Quick answer
- Winner
- New York Giants
- Final score
- New York Giants 26–23 Cincinnati Bengals
- Halftime
- Cincinnati Bengals 13–10 New York Giants at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- T. Houshmandzadeh
- Top passer
- E. Manning
- Biggest EPA play
- (4:50) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Game date
- 2008-09-21
Game summary
The New York Giants beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26–23 on 2008-09-21, overcoming Cincinnati Bengals's 13–10 halftime lead. T. Houshmandzadeh posted a game-high +13.22 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cincinnati Bengals | 3 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 23 |
 New York Giants | 0 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 26 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
CINCincinnati Bengals(:48) 17-S.Graham 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
(10:44) 27-B.Jacobs left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
(7:27) 23-C.Perry right tackle for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
(3:59) 5-J.Carney 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
(:36) 17-S.Graham 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. Kick deflected by NYG #98 - F.Robbins.
(6:33) 5-J.Carney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
(11:43) 5-J.Carney 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
(4:50) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
(1:54) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 89-K.Boss for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
(:04) 17-S.Graham 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
(8:43) 5-J.Carney 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
NYGNew York GiantsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q1 0:48FG SGS. GrahamPoints+3
- Yard line
- NYG 4
- Score
- 3-0
(:48) 17-S.Graham 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
- NYGNew York Giants
Q2 10:44TD BJB. JacobsPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 1
- Score
- 3-6
(10:44) 27-B.Jacobs left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NYGNew York Giants
Q2 10:36XP JCJ. CarneyPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 3-7
5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 7:27TD CPC. PerryPoints+6
- Yard line
- NYG 25
- Score
- 9-7
(7:27) 23-C.Perry right tackle for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 7:20XP SGS. GrahamPoints+1
- Yard line
- NYG 2
- Score
- 10-7
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
- NYGNew York Giants
Q2 3:59FG JCJ. CarneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 6
- Score
- 10-10
(3:59) 5-J.Carney 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 0:36FG SGS. GrahamPoints+3
- Yard line
- NYG 12
- Score
- 13-10
(:36) 17-S.Graham 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. Kick deflected by NYG #98 - F.Robbins.
- NYGNew York Giants
Q3 6:33FG JCJ. CarneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 28
- Score
- 13-13
(6:33) 5-J.Carney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
- NYGNew York Giants
Q4 11:43FG JCJ. CarneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 8
- Score
- 13-16
(11:43) 5-J.Carney 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 4:50TD THT. HoushmandzadehPoints+6
- Yard line
- NYG 17
- Score
- 19-16
(4:50) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 4:39XP SGS. GrahamPoints+1
- Yard line
- NYG 2
- Score
- 20-16
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
- NYGNew York Giants
Q4 1:54TD KBK. BossPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 4
- Score
- 20-22
(1:54) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 89-K.Boss for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NYGNew York Giants
Q4 1:50XP JCJ. CarneyPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 20-23
5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 0:04FG SGS. GrahamPoints+3
- Yard line
- NYG 3
- Score
- 23-23
(:04) 17-S.Graham 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
- NYGNew York Giants
OT 8:43FG JCJ. CarneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 4
- Score
- 23-26
(8:43) 5-J.Carney 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1T. Houshmandzadeh · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +13.22 total EPA · 12 snaps · +1.10 EPA/play
- 2E. Manning · New York Giants · Passing · +11.27 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 3C. Palmer · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +10.02 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 4K. Boss · New York Giants · Receiving · +6.31 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.10 EPA/play
- 5A. Chatman · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.20 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.87 EPA/play
- 6A. Toomer · New York Giants · Receiving · +4.92 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play
- 7Shi Smith · New York Giants · Receiving · +4.21 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
- 8P. Burress · New York Giants · Receiving · +3.53 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.18 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
T. Houshmandzadeh — CIN · Receiving
T. Houshmandzadeh posted the highest total EPA (+13.22) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cincinnati Bengals. Across 12 counted snaps, they averaged +1.10 EPA per play.
T. Houshmandzadeh's top snap (+3.56 EPA): (4:50) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
E. Manning led all passers in efficiency for New York Giants, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- E. Manning (New York Giants) · 46 dropbacks · 56.5% completion · +0.2% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +11.27 total EPA
- C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) · 46 dropbacks · 58.7% completion · +5.4% CPOE · +0.22 EPA/play · +10.02 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Cincinnati Bengals | New York Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.104 | +0.118 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.6% | 49.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.218 | +0.245 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.156 | -0.110 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.118 | -0.104 |
| Defensive success rate | 50.5% | 48.4% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Cincinnati Bengals +0.10, New York Giants +0.12) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Cincinnati Bengals: +0.10 EPA/play (75th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- New York Giants: +0.12 EPA/play (78th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: 10 drives, +9.92 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- New York Giants: 11 drives, +10.73 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New York Giants — B. Jacobs
- Cincinnati Bengals — C. Perry
- Cincinnati Bengals — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass)
- New York Giants — K. Boss (E. Manning pass)
Field goals
- Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham
- New York Giants — J. Carney
- Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham
- New York Giants — J. Carney
- New York Giants — J. Carney
- Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham
- New York Giants — J. Carney
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 3–0. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the NYG 4 (Q1 0:48) — (:48) 17-S.Graham 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. New York Giants found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q2 10:44) — (10:44) 27-B.Jacobs left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q2 10:36) — 5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the NYG 25 (Q2 7:27) — (7:27) 23-C.Perry right tackle for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the NYG 2 (Q2 7:20) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; New York Giants connected on a field goal from the CIN 6 (Q2 3:59) — (3:59) 5-J.Carney 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the NYG 12 (Q2 0:36) — (:36) 17-S.Graham 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. Kick deflected by NYG #98 - F.Robbins..
