Quick answer
- Winner
- Arizona Cardinals
- Final score
- Arizona Cardinals 31–24 Detroit Lions
- Halftime
- Arizona Cardinals 17–0 Detroit Lions at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- A. Boldin
- Top passer
- Kade Warner
- Biggest EPA play
- (7:45) 13-K.Warner pass deep middle intended for 15-S.Breaston INTERCEPTED by 26-L.Delmas …
- Game date
- 2009-12-20
Game summary
The Arizona Cardinals beat the Detroit Lions 31–24 on 2009-12-20. A. Boldin posted a game-high +4.36 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Arizona Cardinals | 7 | 10 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 31 |
 Detroit Lions | 0 | 0 | 17 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ARIArizona Cardinals(1:43) 13-K.Warner pass short right to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
(13:05) 12-M.Nugent 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
(4:05) 34-T.Hightower left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
(7:45) 13-K.Warner pass deep middle intended for 15-S.Breaston INTERCEPTED by 26-L.Delmas at DET 0. 26-L.Delmas for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris.
(5:21) 28-M.Morris left end for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ARI-98-G.Watson, Defensive Holding, declined.
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris. PENALTY on ARI-21-A.Rolle, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
(2:08) 4-J.Hanson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris.
(13:48) 26-C.Wells right tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
(3:48) 5-D.Stanton up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris.
(1:59) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
DETDetroit LionsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 1:43TD LFL. FitzgeraldPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 1
- Score
- 6-0
(1:43) 13-K.Warner pass short right to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 1:37XP MNM. NugentPoints+1
- Yard line
- DET 2
- Score
- 7-0
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 13:05FG MNM. NugentPoints+3
- Yard line
- DET 30
- Score
- 10-0
(13:05) 12-M.Nugent 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 4:05TD THT. HightowerPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 1
- Score
- 16-0
(4:05) 34-T.Hightower left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 3:51XP MNM. NugentPoints+1
- Yard line
- DET 2
- Score
- 17-0
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q3 7:45TD LDL. DelmasPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 20
- Score
- 17-6
(7:45) 13-K.Warner pass deep middle intended for 15-S.Breaston INTERCEPTED by 26-L.Delmas at DET 0. 26-L.Delmas for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q3 7:29XP Points+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 17-7
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q3 5:21TD Mike MorrisPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 64
- Score
- 17-13
(5:21) 28-M.Morris left end for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ARI-98-G.Watson, Defensive Holding, declined.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q3 5:10XP Points+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 17-14
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris. PENALTY on ARI-21-A.Rolle, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q3 2:08FG Points+3
- Yard line
- ARI 19
- Score
- 17-17
(2:08) 4-J.Hanson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 13:48TD Points+6
- Yard line
- DET 18
- Score
- 23-17
(13:48) 26-C.Wells right tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 13:40XP MNM. NugentPoints+1
- Yard line
- DET 2
- Score
- 24-17
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q4 3:48TD DSD. StantonPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 1
- Score
- 24-23
(3:48) 5-D.Stanton up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q4 3:48XP Points+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 24-24
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 1:59TD ABA. BoldinPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 5
- Score
- 30-24
(1:59) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 1:54XP MNM. NugentPoints+1
- Yard line
- DET 2
- Score
- 31-24
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1A. Boldin · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +4.36 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 2L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.03 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 3Carson Wells · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +1.96 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 4D. Northcutt · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +1.89 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.94 EPA/play
- 5T. Hightower · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.17 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 6Mike Morris · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +1.03 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 7D. Stanton · Detroit Lions · Rushing · +0.96 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
- 8B. Patrick · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +0.83 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.28 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
A. Boldin — ARI · Receiving
A. Boldin posted the highest total EPA (+4.36) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Arizona Cardinals. Across 11 counted snaps, they averaged +0.40 EPA per play.
A. Boldin's top snap (+2.90 EPA): (1:59) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
Biggest single play (-11.50 EPA): Kade Warner — (7:45) 13-K.Warner pass deep middle intended for 15-S.Breaston INTERCEPTED by 26-L.Delmas at DET 0. 26-L.Delmas for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
Kade Warner led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Kade Warner (Arizona Cardinals) · 40 dropbacks · 57.5% completion · -3.9% CPOE · -0.14 EPA/play · -5.79 total EPA
- D. Stanton (Detroit Lions) · 21 dropbacks · 47.6% completion · -12.5% CPOE · -0.45 EPA/play · -9.44 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.012 | -0.140 |
| Offensive success rate | 45.3% | 41.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.145 | -0.348 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.012 | -0.104 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.140 | +0.012 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.3% | 54.7% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Arizona Cardinals generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.01 vs -0.14), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Arizona Cardinals: -0.01 EPA/play (49th percentile vs. 2009 team-game averages)
- Detroit Lions: -0.14 EPA/play (22nd percentile vs. 2009 team-game averages)
- Arizona Cardinals: 15 drives, -1.00 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Detroit Lions: 15 drives, -11.79 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (Kade Warner pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — T. Hightower
- Detroit Lions — L. Delmas
- Detroit Lions — Mike Morris
- Arizona Cardinals — Carson Wells
- Detroit Lions — D. Stanton
- Arizona Cardinals — A. Boldin (Kade Warner pass)
Field goals
- Arizona Cardinals — M. Nugent
- Detroit Lions — Jake Hanson
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q1 1:43) — (1:43) 13-K.Warner pass short right to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 1:37) — 12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham..
