Quick answer
- Winner
- Atlanta Falcons
- Final score
- Atlanta Falcons 31–18 Detroit Lions
- Halftime
- Atlanta Falcons 21–6 Detroit Lions at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Matt Ryan
- Top passer
- Matthew Stafford
- Biggest EPA play
- (8:20) 25-M.Leshoure up the middle to ATL 31 for 2 yards (91-C.Peters). FUMBLES (91-C.Pete…
- Game date
- 2012-12-22
Game summary
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Detroit Lions 31–18 on 2012-12-22. Matt Ryan posted a game-high +19.52 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 31 |
 Detroit Lions | 3 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 18 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
(5:59) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(:18) 4-J.Hanson 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris.
(10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-R.White for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(1:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 11-J.Jones for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(:07) 4-J.Hanson 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris.
(7:02) 71-R.Reiff reported in as eligible. 25-M.Leshoure up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris.
(13:29) 4-J.Hanson 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris.
(7:14) 79-M.Johnson reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 81-M.Palmer for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(3:09) 3-M.Bryant 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(1:28) 33-M.Turner up the middle tackled in End Zone for -2 yards, SAFETY (93-K.Vanden Bosch).
DETDetroit LionsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 5:59TD Ricky White IIIPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 44
- Score
- 6-0
(5:59) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 5:50XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- DET 2
- Score
- 7-0
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q1 0:18FG Points+3
- Yard line
- ATL 16
- Score
- 7-3
(:18) 4-J.Hanson 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 10:03TD Ricky White IIIPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 39
- Score
- 13-3
(10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-R.White for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 9:54XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- DET 2
- Score
- 14-3
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 1:24TD Justin JonesPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 16
- Score
- 20-3
(1:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 11-J.Jones for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 1:17XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- DET 2
- Score
- 21-3
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q2 0:07FG Points+3
- Yard line
- ATL 20
- Score
- 21-6
(:07) 4-J.Hanson 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q3 7:02TD MLM. LeshourePoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 1
- Score
- 21-12
(7:02) 71-R.Reiff reported in as eligible. 25-M.Leshoure up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q3 6:59XP Points+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 21-13
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q4 13:29FG Points+3
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 21-16
(13:29) 4-J.Hanson 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 7:14TD MPM. PalmerPoints+6
- Yard line
- DET 1
- Score
- 27-16
(7:14) 79-M.Johnson reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 81-M.Palmer for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 7:12XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- DET 2
- Score
- 28-16
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 3:09FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- DET 2
- Score
- 31-16
(3:09) 3-M.Bryant 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- DETDetroit Lions
Q4 1:28Safety Malik TurnerPoints+2
- Yard line
- DET 98
- Score
- 31-18
(1:28) 33-M.Turner up the middle tackled in End Zone for -2 yards, SAFETY (93-K.Vanden Bosch).
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +19.52 total EPA · 36 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 2Ricky White III · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +13.37 total EPA · 10 snaps · +1.34 EPA/play
- 3
Cornelius Johnson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.92 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play - 4
Matthew Stafford · Detroit Lions · Passing · +3.66 total EPA · 56 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play - 5Justin Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.47 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 6T. Scheffler · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.02 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 7S. Logan · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +1.93 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.93 EPA/play
- 8Jz. Rodgers · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.73 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.73 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
Matt Ryan — ATL · Passing
Matt Ryan posted the highest total EPA (+19.52) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 36 counted snaps, they averaged +0.54 EPA per play.
Matt Ryan's top snap (+4.62 EPA): (5:59) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (-5.00 EPA): M. Leshoure — (8:20) 25-M.Leshoure up the middle to ATL 31 for 2 yards (91-C.Peters). FUMBLES (91-C.Peters), RECOVERED by ATL-94-P.Jerry at ATL 31. 94-P.Jerry to ATL 31 for no gain (77-G.Cherilus).
Quarterback report card
Matthew Stafford led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 56 dropbacks · 66.1% completion · +1.3% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +3.66 total EPA
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 36 dropbacks · 69.4% completion · +15.7% CPOE · +0.54 EPA/play · +19.52 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.186 | -0.049 |
| Offensive success rate | 54.2% | 42.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.542 | +0.065 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.345 | -0.401 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.049 | -0.186 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.4% | 45.8% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.19 vs -0.05), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.19 EPA/play (88th percentile vs. 2012 team-game averages)
- Detroit Lions: -0.05 EPA/play (36th percentile vs. 2012 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +13.39 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, -4.59 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — Ricky White III (Matt Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — Ricky White III (Matt Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — Justin Jones (Matt Ryan pass)
- Detroit Lions — M. Leshoure
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Palmer (Matt Ryan pass)
Field goals
- Detroit Lions — Jake Hanson
- Detroit Lions — Jake Hanson
- Detroit Lions — Jake Hanson
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 44 (Q1 5:59) — (5:59) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 5:50) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ATL 16 (Q1 0:18) — (:18) 4-J.Hanson 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 39 (Q2 10:03) — (10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-R.White for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 9:54) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 16 (Q2 1:24) — (1:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 11-J.Jones for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 1:17) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ATL 20 (Q2 0:07) — (:07) 4-J.Hanson 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris..