The third quarter: New York Giants won the period 3–0. New York Giants connected on a field goal from the CIN 28 (Q3 6:33) — (6:33) 5-J.Carney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. New York Giants connected on a field goal from the CIN 8 (Q4 11:43) — (11:43) 5-J.Carney 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the NYG 17 (Q4 4:50) — (4:50) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the NYG 2 (Q4 4:39) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; New York Giants found the end zone from the CIN 4 (Q4 1:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 89-K.Boss for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q4 1:50) — 5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the NYG 3 (Q4 0:04) — (:04) 17-S.Graham 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..
Overtime: New York Giants won the period 3–0. New York Giants connected on a field goal from the CIN 4 (OT 8:43) — (8:43) 5-J.Carney 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New York Giants (OT 9:39) — (9:39) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass deep left to 81-A.Toomer ran ob at CIN 7 for 31 yards [57-Dh.Jones].
- New York Giants (OT 10:21) — (10:21) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass deep left to 17-P.Burress pushed ob at CIN 38 for 28 yards (29-L.Hall).
- New York Giants (Q4 3:33) — (3:33) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 12-S.Smith to CIN 17 for 15 yards (26-M.White).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 4:50) — (4:50) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New York Giants (Q4 1:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 89-K.Boss for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 4:50) — (4:50) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 7:27) — (7:27) 23-C.Perry right tackle for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New York Giants (OT 9:39) — (9:39) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass deep left to 81-A.Toomer ran ob at CIN 7 for 31 yards [57-Dh.Jones].
- New York Giants (Q4 1:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 89-K.Boss for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q1 0:48 · NYG 4 · Score 3-0
(:48) 17-S.Graham 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q2 10:44 · CIN 1 · Score 3-6
(10:44) 27-B.Jacobs left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q2 10:36 · CIN 2 · Score 3-7
5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 7:27 · NYG 25 · Score 9-7
(7:27) 23-C.Perry right tackle for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 7:20 · NYG 2 · Score 10-7
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q2 3:59 · CIN 6 · Score 10-10
(3:59) 5-J.Carney 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 0:36 · NYG 12 · Score 13-10
(:36) 17-S.Graham 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. Kick deflected by NYG #98 - F.Robbins. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q3 6:33 · CIN 28 · Score 13-13
(6:33) 5-J.Carney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q4 11:43 · CIN 8 · Score 13-16
(11:43) 5-J.Carney 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 4:50 · NYG 17 · Score 19-16
(4:50) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 4:39 · NYG 2 · Score 20-16
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q4 1:54 · CIN 4 · Score 20-22
(1:54) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 89-K.Boss for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q4 1:50 · CIN 2 · Score 20-23
5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 0:04 · NYG 3 · Score 23-23
(:04) 17-S.Graham 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - New York Giants FG (+3) — OT 8:43 · CIN 4 · Score 23-26
(8:43) 5-J.Carney 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New York Giants earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- T. Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati Bengals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- C. Palmer (CIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs New York Giants on 2008-09-21?
The New York Giants beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-23 in Week 3, 2008.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs New York Giants?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 3, New York Giants 0; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 10, New York Giants 10; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 0, New York Giants 3; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 10, New York Giants 10; Q5: Cincinnati Bengals 0, New York Giants 3; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 23, New York Giants 26.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs New York Giants?
New York Giants touchdown — B. Jacobs (Q2 10:44) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Perry (Q2 7:27) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 4:50) New York Giants touchdown — K. Boss (E. Manning pass) (Q4 1:54) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q1 0:48, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Carney (Q2 3:59, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q2 0:36, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Carney (Q3 6:33, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Carney (Q4 11:43, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q4 0:04, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Carney (OT 8:43, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs New York Giants?
E. Manning (New York Giants), 56.5% completion, +0.2% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +11.27 total passing EPA. C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), 58.7% completion, +5.4% CPOE, +0.22 EPA per dropback, +10.02 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cincinnati Bengals vs New York Giants?
T. Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +13.22 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 12 snaps. Their top snap (+3.56 EPA): (4:50) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was Cincinnati Bengals vs New York Giants a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. New York Giants won 26-23 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 0-2 Now 0-3 L
New York Giants
Entered 2-0 Now 3-0 W
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