Quick answer
- Winner
- Atlanta Falcons
- Final score
- Atlanta Falcons 27–21 Denver Broncos
- Halftime
- Denver Broncos 7–20 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Matt Ryan
- Top passer
- Paul Manning
- Biggest EPA play
- (7:09) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right intended for 14-B.Stokley INTERCEPTED by 27-…
- Game date
- 2012-09-17
Game summary
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Denver Broncos 27–21 on 2012-09-17. Matt Ryan posted a game-high +10.89 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Denver Broncos | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
 Atlanta Falcons | 10 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
DENDenver Broncos
(13:27) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(9:51) 3-M.Bryant 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(10:10) 3-M.Bryant 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(4:45) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(:14) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass incomplete deep left to 88-D.Thomas. The Replay Assistant challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left to 88-D.Thomas for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(7:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-R.White for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(11:55) (No Huddle) 23-W.McGahee left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(3:29) 23-W.McGahee right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
ATLAtlanta FalconsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 13:27TD Malik TurnerPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 1
- Score
- 0-6
(13:27) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 13:20XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 0-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 9:51FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 19
- Score
- 0-10
(9:51) 3-M.Bryant 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 10:10FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 24
- Score
- 0-13
(10:10) 3-M.Bryant 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 4:45TD TGT. GonzalezPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 1
- Score
- 0-19
(4:45) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 4:39XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 0-20
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 0:14TD Drake ThomasPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 17
- Score
- 6-20
(:14) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass incomplete deep left to 88-D.Thomas. The Replay Assistant challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left to 88-D.Thomas for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 0:06XP Points+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 7-20
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 7:13TD Ricky White IIIPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 4
- Score
- 7-26
(7:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-R.White for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 7:08XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 7-27
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 11:55TD WMW. McGaheePoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 13-27
(11:55) (No Huddle) 23-W.McGahee left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 11:48XP Points+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 14-27
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 3:29TD WMW. McGaheePoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 20-27
(3:29) 23-W.McGahee right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 3:25XP Points+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 21-27
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +10.89 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 2W. McGahee · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +6.52 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
- 3Ricky White III · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +6.42 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 4T. Gonzalez · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +6.09 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
- 5Drake Thomas · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +4.21 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
- 6H. Douglas · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.93 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play
- 7
Malik Willis · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.38 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.38 EPA/play - 8K. Moreno · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.25 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.25 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 (+10.89) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 42 counted snaps, they averaged +0.26 EPA per play.
Matt Ryan's top snap (+2.72 EPA): (10:52) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez to DEN 32 for 15 yards (20-M.Adams; 26-R.Moore). PENALTY on DEN-26-R.Moore, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at DEN 32.
Biggest single play (-5.94 EPA): Paul Manning — (7:09) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right intended for 14-B.Stokley INTERCEPTED by 27-R.McClain at ATL 15. 27-R.McClain ran ob at ATL 47 for 32 yards (23-W.McGahee). Penalty on DEN-74-O.Franklin,
Quarterback report card
Paul Manning led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Paul Manning (Denver Broncos) · 45 dropbacks · 53.3% completion · +3.4% CPOE · -0.14 EPA/play · -6.16 total EPA
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 42 dropbacks · 57.1% completion · +4.9% CPOE · +0.26 EPA/play · +10.89 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Denver Broncos | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.052 | +0.009 |
| Offensive success rate | 46.7% | 37.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.137 | +0.259 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.006 | -0.434 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.009 | +0.052 |
| Defensive success rate | 62.4% | 53.3% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Atlanta Falcons held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.01 vs -0.05), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Denver Broncos: -0.05 EPA/play (34th percentile vs. 2012 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.01 EPA/play (49th percentile vs. 2012 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 13 drives, +0.76 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Denver Broncos: 12 drives, -4.77 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — Malik Turner
- Atlanta Falcons — T. Gonzalez (Matt Ryan pass)
- Denver Broncos — Drake Thomas (Paul Manning pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — Ricky White III (Matt Ryan pass)
- Denver Broncos — W. McGahee
- Denver Broncos — W. McGahee
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q1 13:27) — (13:27) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q1 13:20) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the DEN 19 (Q1 9:51) — (9:51) 3-M.Bryant 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–7. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the DEN 24 (Q2 10:10) — (10:10) 3-M.Bryant 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q2 4:45) — (4:45) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 4:39) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ATL 17 (Q2 0:14); Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 0:06) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DEN 4 (Q3 7:13) — (7:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-R.White for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q3 7:08) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q4 11:55) — (11:55) (No Huddle) 23-W.McGahee left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 11:48) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q4 3:29) — (3:29) 23-W.McGahee right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 3:25) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Denver Broncos (Q1 14:24) — (14:24) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right intended for 84-J.Tamme INTERCEPTED by 25-W.Moore at DEN 34. 25-W.Moore to DEN 1 for 33 yards (74-O.Franklin).
