Lions 21–34 Falcons: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 1, 2008

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?

M. Turner (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +12.75 total EPA on Rushing plays. across 22 snaps. Their top snap (+5.01 EPA): (7:46) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Quick answer

Winner: Atlanta Falcons
Final score: Atlanta Falcons 34–21 Detroit Lions
Halftime: Detroit Lions 14–21 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Malik Turner
Top passer: J. Kitna
Biggest EPA play: (7:46) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date: 2008-09-07

Game summary

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Detroit Lions 34–21 on 2008-09-07. Malik Turner posted a game-high +12.75 total EPA in the rushing.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 21 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Detroit Lions	0	14	7	0	0	21
Atlanta Falcons	21	0	10	3	0	34

Scoring Map

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

DETDetroit Lions

DET 62

DET 66

ATL 21

+3DET 32

DET 10

ATLAtlanta Falcons

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

16 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 13:42TD
MJM. Jenkins
Points+6
Yard line
DET 62
Score
0-6
(13:42) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 12-M.Jenkins for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 13:33XP
JEJ. Elam
Points+1
Yard line
DET 2
Score
0-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 7:46TD
Malik Turner
Points+6
Yard line
DET 66
Score
0-13
(7:46) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 7:33XP
JEJ. Elam
Points+1
Yard line
DET 2
Score
0-14
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 3:25TD
Malik Turner
Points+6
Yard line
DET 5
Score
0-20
(3:25) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 3:20XP
JEJ. Elam
Points+1
Yard line
DET 2
Score
0-21
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
DETDetroit Lions
Q2 4:10TD
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 3
Score
6-21
(4:10) 34-Kevin Smith up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
DETDetroit Lions
Q2 4:06XP
Jake Hanson
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
7-21
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
DETDetroit Lions
Q2 0:23TD
Ryan Williams
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 21
Score
13-21
(:23) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass deep right to 11-R.Williams for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld.
DETDetroit Lions
Q2 0:16XP
Jake Hanson
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
14-21
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 9:50FG
JEJ. Elam
Points+3
Yard line
DET 32
Score
14-24
(9:50) 1-J.Elam 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 6:02TD
JNJ. Norwood
Points+6
Yard line
DET 10
Score
14-30
(6:02) 32-J.Norwood left tackle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 5:57XP
JEJ. Elam
Points+1
Yard line
DET 2
Score
14-31
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
DETDetroit Lions
Q3 1:45TD
CFC. Fitzsimmons
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 1
Score
20-31
(1:45) 8-J.Kitna pass short right to 82-C.Fitzsimmons for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
DETDetroit Lions
Q3 1:40XP
Jake Hanson
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
21-31
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 10:27FG
JEJ. Elam
Points+3
Yard line
DET 7
Score
21-34
(10:27) 1-J.Elam 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Malik Turner · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +12.75 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
2J. Kitna · Detroit Lions · Passing · +9.39 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
3Cornelius Johnson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +7.81 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
4Ryan Williams · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +6.36 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.12 EPA/play
5Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +5.22 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
6M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.72 total EPA · 1 snaps · +4.72 EPA/play
7J. Norwood · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +4.14 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
8Ricky White III · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.95 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.97 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

Malik Turner — ATL · Rushing

Malik Turner posted the highest total EPA (+12.75) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 22 counted snaps, they averaged +0.58 EPA per play.

Malik Turner's top snap (+5.01 EPA): (7:46) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

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

J. Kitna (Detroit Lions) · 41 dropbacks · 58.5% completion · +8.6% CPOE · +0.23 EPA/play · +9.39 total EPA
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 15 dropbacks · 60.0% completion · +4.9% CPOE · +0.35 EPA/play · +5.22 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Detroit Lions	Atlanta Falcons
Offensive EPA/play	+0.058	+0.251
Offensive success rate	49.4%	49.3%
Pass EPA/play	+0.229	+0.348
Rush EPA/play	-0.127	+0.443
Defensive EPA/play	-0.251	-0.058
Defensive success rate	50.7%	50.6%

Drive & efficiency notes

Atlanta Falcons held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.25 vs +0.06), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Detroit Lions: +0.06 EPA/play (64th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
Atlanta Falcons: +0.25 EPA/play (94th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)

Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +17.81 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Detroit Lions: 10 drives, +4.72 total EPA, 3 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

Atlanta Falcons — M. Jenkins (Matt Ryan pass) (Q1 13:42)
Atlanta Falcons — Malik Turner (Q1 7:46)
Atlanta Falcons — Malik Turner (Q1 3:25)
Detroit Lions — unlisted player (Q2 4:10)
Detroit Lions — Ryan Williams (J. Kitna pass) (Q2 0:23)
Atlanta Falcons — J. Norwood (Q3 6:02)
Detroit Lions — C. Fitzsimmons (J. Kitna pass) (Q3 1:45)

Field goals

Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam (Q3 9:50)
Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam (Q4 10:27)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 21–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 62 (Q1 13:42) — (13:42) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 12-M.Jenkins for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 13:33) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 66 (Q1 7:46) — (7:46) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 7:33) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 5 (Q1 3:25) — (3:25) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 3:20) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..

