Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 26–23 Atlanta Falcons
- Halftime
- New Orleans Saints 16–9 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- D. Brees
- Top passer
- D. Brees
- Biggest EPA play
- (6:19) 8-C.Redman pass short middle to 12-M.Jenkins for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Game date
- 2009-12-13
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 26–23 on 2009-12-13. D. Brees posted a game-high +24.23 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 16 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New Orleans Saints | 3 | 13 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 26 |
 Atlanta Falcons | 6 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 23 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
NONew Orleans Saints
(10:31) 3-M.Bryant 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(6:03) 5-G.Hartley 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.
(:36) 3-M.Bryant 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(9:53) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.
(:56) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(:04) 3-M.Bryant 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(9:19) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.
(6:19) 8-C.Redman pass short middle to 12-M.Jenkins for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(13:01) 44-J.Snelling up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(4:46) 5-G.Hartley 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.
ATLAtlanta FalconsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 10:31FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 18
- Score
- 0-3
(10:31) 3-M.Bryant 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 6:03FG GHG. HartleyPoints+3
- Yard line
- ATL 15
- Score
- 3-3
(6:03) 5-G.Hartley 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 0:36FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 12
- Score
- 3-6
(:36) 3-M.Bryant 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 9:53TD RBR. BushPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 6
- Score
- 9-6
(9:53) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 9:43XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 10-6
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 0:56TD MCM. ColstonPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 3
- Score
- 16-6
(:56) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:04FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 8
- Score
- 16-9
(:04) 3-M.Bryant 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 9:19TD RBR. BushPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 21
- Score
- 22-9
(9:19) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 9:11XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 23-9
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 6:19TD MJM. JenkinsPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 50
- Score
- 23-15
(6:19) 8-C.Redman pass short middle to 12-M.Jenkins for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 6:11XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 23-16
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 13:01TD JSJ. SnellingPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 4
- Score
- 23-22
(13:01) 44-J.Snelling up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 12:56XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 23-23
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 4:46FG GHG. HartleyPoints+3
- Yard line
- ATL 20
- Score
- 26-23
(4:46) 5-G.Hartley 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +24.23 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 2C. Redman · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +8.99 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 3R. Bush · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +7.44 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.24 EPA/play
- 4M. Colston · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.08 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.87 EPA/play
- 5M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +6.05 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.21 EPA/play
- 6R. Meachem · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.28 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
- 7J. Snelling · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.00 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
- 8T. Gonzalez · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.00 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.29 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
D. Brees — NO · Passing
D. Brees posted the highest total EPA (+24.23) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New Orleans Saints. Across 43 counted snaps, they averaged +0.56 EPA per play.
D. Brees's top snap (+4.03 EPA): (9:19) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (+4.85 EPA): C. Redman — (6:19) 8-C.Redman pass short middle to 12-M.Jenkins for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
D. Brees led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 43 dropbacks · 72.1% completion · +11.5% CPOE · +0.56 EPA/play · +24.23 total EPA
- C. Redman (Atlanta Falcons) · 35 dropbacks · 65.7% completion · -0.3% CPOE · +0.26 EPA/play · +8.99 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.202 | +0.148 |
| Offensive success rate | 52.9% | 52.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.480 | +0.257 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.075 | -0.003 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.148 | -0.202 |
| Defensive success rate | 47.1% | 47.1% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, New Orleans Saints generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.20 vs +0.15), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- New Orleans Saints: +0.20 EPA/play (92nd percentile vs. 2009 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.15 EPA/play (85th percentile vs. 2009 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 8 drives, +10.36 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 8 drives, +17.16 total EPA, 5 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)
- New Orleans Saints — M. Colston (D. Brees pass)
