James (Q4 7:50) Denver Broncos touchdown — M. Bell (Q4 2:49) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q1 8:54, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 13:02, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — N. Rackers (Q2 8:17, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 1:01, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — N. Rackers (Q3 2:24, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Arizona Cardinals?
M. Leinart (Arizona Cardinals), 50.0% completion, -5.3% CPOE, -0.23 EPA per dropback, -9.29 total passing EPA. J. Cutler (Denver Broncos), 61.8% completion, +7.7% CPOE, +0.51 EPA per dropback, +17.35 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Denver Broncos vs Arizona Cardinals?
J. Cutler (Denver Broncos) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +17.35 total EPA on Passing plays. across 34 snaps. Their top snap (+4.92 EPA): (12:10) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 84-J.Walker for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [24-A.Wilson]..
Season records after this game
Denver Broncos
Entered 7-6 Now 8-6 W
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 4-9 Now 4-10 L
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