Quick answer
- Winner
- Atlanta Falcons
- Final score
- Atlanta Falcons 27–24 New Orleans Saints
- Halftime
- Tied 14–14 at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- T. Gonzalez
- Top passer
- Matt Ryan
- Biggest EPA play
- (3:42) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-L.Moore for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 30,…
- Game date
- 2010-09-26
Game summary
The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 27–24 on 2010-09-26. T. Gonzalez posted a game-high +16.24 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 21 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
 New Orleans Saints | 14 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ATLAtlanta Falcons(11:46) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 88-J.Shockey for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 2, YAC 0
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(6:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN [51-J.Vilma]. Pass 13, YAC 0
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(3:42) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-L.Moore for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 30, YAC 50
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(1:06) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(3:47) 3-M.Bryant 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(:12) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 16-L.Moore for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PAss 1, YAC 15
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(9:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. ATL-72-S.Baker was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
(:09) 5-G.Hartley 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(2:00) 3-M.Bryant 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
NONew Orleans SaintsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 11:46TD JSJ. ShockeyPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 0-6
(11:46) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 88-J.Shockey for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 2, YAC 0
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 11:42XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 0-7
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 6:58TD TGT. GonzalezPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 13
- Score
- 6-7
(6:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN [51-J.Vilma]. Pass 13, YAC 0
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 6:53XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 7-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 3:42TD LMLouis MoorePoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 80
- Score
- 7-13
(3:42) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-L.Moore for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 30, YAC 50
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 3:31XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 7-14
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 1:06TD Malik TurnerPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 1
- Score
- 13-14
(1:06) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 1:03XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 14-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 3:47FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 5
- Score
- 17-14
(3:47) 3-M.Bryant 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 0:12TD LMLouis MoorePoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 16
- Score
- 17-20
(:12) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 16-L.Moore for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PAss 1, YAC 15
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 0:04XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 17-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 9:25TD Ricky White IIIPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 22
- Score
- 23-21
(9:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 9:20XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 24-21
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. ATL-72-S.Baker was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 0:09FG GHG. HartleyPoints+3
- Yard line
- ATL 15
- Score
- 24-24
(:09) 5-G.Hartley 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
OT 2:00FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 28
- Score
- 27-24
(2:00) 3-M.Bryant 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1T. Gonzalez · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +16.24 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.80 EPA/play
- 2Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +15.63 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 3Louis Moore · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +13.09 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.87 EPA/play
- 4D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +9.19 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 5J. Shockey · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +7.43 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
- 6Ricky White III · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +6.28 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.05 EPA/play
- 7O. Mughelli · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.76 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play
- 8P. Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.80 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.30 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. Gonzalez — ATL · Receiving
T. Gonzalez posted the highest total EPA (+16.24) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +1.80 EPA per play.
T. Gonzalez's top snap (+3.30 EPA): (2:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 88-T.Gonzalez to NO 2 for 9 yards (31-P.Prioleau). Pass 6, YAC 3
Biggest single play (+6.77 EPA): D. Brees — (3:42) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-L.Moore for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 30, YAC 50
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) · 40 dropbacks · 47.5% completion · +5.7% CPOE · +0.39 EPA/play · +15.63 total EPA
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 40 dropbacks · 75.0% completion · +13.8% CPOE · +0.23 EPA/play · +9.19 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.071 | +0.025 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.1% | 48.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.391 | +0.230 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.107 | -0.503 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.025 | -0.071 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.4% | 57.9% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Atlanta Falcons +0.07, New Orleans Saints +0.03) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.07 EPA/play (67th percentile vs. 2010 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: +0.03 EPA/play (54th percentile vs. 2010 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +7.63 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 12 drives, +1.76 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New Orleans Saints — J. Shockey (D. Brees pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — T. Gonzalez (Matt Ryan pass)
- New Orleans Saints — Louis Moore (D. Brees pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — Malik Turner
- New Orleans Saints — Louis Moore (D. Brees pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — Ricky White III (Matt Ryan pass)
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
- New Orleans Saints — G. Hartley
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 14–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q1 11:46) — (11:46) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 88-J.Shockey for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 2, YAC 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 11:42) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 13 (Q1 6:58) — (6:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN [51-J.Vilma]. Pass 13, YAC 0; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q1 6:53) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 80 (Q1 3:42) — (3:42) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-L.Moore for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 30, YAC 50; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 3:31) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 1:06) — (1:06) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 1:03) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 5 (Q3 3:47) — (3:47) 3-M.Bryant 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 16 (Q3 0:12) — (:12) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 16-L.Moore for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PAss 1, YAC 15; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 0:04) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 22 (Q4 9:25) — (9:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 9:20) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. ATL-72-S.Baker was injured during the play. His return is Probable.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 15 (Q4 0:09) — (:09) 5-G.Hartley 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
Overtime: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 28 (OT 2:00) — (2:00) 3-M.Bryant 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New Orleans Saints (OT 9:02) — (9:02) 5-G.Hartley 29 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- Atlanta Falcons (OT 2:00) — (2:00) (Field Goal formation) PENALTY on ATL-63-J.Blalock, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at NO 23 - No Play.