The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 10–0. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the DET 30 (Q2 13:05) — (13:05) 12-M.Nugent 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q2 4:05) — (4:05) 34-T.Hightower left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 3:51) — 12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham..
The third quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 17–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the DET 20 (Q3 7:45) — (7:45) 13-K.Warner pass deep middle intended for 15-S.Breaston INTERCEPTED by 26-L.Delmas at DET 0. 26-L.Delmas for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 7:29) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the ARI 64 (Q3 5:21) — (5:21) 28-M.Morris left end for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ARI-98-G.Watson, Defensive Holding, declined.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 5:10); Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ARI 19 (Q3 2:08) — (2:08) 4-J.Hanson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris..
The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–7. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the DET 18 (Q4 13:48) — (13:48) 26-C.Wells right tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 13:40) — 12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q4 3:48) — (3:48) 5-D.Stanton up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 3:48) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the DET 5 (Q4 1:59); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 1:54) — 12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 11:21) — (11:21) 2-N.Harris punts 31 yards to ARI 17, Center-58-N.Hodel. 15-S.Breaston MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by DET-49-Z.Follett at ARI 17.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 13:48) — (13:48) 26-C.Wells right tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 3:04) — (3:04) 5-B.Graham punts 28 yards to DET 15, Center-82-M.Leach. 86-D.Northcutt MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by ARI-36-L.Stephens-Howling at DET 13.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 1:59) — (1:59) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 3:02) — (3:02) 26-C.Wells left tackle to DET 11 for 34 yards (26-L.Delmas).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 7:45) — (7:45) 13-K.Warner pass deep middle intended for 15-S.Breaston INTERCEPTED by 26-L.Delmas at DET 0. 26-L.Delmas for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q3 7:54) — (7:54) 5-D.Stanton pass deep right intended for 80-B.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 29-D.Rodgers-Cromartie at DET 35. 29-D.Rodgers-Cromartie pushed ob at DET 20 for 15 yards (51-D.Raiola).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 3:04) — (3:04) 5-B.Graham punts 28 yards to DET 15, Center-82-M.Leach. 86-D.Northcutt MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by ARI-36-L.Stephens-Howling at DET 13.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 11:21) — (11:21) 2-N.Harris punts 31 yards to ARI 17, Center-58-N.Hodel. 15-S.Breaston MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by DET-49-Z.Follett at ARI 17.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 1:43 · DET 1 · Score 6-0
(1:43) 13-K.Warner pass short right to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 1:37 · DET 2 · Score 7-0
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 13:05 · DET 30 · Score 10-0
(13:05) 12-M.Nugent 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 4:05 · DET 1 · Score 16-0
(4:05) 34-T.Hightower left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 3:51 · DET 2 · Score 17-0
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 7:45 · DET 20 · Score 17-6
(7:45) 13-K.Warner pass deep middle intended for 15-S.Breaston INTERCEPTED by 26-L.Delmas at DET 0. 26-L.Delmas for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 7:29 · ARI 2 · Score 17-7
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 5:21 · ARI 64 · Score 17-13
(5:21) 28-M.Morris left end for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ARI-98-G.Watson, Defensive Holding, declined. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 5:10 · ARI 2 · Score 17-14
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris. PENALTY on ARI-21-A.Rolle, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q3 2:08 · ARI 19 · Score 17-17
(2:08) 4-J.Hanson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 13:48 · DET 18 · Score 23-17
(13:48) 26-C.Wells right tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 13:40 · DET 2 · Score 24-17
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 3:48 · ARI 1 · Score 24-23
(3:48) 5-D.Stanton up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 3:48 · ARI 2 · Score 24-24
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-58-N.Hodel, Holder-2-N.Harris. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 1:59 · DET 5 · Score 30-24
(1:59) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 1:54 · DET 2 · Score 31-24
12-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Arizona Cardinals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- A. Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Kade Warner (ARI) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit Lions on 2009-12-20?
The Arizona Cardinals beat the Detroit Lions 31-24 in Week 15, 2009.
What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit Lions?
Q1: Arizona Cardinals 7, Detroit Lions 0; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 10, Detroit Lions 0; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 0, Detroit Lions 17; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 14, Detroit Lions 7; Final: Arizona Cardinals 31, Detroit Lions 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit Lions?
Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (K. Warner pass) (Q1 1:43) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — T. Hightower (Q2 4:05) Detroit Lions touchdown — L. Delmas (Q3 7:45) Detroit Lions touchdown — M. Morris (Q3 5:21) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — C. Wells (Q4 13:48) Detroit Lions touchdown — D. Stanton (Q4 3:48) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — A. Boldin (K. Warner pass) (Q4 1:59) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Nugent (Q2 13:05, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q3 2:08, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit Lions?
Kade Warner (Arizona Cardinals), 57.5% completion, -3.9% CPOE, -0.14 EPA per dropback, -5.79 total passing EPA. D. Stanton (Detroit Lions), 47.6% completion, -12.5% CPOE, -0.45 EPA per dropback, -9.44 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit Lions?
A. Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +4.36 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 11 snaps. Their top snap (+2.90 EPA): (1:59) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld..
Was Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit Lions a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Arizona Cardinals won 31-24 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 8-5 Now 9-5 W
Detroit Lions
Entered 2-11 Now 2-12 L
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