Quick answer
- Winner
- Atlanta Falcons
- Final score
- Atlanta Falcons 24–17 Minnesota Vikings
- Halftime
- Atlanta Falcons 17–7 Minnesota Vikings at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- V. Shiancoe
- Top passer
- Trishton Jackson
- Biggest EPA play
- (11:11) 7-T.Jackson sacked at ATL 25 for -9 yards (94-K.Moorehead). FUMBLES (94-K.Moorehea…
- Game date
- 2008-12-21
Game summary
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–17 on 2008-12-21. V. Shiancoe posted a game-high +14.20 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
 Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 17 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
(8:52) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(2:11) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 81-V.Shiancoe for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
(14:11) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 32-J.Norwood for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(:07) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(2:49) 2-M.Ryan scrambles to MIN 1 for 4 yards (51-B.Leber). FUMBLES (51-B.Leber), recovered by ATL-63-J.Blalock at MIN 0. TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(11:36) 8-R.Longwell 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
(2:50) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep middle to 81-V.Shiancoe for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
MINMinnesota VikingsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 8:52TD Malik TurnerPoints+6
- Yard line
- MIN 1
- Score
- 6-0
(8:52) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 8:47XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 2
- Score
- 7-0
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 2:11TD VSV. ShiancoePoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 21
- Score
- 7-6
(2:11) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 81-V.Shiancoe for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 2:00XP RLR. LongwellPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 7-7
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 14:11TD JNJ. NorwoodPoints+6
- Yard line
- MIN 8
- Score
- 13-7
(14:11) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 32-J.Norwood for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 14:06XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 2
- Score
- 14-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:07FG JEJ. ElamPoints+3
- Yard line
- MIN 3
- Score
- 17-7
(:07) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 2:49TD Points+6
- Yard line
- MIN 5
- Score
- 23-7
(2:49) 2-M.Ryan scrambles to MIN 1 for 4 yards (51-B.Leber). FUMBLES (51-B.Leber), recovered by ATL-63-J.Blalock at MIN 0. TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 2:38XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 2
- Score
- 24-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 11:36FG RLR. LongwellPoints+3
- Yard line
- ATL 11
- Score
- 24-10
(11:36) 8-R.Longwell 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 2:50TD VSV. ShiancoePoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 17
- Score
- 24-16
(2:50) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep middle to 81-V.Shiancoe for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 2:44XP RLR. LongwellPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 24-17
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1V. Shiancoe · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +14.20 total EPA · 7 snaps · +2.03 EPA/play
- 2M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.80 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.45 EPA/play
- 3Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +3.52 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 4
Trishton Jackson · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +3.22 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play - 5B. Berrian · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.84 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play
- 6
Ricky White III · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.78 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play - 7B. Finneran · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.52 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
- 8J. Norwood · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.38 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.69 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
V. Shiancoe — MIN · Receiving
V. Shiancoe posted the highest total EPA (+14.20) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +2.03 EPA per play.
V. Shiancoe's top snap (+3.14 EPA): (2:50) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep middle to 81-V.Shiancoe for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (-7.08 EPA): Trishton Jackson — (11:11) 7-T.Jackson sacked at ATL 25 for -9 yards (94-K.Moorehead). FUMBLES (94-K.Moorehead), RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at ATL 45. 92-C.Davis to ATL 46 for 1 yard (78-M.Birk).