The third quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 7–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q3 7:02) — (7:02) 71-R.Reiff reported in as eligible. 25-M.Leshoure up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 6:59) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–5. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the ATL 2 (Q4 13:29) — (13:29) 4-J.Hanson 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q4 7:14) — (7:14) 79-M.Johnson reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 81-M.Palmer for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 7:12) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the DET 2 (Q4 3:09) — (3:09) 3-M.Bryant 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Detroit Lions registered a safety from the DET 98 (Q4 1:28) — (1:28) 33-M.Turner up the middle tackled in End Zone for -2 yards, SAFETY (93-K.Vanden Bosch)..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 5:59) — (5:59) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 8:20) — (8:20) 25-M.Leshoure up the middle to ATL 31 for 2 yards (91-C.Peters). FUMBLES (91-C.Peters), RECOVERED by ATL-94-P.Jerry at ATL 31. 94-P.Jerry to ATL 31 for no gain (77-G.Cherilus).
- Detroit Lions (Q1 9:11) — (9:11) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 81-C.Johnson to ATL 33 for 49 yards (22-A.Samuel).
- Detroit Lions (Q2 4:16) — (4:16) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 81-C.Johnson to ATL 47 for 5 yards (55-J.Abraham). FUMBLES (55-J.Abraham), RECOVERED by ATL-27-R.McClain at ATL 45. 27-R.McClain to DET 40 for 15 yar
- Detroit Lions (Q4 14:08) — (14:08) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford up the middle to ATL 2 for 2 yards (91-C.Peters).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 8:20) — (8:20) 25-M.Leshoure up the middle to ATL 31 for 2 yards (91-C.Peters). FUMBLES (91-C.Peters), RECOVERED by ATL-94-P.Jerry at ATL 31. 94-P.Jerry to ATL 31 for no gain (77-G.Cherilus).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 5:59) — (5:59) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q2 4:16) — (4:16) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 81-C.Johnson to ATL 47 for 5 yards (55-J.Abraham). FUMBLES (55-J.Abraham), RECOVERED by ATL-27-R.McClain at ATL 45. 27-R.McClain to DET 40 for 15 yar
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 10:03) — (10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-R.White for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 5:59 · DET 44 · Score 6-0
(5:59) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 5:50 · DET 2 · Score 7-0
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 0:18 · ATL 16 · Score 7-3
(:18) 4-J.Hanson 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 10:03 · DET 39 · Score 13-3
(10:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-R.White for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 9:54 · DET 2 · Score 14-3
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 1:24 · DET 16 · Score 20-3
(1:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 11-J.Jones for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 1:17 · DET 2 · Score 21-3
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 0:07 · ATL 20 · Score 21-6
(:07) 4-J.Hanson 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 7:02 · ATL 1 · Score 21-12
(7:02) 71-R.Reiff reported in as eligible. 25-M.Leshoure up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 6:59 · ATL 2 · Score 21-13
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q4 13:29 · ATL 2 · Score 21-16
(13:29) 4-J.Hanson 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-5-N.Harris. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 7:14 · DET 1 · Score 27-16
(7:14) 79-M.Johnson reported in as eligible. 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 81-M.Palmer for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 7:12 · DET 2 · Score 28-16
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 3:09 · DET 2 · Score 31-16
(3:09) 3-M.Bryant 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Detroit Lions Safety (+2) — Q4 1:28 · DET 98 · Score 31-18
(1:28) 33-M.Turner up the middle tackled in End Zone for -2 yards, SAFETY (93-K.Vanden Bosch).
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.
- Matt Ryan (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 Detroit Lions on 2012-12-22?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Detroit Lions 31-18 in Week 16, 2012.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 7, Detroit Lions 3; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 14, Detroit Lions 3; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 0, Detroit Lions 7; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 10, Detroit Lions 5; Final: Atlanta Falcons 31, Detroit Lions 18.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — R. White (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 5:59) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — R. White (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 10:03) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Jones (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 1:24) Detroit Lions touchdown — M. Leshoure (Q3 7:02) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Palmer (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 7:14) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q1 0:18, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q2 0:07, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q4 13:29, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q4 3:09, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions?
Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions), 66.1% completion, +1.3% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +3.66 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 69.4% completion, +15.7% CPOE, +0.54 EPA per dropback, +19.52 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions?
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +19.52 total EPA on Passing plays. across 36 snaps. Their top snap (+4.62 EPA): (5:59) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 12-2 Now 13-2 W
Detroit Lions
Entered 4-10 Now 4-11 L
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