Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 29–25 Atlanta Falcons
- Halftime
- Atlanta Falcons 14–16 New Orleans Saints at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Matt Ryan
- Top passer
- Matt Ryan
- Biggest EPA play
- (10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 42-J.Dav…
- Game date
- 2008-12-07
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 29–25 on 2008-12-07. Matt Ryan posted a game-high +16.47 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 23 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Atlanta Falcons | 0 | 14 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 25 |
 New Orleans Saints | 7 | 9 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 29 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ATLAtlanta Falcons(8:34) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
(12:09) 5-G.Hartley 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
(10:00) 33-M.Turner right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(6:15) 5-G.Hartley 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
(2:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 86-B.Finneran for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. New Orleans challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #3 at 02:13.)
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(:03) 5-G.Hartley 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
(3:09) 1-J.Elam 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(13:03) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 23-P.Thomas for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(8:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 12-M.Jenkins is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
(5:54) 23-P.Thomas left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
NONew Orleans SaintsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 8:34TD RBR. BushPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 5
- Score
- 0-6
(8:34) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 8:29XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 0-7
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 12:09FG GHG. HartleyPoints+3
- Yard line
- ATL 8
- Score
- 0-10
(12:09) 5-G.Hartley 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 10:00TD Malik TurnerPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 5
- Score
- 6-10
(10:00) 33-M.Turner right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 9:55XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 7-10
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 6:15FG GHG. HartleyPoints+3
- Yard line
- ATL 28
- Score
- 7-13
(6:15) 5-G.Hartley 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 2:13TD BFB. FinneranPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 13-13
(2:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 86-B.Finneran for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. New Orleans challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #3 at 02:13.)
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 2:13XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 14-13
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 0:03FG GHG. HartleyPoints+3
- Yard line
- ATL 7
- Score
- 14-16
(:03) 5-G.Hartley 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 3:09FG JEJ. ElamPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 5
- Score
- 17-16
(3:09) 1-J.Elam 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 13:03TD PTP. ThomasPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 7
- Score
- 17-22
(13:03) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 23-P.Thomas for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 8:00TD Points+6
- Yard line
- NO 12
- Score
- 23-22
(8:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 7:51Safety Points+2
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 25-22
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 12-M.Jenkins is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 5:54TD PTP. ThomasPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 5
- Score
- 25-28
(5:54) 23-P.Thomas left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 5:47XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 25-29
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +16.47 total EPA · 36 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 2
Ricky White III · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +13.21 total EPA · 10 snaps · +1.32 EPA/play - 3M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +7.77 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.30 EPA/play
- 4D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +7.03 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 5Darrell Henderson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.70 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play
- 6B. Finneran · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.25 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.13 EPA/play
- 7J. Shockey · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.02 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
- 8H. Douglas · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.29 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.64 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
Matt Ryan — ATL · Passing
Matt Ryan posted the highest total EPA (+16.47) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 36 counted snaps, they averaged +0.46 EPA per play.
Matt Ryan's top snap (-6.56 EPA): (10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 42-J.David at NO 25. 42-J.David to NO 48 for 23 yards (84-R.White).
