Quick answer
- Winner
- New England Patriots
- Final score
- New England Patriots 41–23 Denver Broncos
- Halftime
- New England Patriots 27–16 Denver Broncos at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- T. Brady
- Top passer
- T. Brady
- Biggest EPA play
- (8:37) 35-L.Ball right guard to DEN 25 for 2 yards (97-R.Brace). FUMBLES (97-R.Brace), REC…
- Game date
- 2011-12-18
Game summary
The New England Patriots beat the Denver Broncos 41–23 on 2011-12-18. T. Brady posted a game-high +20.13 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 23 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New England Patriots | 7 | 20 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 41 |
 Denver Broncos | 13 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 23 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
NENew England Patriots(9:56) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow right guard for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(7:30) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 85-C.Ochocinco for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DEN-92-E.Dumervil, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(5:10) 35-L.Ball right tackle for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(13:50) 5-M.Prater 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(8:48) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Hernandez for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(5:52) 3-S.Gostkowski 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(1:17) 12-T.Brady up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(:03) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(:45) 39-D.Woodhead up the middle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(8:46) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(4:14) 42-B.Green-Ellis left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
DENDenver BroncosFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 9:56TD TTT. TebowPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 9
- Score
- 0-6
(9:56) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow right guard for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 7:30TD COC. OchocincoPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 33
- Score
- 6-6
(7:30) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 85-C.Ochocinco for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DEN-92-E.Dumervil, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 7:24XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 7-6
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 5:10TD LBL. BallPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 32
- Score
- 7-12
(5:10) 35-L.Ball right tackle for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 5:01XP Points+1
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 7-13
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 13:50FG Points+3
- Yard line
- NE 8
- Score
- 7-16
(13:50) 5-M.Prater 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 8:48TD AHA. HernandezPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 1
- Score
- 13-16
(8:48) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Hernandez for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 8:43XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 14-16
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 5:52FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 3
- Score
- 17-16
(5:52) 3-S.Gostkowski 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 1:17TD TBT. BradyPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 1
- Score
- 23-16
(1:17) 12-T.Brady up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 1:12XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 24-16
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 0:03FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 16
- Score
- 27-16
(:03) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 0:45TD DWD. WoodheadPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 10
- Score
- 33-16
(:45) 39-D.Woodhead up the middle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 0:39XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 34-16
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 8:46TD TTT. TebowPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 34-22
(8:46) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 8:41XP Points+1
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 34-23
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 4:14TD BGB. Green-EllisPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 1
- Score
- 40-23
(4:14) 42-B.Green-Ellis left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 4:10XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 41-23
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1T. Brady · New England Patriots · Passing · +20.13 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
- 2A. Hernandez · New England Patriots · Receiving · +12.90 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.17 EPA/play
- 3
Drake Thomas · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +6.35 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play - 4D. Woodhead · New England Patriots · Rushing · +3.15 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 5T. Tebow · Denver Broncos · Passing · +2.98 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
- 6W. McGahee · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +2.59 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 7C. Ochocinco · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.54 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
- 8L. Ball · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.51 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.63 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. Brady — NE · Passing
T. Brady posted the highest total EPA (+20.13) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New England Patriots. Across 38 counted snaps, they averaged +0.53 EPA per play.
T. Brady's top snap (+4.54 EPA): (9:04) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Hernandez to DEN 33 for 46 yards (25-C.Harris).
Biggest single play (-5.32 EPA): L. Ball — (8:37) 35-L.Ball right guard to DEN 25 for 2 yards (97-R.Brace). FUMBLES (97-R.Brace), RECOVERED by NE-50-R.Ninkovich at DEN 19. 50-R.Ninkovich to DEN 19 for no gain (86-D.Fells).
Quarterback report card
T. Brady led all passers in efficiency for New England Patriots, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T. Brady (New England Patriots) · 38 dropbacks · 60.5% completion · +7.3% CPOE · +0.53 EPA/play · +20.13 total EPA
- T. Tebow (Denver Broncos) · 31 dropbacks · 35.5% completion · -6.7% CPOE · +0.10 EPA/play · +2.98 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | New England Patriots | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.260 | +0.033 |
| Offensive success rate | 49.5% | 42.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.530 | +0.079 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.057 | -0.020 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.033 | -0.260 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.1% | 50.5% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, New England Patriots generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.26 vs +0.03), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- New England Patriots: +0.26 EPA/play (96th percentile vs. 2011 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: +0.03 EPA/play (61st percentile vs. 2011 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: 11 drives, +2.58 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New England Patriots: 13 drives, +24.65 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — T. Tebow
- New England Patriots — C. Ochocinco (T. Brady pass)
- Denver Broncos — L. Ball
- New England Patriots — A. Hernandez (T. Brady pass)
- New England Patriots — T. Brady
- New England Patriots — D. Woodhead
- Denver Broncos — T. Tebow
- New England Patriots — B. Green-Ellis
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — Matt Prater
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 13–7. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the NE 9 (Q1 9:56) — (9:56) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow right guard for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the DEN 33 (Q1 7:30); New England Patriots added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q1 7:24) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the NE 32 (Q1 5:10); Denver Broncos added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q1 5:01) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 20–3. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the NE 8 (Q2 13:50) — (13:50) 5-M.Prater 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q2 8:48) — (8:48) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Hernandez for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 8:43) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the DEN 3 (Q2 5:52) — (5:52) 3-S.Gostkowski 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q2 1:17); New England Patriots added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 1:12) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the DEN 16 (Q2 0:03) — (:03) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko..