- Denver Broncos (Q1 7:09) — (7:09) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right intended for 14-B.Stokley INTERCEPTED by 27-R.McClain at ATL 15. 27-R.McClain ran ob at ATL 47 for 32 yards (23-W.McGahee). Penalty on DEN-74-O.Franklin,
- Denver Broncos (Q4 3:29) — (3:29) 23-W.McGahee right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:35) — (2:35) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 11-J.Jones to ATL 31 for 6 yards (26-R.Moore).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 14:57) — (14:57) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles left guard to ATL 27 for 7 yards. PENALTY on DEN-51-J.Mays, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at ATL 27.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Denver Broncos (Q1 7:09) — (7:09) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right intended for 14-B.Stokley INTERCEPTED by 27-R.McClain at ATL 15. 27-R.McClain ran ob at ATL 47 for 32 yards (23-W.McGahee). Penalty on DEN-74-O.Franklin,
- Denver Broncos (Q1 14:24) — (14:24) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right intended for 84-J.Tamme INTERCEPTED by 25-W.Moore at DEN 34. 25-W.Moore to DEN 1 for 33 yards (74-O.Franklin).
- Denver Broncos (Q2 0:14) — (:14) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass incomplete deep left to 88-D.Thomas. The Replay Assistant challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left to 8
- Denver Broncos (Q1 11:56) — (11:56) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right intended for 14-B.Stokley INTERCEPTED by 28-T.DeCoud at ATL 42. 28-T.DeCoud ran ob at DEN 43 for 15 yards (87-E.Decker).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 13:27 · DEN 1 · Score 0-6
(13:27) 33-M.Turner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 13:20 · DEN 2 · Score 0-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 9:51 · DEN 19 · Score 0-10
(9:51) 3-M.Bryant 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 10:10 · DEN 24 · Score 0-13
(10:10) 3-M.Bryant 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 4:45 · DEN 1 · Score 0-19
(4:45) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 4:39 · DEN 2 · Score 0-20
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 0:14 · ATL 17 · Score 6-20
(:14) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass incomplete deep left to 88-D.Thomas. The Replay Assistant challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left to 8 - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 0:06 · ATL 2 · Score 7-20
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 7:13 · DEN 4 · Score 7-26
(7:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-R.White for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 7:08 · DEN 2 · Score 7-27
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 11:55 · ATL 2 · Score 13-27
(11:55) (No Huddle) 23-W.McGahee left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 11:48 · ATL 2 · Score 14-27
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 3:29 · ATL 2 · Score 20-27
(3:29) 23-W.McGahee right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 3:25 · ATL 2 · Score 21-27
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
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.
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Paul Manning (DEN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Denver Broncos vs Atlanta Falcons on 2012-09-17?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Denver Broncos 27-21 in Week 2, 2012.
What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Denver Broncos 0, Atlanta Falcons 10; Q2: Denver Broncos 7, Atlanta Falcons 10; Q3: Denver Broncos 0, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: Denver Broncos 14, Atlanta Falcons 0; Final: Denver Broncos 21, Atlanta Falcons 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q1 13:27) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Gonzalez (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 4:45) Denver Broncos touchdown — D. Thomas (P. Manning pass) (Q2 0:14) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — R. White (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 7:13) Denver Broncos touchdown — W. McGahee (Q4 11:55) Denver Broncos touchdown — W. McGahee (Q4 3:29) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q1 9:51, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 10:10, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Atlanta Falcons?
Paul Manning (Denver Broncos), 53.3% completion, +3.4% CPOE, -0.14 EPA per dropback, -6.16 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 57.1% completion, +4.9% CPOE, +0.26 EPA per dropback, +10.89 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Denver Broncos vs Atlanta Falcons?
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.89 total EPA on Passing plays. across 42 snaps. Their top snap (+2.72 EPA): (10:52) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 88-T.Gonzalez to DEN 32 for 15 yards (20-M.Adams; 26-R.Moore). PENALTY on DEN-26-R.Moore, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced a.
Was Denver Broncos vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. Atlanta Falcons won 27-21 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Denver Broncos
Entered 1-0 Now 1-1 L
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 1-0 Now 2-0 W
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