Quarterback report card
Matt Ryan led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 36 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +15.3% CPOE · +0.46 EPA/play · +16.47 total EPA
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 33 dropbacks · 54.5% completion · -9.4% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +7.03 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.185 | +0.206 |
| Offensive success rate | 53.8% | 52.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.458 | +0.213 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.145 | +0.091 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.206 | -0.185 |
| Defensive success rate | 47.5% | 46.2% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Atlanta Falcons +0.18, New Orleans Saints +0.21) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.18 EPA/play (87th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: +0.21 EPA/play (90th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 9 drives, +14.81 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 10 drives, +16.51 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New Orleans Saints — R. Bush (D. Brees pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — Malik Turner
- Atlanta Falcons — B. Finneran (Matt Ryan pass)
- New Orleans Saints — P. Thomas (D. Brees pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan
- New Orleans Saints — P. Thomas
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — G. Hartley
- New Orleans Saints — G. Hartley
- New Orleans Saints — G. Hartley
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 5 (Q1 8:34) — (8:34) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 8:29) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–9. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 8 (Q2 12:09) — (12:09) 5-G.Hartley 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 5 (Q2 10:00) — (10:00) 33-M.Turner right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 9:55) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 28 (Q2 6:15) — (6:15) 5-G.Hartley 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 2 (Q2 2:13); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 2:13) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 7 (Q2 0:03) — (:03) 5-G.Hartley 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 5 (Q3 3:09) — (3:09) 1-J.Elam 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 13–8. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 7 (Q4 13:03) — (13:03) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 23-P.Thomas for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 12 (Q4 8:00) — (8:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons registered a safety from the NO 2 (Q4 7:51) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 12-M.Jenkins is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 5 (Q4 5:54) — (5:54) 23-P.Thomas left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 5:47) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 10:03) — (10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 42-J.David at NO 25. 42-J.David to NO 48 for 23 yards (84-R.White).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 7:51) — 9-M.Koenen kicks 74 yards from ATL 30 to NO -4. 23-P.Thomas to ATL 16 for 88 yards (30-D.Irons).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 19-D.Henderson pushed ob at ATL 13 for 36 yards (23-C.Houston).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 8:00) — (8:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 10:18) — (10:18) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-R.White to ATL 41 for 26 yards (51-J.Vilma).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 10:03) — (10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 42-J.David at NO 25. 42-J.David to NO 48 for 23 yards (84-R.White).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 11:59) — (11:59) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White to NO 15 for 59 yards (29-J.Bullocks).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 7:51) — 9-M.Koenen kicks 74 yards from ATL 30 to NO -4. 23-P.Thomas to ATL 16 for 88 yards (30-D.Irons).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 19-D.Henderson pushed ob at ATL 13 for 36 yards (23-C.Houston).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 8:34 · ATL 5 · Score 0-6
(8:34) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 8:29 · ATL 2 · Score 0-7
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 12:09 · ATL 8 · Score 0-10
(12:09) 5-G.Hartley 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 10:00 · NO 5 · Score 6-10
(10:00) 33-M.Turner right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 9:55 · NO 2 · Score 7-10
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 6:15 · ATL 28 · Score 7-13
(6:15) 5-G.Hartley 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 2:13 · NO 2 · Score 13-13
(2:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 86-B.Finneran for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. New Orleans challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #3 at 02:13.) - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 2:13 · NO 2 · Score 14-13
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 0:03 · ATL 7 · Score 14-16
(:03) 5-G.Hartley 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 3:09 · NO 5 · Score 17-16
(3:09) 1-J.Elam 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 13:03 · ATL 7 · Score 17-22
(13:03) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 23-P.Thomas for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 8:00 · NO 12 · Score 23-22
(8:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons Safety (+2) — Q4 7:51 · NO 2 · Score 25-22
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 12-M.Jenkins is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 5:54 · ATL 5 · Score 25-28
(5:54) 23-P.Thomas left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 5:47 · ATL 2 · Score 25-29
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-G.Pakulak.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New Orleans Saints earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Matt Ryan (ATL) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints on 2008-12-07?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 29-25 in Week 14, 2008.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 0, New Orleans Saints 7; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 14, New Orleans Saints 9; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 3, New Orleans Saints 0; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 8, New Orleans Saints 13; Final: Atlanta Falcons 25, New Orleans Saints 29.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — R. Bush (D. Brees pass) (Q1 8:34) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q2 10:00) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — B. Finneran (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 2:13) New Orleans Saints touchdown — P. Thomas (D. Brees pass) (Q4 13:03) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Ryan (Q4 8:00) New Orleans Saints touchdown — P. Thomas (Q4 5:54) New Orleans Saints field goal — G. Hartley (Q2 12:09, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — G. Hartley (Q2 6:15, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — G. Hartley (Q2 0:03, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q3 3:09, 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?
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 66.7% completion, +15.3% CPOE, +0.46 EPA per dropback, +16.47 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 54.5% completion, -9.4% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +7.03 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +16.47 total EPA on Passing plays. across 36 snaps. Their top snap (-6.56 EPA): (10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 42-J.David at NO 25. 42-J.David to NO 48 for 23 yards (84-R.White)..
Was Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. New Orleans Saints won 29-25 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 8-4 Now 8-5 L
New Orleans Saints
Entered 6-6 Now 7-6 W
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