The third quarter: New England Patriots won the period 7–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the DEN 10 (Q3 0:45) — (:45) 39-D.Woodhead up the middle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q3 0:39) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the NE 2 (Q4 8:46) — (8:46) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q4 8:41) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q4 4:14) — (4:14) 42-B.Green-Ellis left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q4 4:10) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 5:18) — (5:18) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow up the middle to DEN 46 for no gain (95-M.Anderson). FUMBLES (95-M.Anderson), touched at DEN 42, RECOVERED by NE-95-M.Anderson at DEN 40. 95-M.Anderson to DEN 40 for no gai
- Denver Broncos (Q2 8:37) — (8:37) 35-L.Ball right guard to DEN 25 for 2 yards (97-R.Brace). FUMBLES (97-R.Brace), RECOVERED by NE-50-R.Ninkovich at DEN 19. 50-R.Ninkovich to DEN 19 for no gain (86-D.Fells).
- New England Patriots (Q1 9:04) — (9:04) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Hernandez to DEN 33 for 46 yards (25-C.Harris).
- New England Patriots (Q2 2:16) — (2:16) 12-T.Brady pass short right to 81-A.Hernandez to DEN 6 for 25 yards (52-W.Woodyard).
- New England Patriots (Q1 7:30) — (7:30) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 85-C.Ochocinco for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DEN-92-E.Dumervil, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 8:37) — (8:37) 35-L.Ball right guard to DEN 25 for 2 yards (97-R.Brace). FUMBLES (97-R.Brace), RECOVERED by NE-50-R.Ninkovich at DEN 19. 50-R.Ninkovich to DEN 19 for no gain (86-D.Fells).
- Denver Broncos (Q2 5:18) — (5:18) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow up the middle to DEN 46 for no gain (95-M.Anderson). FUMBLES (95-M.Anderson), touched at DEN 42, RECOVERED by NE-95-M.Anderson at DEN 40. 95-M.Anderson to DEN 40 for no gai
- New England Patriots (Q1 9:04) — (9:04) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Hernandez to DEN 33 for 46 yards (25-C.Harris).
- Denver Broncos (Q4 9:39) — (9:39) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow pass deep right to 88-D.Thomas pushed ob at NE 36 for 39 yards (31-S.Brown).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 9:56 · NE 9 · Score 0-6
(9:56) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow right guard for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 7:30 · DEN 33 · Score 6-6
(7:30) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 85-C.Ochocinco for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DEN-92-E.Dumervil, Illegal Use of Hands, declined. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 7:24 · DEN 2 · Score 7-6
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 5:10 · NE 32 · Score 7-12
(5:10) 35-L.Ball right tackle for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 5:01 · NE 2 · Score 7-13
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 13:50 · NE 8 · Score 7-16
(13:50) 5-M.Prater 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 8:48 · DEN 1 · Score 13-16
(8:48) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Hernandez for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 8:43 · DEN 2 · Score 14-16
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 5:52 · DEN 3 · Score 17-16
(5:52) 3-S.Gostkowski 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 1:17 · DEN 1 · Score 23-16
(1:17) 12-T.Brady up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 1:12 · DEN 2 · Score 24-16
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 0:03 · DEN 16 · Score 27-16
(:03) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 0:45 · DEN 10 · Score 33-16
(:45) 39-D.Woodhead up the middle for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q3 0:39 · DEN 2 · Score 34-16
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 8:46 · NE 2 · Score 34-22
(8:46) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 8:41 · NE 2 · Score 34-23
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 4:14 · DEN 1 · Score 40-23
(4:14) 42-B.Green-Ellis left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 4:10 · DEN 2 · Score 41-23
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New England Patriots earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- T. Brady (New England Patriots) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- T. Brady (NE) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
- T. Tebow (DEN) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos on 2011-12-18?
The New England Patriots beat the Denver Broncos 41-23 in Week 15, 2011.
What was the score by quarter in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: New England Patriots 7, Denver Broncos 13; Q2: New England Patriots 20, Denver Broncos 3; Q3: New England Patriots 7, Denver Broncos 0; Q4: New England Patriots 7, Denver Broncos 7; Final: New England Patriots 41, Denver Broncos 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?
Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Tebow (Q1 9:56) New England Patriots touchdown — C. Ochocinco (T. Brady pass) (Q1 7:30) Denver Broncos touchdown — L. Ball (Q1 5:10) New England Patriots touchdown — A. Hernandez (T. Brady pass) (Q2 8:48) New England Patriots touchdown — T. Brady (Q2 1:17) New England Patriots touchdown — D. Woodhead (Q3 0:45) Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Tebow (Q4 8:46) New England Patriots touchdown — B. Green-Ellis (Q4 4:14) Denver Broncos field goal — M. Prater (Q2 13:50, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q2 5:52, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q2 0:03, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?
T. Brady (New England Patriots), 60.5% completion, +7.3% CPOE, +0.53 EPA per dropback, +20.13 total passing EPA. T. Tebow (Denver Broncos), 35.5% completion, -6.7% CPOE, +0.10 EPA per dropback, +2.98 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?
T. Brady (New England Patriots) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +20.13 total EPA on Passing plays. across 38 snaps. Their top snap (+4.54 EPA): (9:04) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Hernandez to DEN 33 for 46 yards (25-C.Harris)..
Season records after this game
New England Patriots
Entered 10-3 Now 11-3 W
Denver Broncos
Entered 8-5 Now 8-6 L
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