The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 14–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the ATL 3 (Q2 4:10) — (4:10) 34-Kevin Smith up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 4:06) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the ATL 21 (Q2 0:23); Detroit Lions added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 0:16) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris..

The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–7. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the DET 32 (Q3 9:50) — (9:50) 1-J.Elam 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 10 (Q3 6:02) — (6:02) 32-J.Norwood left tackle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q3 5:57) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q3 1:45) — (1:45) 8-J.Kitna pass short right to 82-C.Fitzsimmons for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 1:40) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris..

The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the DET 7 (Q4 10:27) — (10:27) 1-J.Elam 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Atlanta Falcons (Q1 13:42) — (13:42) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 12-M.Jenkins for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +12.6% · EPA +4.72]
Detroit Lions (Q3 12:24) — (12:24) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass deep middle intended for 11-R.Williams INTERCEPTED by 36-L.Milloy at ATL 13. 36-L.Milloy to DET 49 for 38 yards (32-R.Johnson). [WPA -9.3% · EPA -4.85]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 7:46) — (7:46) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.0% · EPA +5.01]
Detroit Lions (Q2 0:23) — (:23) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass deep right to 11-R.Williams for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. [WPA +6.8% · EPA +3.96]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 8:22) — (8:22) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 84-R.White to ATL 34 for 8 yards (25-B.Kelly). [WPA +4.8% · EPA +1.33]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Atlanta Falcons (Q1 7:46) — (7:46) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.0% · EPA +5.01]
Detroit Lions (Q3 12:24) — (12:24) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass deep middle intended for 11-R.Williams INTERCEPTED by 36-L.Milloy at ATL 13. 36-L.Milloy to DET 49 for 38 yards (32-R.Johnson). [WPA -9.3% · EPA -4.85]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 13:42) — (13:42) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 12-M.Jenkins for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +12.6% · EPA +4.72]
Detroit Lions (Q2 0:23) — (:23) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass deep right to 11-R.Williams for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. [WPA +6.8% · EPA +3.96]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 13:42 · DET 62 · Score 0-6
(13:42) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left to 12-M.Jenkins for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 13:33 · DET 2 · Score 0-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 7:46 · DET 66 · Score 0-13
(7:46) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 7:33 · DET 2 · Score 0-14
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 3:25 · DET 5 · Score 0-20
(3:25) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 3:20 · DET 2 · Score 0-21
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 4:10 · ATL 3 · Score 6-21
(4:10) 34-Kevin Smith up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 4:06 · ATL 2 · Score 7-21
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 0:23 · ATL 21 · Score 13-21
(:23) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass deep right to 11-R.Williams for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld.
Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 0:16 · ATL 2 · Score 14-21
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 9:50 · DET 32 · Score 14-24
(9:50) 1-J.Elam 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 6:02 · DET 10 · Score 14-30
(6:02) 32-J.Norwood left tackle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 5:57 · DET 2 · Score 14-31
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 1:45 · ATL 1 · Score 20-31
(1:45) 8-J.Kitna pass short right to 82-C.Fitzsimmons for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 1:40 · ATL 2 · Score 21-31
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 10:27 · DET 7 · Score 21-34
(10:27) 1-J.Elam 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.

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.
Malik Turner (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
J. Kitna (DET) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Matt Ryan (ATL) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons on 2008-09-07?

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Detroit Lions 34-21 in Week 1, 2008.

What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?

Q1: Detroit Lions 0, Atlanta Falcons 21; Q2: Detroit Lions 14, Atlanta Falcons 0; Q3: Detroit Lions 7, Atlanta Falcons 10; Q4: Detroit Lions 0, Atlanta Falcons 3; Final: Detroit Lions 21, Atlanta Falcons 34.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?

Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Jenkins (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 13:42) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q1 7:46) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q1 3:25) Detroit Lions touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 4:10) Detroit Lions touchdown — R. Williams (J. Kitna pass) (Q2 0:23) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Norwood (Q3 6:02) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Fitzsimmons (J. Kitna pass) (Q3 1:45) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q3 9:50, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q4 10:27, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?

J. Kitna (Detroit Lions), 58.5% completion, +8.6% CPOE, +0.23 EPA per dropback, +9.39 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 60.0% completion, +4.9% CPOE, +0.35 EPA per dropback, +5.22 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons?

Malik Turner (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +12.75 total EPA on Rushing plays. across 22 snaps. Their top snap (+5.01 EPA): (7:46) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Detroit Lions

Now 0-1 L

Atlanta Falcons

Now 1-0 W

Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons: 2008 Week 1 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Lions

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

Quick answer

Game summary