- Atlanta Falcons (OT 2:00) — (2:00) 3-M.Bryant 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- Atlanta Falcons (OT 14:06) — (14:06) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at ATL 33 for -9 yards (91-W.Smith).
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 2:42) — (2:42) 6-T.Morstead punts 39 yards to ATL 41, Center-57-J.Kyle, downed by NO-57-J.Kyle. New Orleans challenged the kick touched ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 6-T.Morstead punts 41 yards to ATL 39
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 3:42) — (3:42) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-L.Moore for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 30, YAC 50
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 2:42) — (2:42) 6-T.Morstead punts 39 yards to ATL 41, Center-57-J.Kyle, downed by NO-57-J.Kyle. New Orleans challenged the kick touched ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 6-T.Morstead punts 41 yards to ATL 39
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 11:50) — (11:50) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right intended for 80-J.Graham INTERCEPTED by 28-T.DeCoud at ATL 28. 28-T.DeCoud to ATL 28 for no gain (80-J.Graham).
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 6:47) — (6:47) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle intended for 19-D.Henderson INTERCEPTED by 20-B.Grimes at ATL 15. 20-B.Grimes to NO 49 for 36 yards (78-J.Stinchcomb). flea-flicker
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 11:46 · ATL 2 · Score 0-6
(11:46) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 88-J.Shockey for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 2, YAC 0 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 11:42 · ATL 2 · Score 0-7
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 6:58 · NO 13 · Score 6-7
(6:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN [51-J.Vilma]. Pass 13, YAC 0 - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 6:53 · NO 2 · Score 7-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 3:42 · ATL 80 · Score 7-13
(3:42) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-L.Moore for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 30, YAC 50 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 3:31 · ATL 2 · Score 7-14
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 1:06 · NO 1 · Score 13-14
(1:06) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 1:03 · NO 2 · Score 14-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 3:47 · NO 5 · Score 17-14
(3:47) 3-M.Bryant 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 0:12 · ATL 16 · Score 17-20
(:12) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 16-L.Moore for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PAss 1, YAC 15 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 0:04 · ATL 2 · Score 17-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 9:25 · NO 22 · Score 23-21
(9:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 9:20 · NO 2 · Score 24-21
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen. ATL-72-S.Baker was injured during the play. His return is Probable. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 0:09 · ATL 15 · Score 24-24
(:09) 5-G.Hartley 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-J.Kyle, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — OT 2:00 · NO 28 · Score 27-24
(2:00) 3-M.Bryant 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-J.Zelenka, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
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.
- T. Gonzalez (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 2010-09-26?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 27-24 in Week 3, 2010.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 7, New Orleans Saints 14; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 7, New Orleans Saints 0; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 3, New Orleans Saints 7; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, New Orleans Saints 3; Q5: Atlanta Falcons 3, New Orleans Saints 0; Final: Atlanta Falcons 27, New Orleans Saints 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Shockey (D. Brees pass) (Q1 11:46) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Gonzalez (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 6:58) New Orleans Saints touchdown — L. Moore (D. Brees pass) (Q1 3:42) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q2 1:06) New Orleans Saints touchdown — L. Moore (D. Brees pass) (Q3 0:12) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — R. White (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 9:25) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q3 3:47, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — G. Hartley (Q4 0:09, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (OT 2:00, 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), 47.5% completion, +5.7% CPOE, +0.39 EPA per dropback, +15.63 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 75.0% completion, +13.8% CPOE, +0.23 EPA per dropback, +9.19 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
T. Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +16.24 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 9 snaps. Their top snap (+3.30 EPA): (2:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 88-T.Gonzalez to NO 2 for 9 yards (31-P.Prioleau). Pass 6, YAC 3.
Was Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Atlanta Falcons won 27-24 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 1-1 Now 2-1 W
New Orleans Saints
Entered 2-0 Now 2-1 L
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