Quarterback report card
Trishton Jackson led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Trishton Jackson (Minnesota Vikings) · 46 dropbacks · 47.8% completion · +7.8% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +3.22 total EPA
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 29 dropbacks · 44.8% completion · -6.5% CPOE · +0.12 EPA/play · +3.52 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.051 | -0.065 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.0% | 44.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.121 | +0.070 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.064 | -0.428 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.065 | -0.051 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.4% | 57.0% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.05 vs -0.07), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.05 EPA/play (61st percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- Minnesota Vikings: -0.07 EPA/play (33rd percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +4.05 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, -5.43 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — Malik Turner
- Minnesota Vikings — V. Shiancoe (Trishton Jackson pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Norwood (Matt Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan
- Minnesota Vikings — V. Shiancoe (Trishton Jackson pass)
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam
- Minnesota Vikings — R. Longwell
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q1 8:52) — (8:52) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q1 8:47) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 21 (Q1 2:11) — (2:11) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 81-V.Shiancoe for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 2:00) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 8 (Q2 14:11) — (14:11) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 32-J.Norwood for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q2 14:06) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the MIN 3 (Q2 0:07) — (:07) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the MIN 5 (Q3 2:49) — (2:49) 2-M.Ryan scrambles to MIN 1 for 4 yards (51-B.Leber). FUMBLES (51-B.Leber), recovered by ATL-63-J.Blalock at MIN 0. TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 2:38) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the ATL 11 (Q4 11:36) — (11:36) 8-R.Longwell 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the ATL 17 (Q4 2:50) — (2:50) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep middle to 81-V.Shiancoe for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 2:44) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 11:11) — (11:11) 7-T.Jackson sacked at ATL 25 for -9 yards (94-K.Moorehead). FUMBLES (94-K.Moorehead), RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at ATL 45. 92-C.Davis to ATL 46 for 1 yard (78-M.Birk).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 0:35) — (:35) 9-M.Koenen punts 34 yards to MIN 22, Center-46-M.Schneck. 87-B.Berrian MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by ATL-59-M.Boley at MIN 22. 59-M.Boley to MIN 22 for no gain (50-E.Henderson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 4:01) — (4:01) 7-T.Jackson to MIN 47 for -5 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at MIN 46. 92-C.Davis to MIN 46 for no gain (28-A.Peterson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 10:35) — (10:35) 28-A.Peterson left end to ATL 17 for 7 yards (36-L.Milloy). FUMBLES (36-L.Milloy), RECOVERED by ATL-23-C.Houston at ATL 17. 23-C.Houston to ATL 21 for 4 yards (87-B.Berrian).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 2:11) — (2:11) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 81-V.Shiancoe for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 11:11) — (11:11) 7-T.Jackson sacked at ATL 25 for -9 yards (94-K.Moorehead). FUMBLES (94-K.Moorehead), RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at ATL 45. 92-C.Davis to ATL 46 for 1 yard (78-M.Birk).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 0:35) — (:35) 9-M.Koenen punts 34 yards to MIN 22, Center-46-M.Schneck. 87-B.Berrian MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by ATL-59-M.Boley at MIN 22. 59-M.Boley to MIN 22 for no gain (50-E.Henderson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 10:35) — (10:35) 28-A.Peterson left end to ATL 17 for 7 yards (36-L.Milloy). FUMBLES (36-L.Milloy), RECOVERED by ATL-23-C.Houston at ATL 17. 23-C.Houston to ATL 21 for 4 yards (87-B.Berrian).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 4:01) — (4:01) 7-T.Jackson to MIN 47 for -5 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by ATL-92-C.Davis at MIN 46. 92-C.Davis to MIN 46 for no gain (28-A.Peterson).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 8:52 · MIN 1 · Score 6-0
(8:52) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 8:47 · MIN 2 · Score 7-0
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 2:11 · ATL 21 · Score 7-6
(2:11) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 81-V.Shiancoe for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 2:00 · ATL 2 · Score 7-7
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 14:11 · MIN 8 · Score 13-7
(14:11) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 32-J.Norwood for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 14:06 · MIN 2 · Score 14-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 0:07 · MIN 3 · Score 17-7
(:07) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 2:49 · MIN 5 · Score 23-7
(2:49) 2-M.Ryan scrambles to MIN 1 for 4 yards (51-B.Leber). FUMBLES (51-B.Leber), recovered by ATL-63-J.Blalock at MIN 0. TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 2:38 · MIN 2 · Score 24-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 11:36 · ATL 11 · Score 24-10
(11:36) 8-R.Longwell 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 2:50 · ATL 17 · Score 24-16
(2:50) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep middle to 81-V.Shiancoe for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 2:44 · ATL 2 · Score 24-17
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
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.
- V. Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Trishton Jackson (MIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings on 2008-12-21?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-17 in Week 16, 2008.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 7, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 0, Minnesota Vikings 10; Final: Atlanta Falcons 24, Minnesota Vikings 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q1 8:52) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — V. Shiancoe (T. Jackson pass) (Q1 2:11) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Norwood (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 14:11) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Ryan (Q3 2:49) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — V. Shiancoe (T. Jackson pass) (Q4 2:50) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q2 0:07, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — R. Longwell (Q4 11:36, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
Trishton Jackson (Minnesota Vikings), 47.8% completion, +7.8% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +3.22 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 44.8% completion, -6.5% CPOE, +0.12 EPA per dropback, +3.52 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings?
V. Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +14.20 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 7 snaps. Their top snap (+3.14 EPA): (2:50) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep middle to 81-V.Shiancoe for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Atlanta Falcons won 24-17 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 9-5 Now 10-5 W
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 9-5 Now 9-6 L
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