- New Orleans Saints — R. Bush (D. Brees pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Jenkins (C. Redman pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Snelling
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
- New Orleans Saints — G. Hartley
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
- New Orleans Saints — G. Hartley
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 6–3. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 18 (Q1 10:31) — (10:31) 3-M.Bryant 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 15 (Q1 6:03) — (6:03) 5-G.Hartley 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 12 (Q1 0:36) — (:36) 3-M.Bryant 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The second quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 13–3. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 6 (Q2 9:53) — (9:53) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 9:43) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 3 (Q2 0:56) — (:56) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 8 (Q2 0:04) — (:04) 3-M.Bryant 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 21 (Q3 9:19) — (9:19) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 9:11) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 50 (Q3 6:19) — (6:19) 8-C.Redman pass short middle to 12-M.Jenkins for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 6:11) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 4 (Q4 13:01) — (13:01) 44-J.Snelling up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 12:56) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 20 (Q4 4:46) — (4:46) 5-G.Hartley 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 1:18) — (1:18) (Shotgun) 8-C.Redman pass short middle to 44-J.Snelling to NO 45 for 1 yard (51-J.Vilma).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 2:11) — (2:11) (Field Goal formation) 11-M.Brunell pass incomplete short left to 80-D.Dinkins.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 3:55) — (3:55) 8-C.Redman pass deep middle intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 51-J.Vilma at ATL 43. 51-J.Vilma to ATL 32 for 11 yards (32-J.Norwood).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 13:01) — (13:01) 44-J.Snelling up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 11:57) — (11:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep left to 17-R.Meachem to ATL 11 for 42 yards (21-C.Owens).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 6:19) — (6:19) 8-C.Redman pass short middle to 12-M.Jenkins for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 9:19) — (9:19) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 11:57) — (11:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep left to 17-R.Meachem to ATL 11 for 42 yards (21-C.Owens).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 3:55) — (3:55) 8-C.Redman pass deep middle intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 51-J.Vilma at ATL 43. 51-J.Vilma to ATL 32 for 11 yards (32-J.Norwood).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 10:31 · NO 18 · Score 0-3
(10:31) 3-M.Bryant 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q1 6:03 · ATL 15 · Score 3-3
(6:03) 5-G.Hartley 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 0:36 · NO 12 · Score 3-6
(:36) 3-M.Bryant 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 9:53 · ATL 6 · Score 9-6
(9:53) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 9:43 · ATL 2 · Score 10-6
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 0:56 · ATL 3 · Score 16-6
(:56) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 0:04 · NO 8 · Score 16-9
(:04) 3-M.Bryant 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 9:19 · ATL 21 · Score 22-9
(9:19) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 9:11 · ATL 2 · Score 23-9
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 6:19 · NO 50 · Score 23-15
(6:19) 8-C.Redman pass short middle to 12-M.Jenkins for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 6:11 · NO 2 · Score 23-16
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 13:01 · NO 4 · Score 23-22
(13:01) 44-J.Snelling up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 12:56 · NO 2 · Score 23-23
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 4:46 · ATL 20 · Score 26-23
(4:46) 5-G.Hartley 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-11-M.Brunell.
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.
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- D. Brees (NO) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons on 2009-12-13?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 26-23 in Week 14, 2009.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: New Orleans Saints 3, Atlanta Falcons 6; Q2: New Orleans Saints 13, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q3: New Orleans Saints 7, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: New Orleans Saints 3, Atlanta Falcons 7; Final: New Orleans Saints 26, Atlanta Falcons 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — R. Bush (D. Brees pass) (Q2 9:53) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Colston (D. Brees pass) (Q2 0:56) New Orleans Saints touchdown — R. Bush (D. Brees pass) (Q3 9:19) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Jenkins (C. Redman pass) (Q3 6:19) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Snelling (Q4 13:01) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q1 10:31, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — G. Hartley (Q1 6:03, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q1 0:36, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 0:04, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — G. Hartley (Q4 4:46, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 72.1% completion, +11.5% CPOE, +0.56 EPA per dropback, +24.23 total passing EPA. C. Redman (Atlanta Falcons), 65.7% completion, -0.3% CPOE, +0.26 EPA per dropback, +8.99 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +24.23 total EPA on Passing plays. across 43 snaps. Their top snap (+4.03 EPA): (9:19) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 25-R.Bush for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. New Orleans Saints won 26-23 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 12-0 Now 13-0 W
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 6-6 Now 6-7 L
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