Quick answer
- Winner
- Atlanta Falcons
- Final score
- Atlanta Falcons 30–14 New Orleans Saints
- Halftime
- Atlanta Falcons 13–7 New Orleans Saints at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Matt Ryan
- Top passer
- D. Brees
- Biggest EPA play
- (:13) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at ATL 11 for -3 yards (71-K.Biermann). FUMBLE…
- Game date
- 2014-12-21
Game summary
The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 30–14 on 2014-12-21. Matt Ryan posted a game-high +16.23 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Atlanta Falcons | 3 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 30 |
 New Orleans Saints | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
(14:40) 22-M.Ingram left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
(11:20) 3-M.Bryant 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(11:53) 3-M.Bryant 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 14-E.Weems for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass -3, YAC 6
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(5:51) 24-D.Freeman right tackle for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(5:52) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 80-J.Graham for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 4, YAC 0
3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
(2:00) 3-M.Bryant 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(:13) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at ATL 11 for -3 yards (71-K.Biermann). FUMBLES (71-K.Biermann) [71-K.Biermann], touched at ATL 11, RECOVERED by ATL-50-O.Umenyiora at ATL 14. 50-O.Umenyiora for 86 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
NONew Orleans SaintsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 14:40TD Points+6
- Yard line
- ATL 1
- Score
- 0-6
(14:40) 22-M.Ingram left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 14:40XP SGS. GrahamPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 0-7
3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 11:20FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 26
- Score
- 3-7
(11:20) 3-M.Bryant 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 11:53FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 32
- Score
- 6-7
(11:53) 3-M.Bryant 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:08TD EWE. WeemsPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 3
- Score
- 12-7
(:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 14-E.Weems for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass -3, YAC 6
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:03XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 13-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 5:51TD DFD. FreemanPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 31
- Score
- 19-7
(5:51) 24-D.Freeman right tackle for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 5:42XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 20-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 5:52TD Points+6
- Yard line
- ATL 4
- Score
- 20-13
(5:52) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 80-J.Graham for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 4, YAC 0
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 5:48XP SGS. GrahamPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 2
- Score
- 20-14
3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 2:00FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 13
- Score
- 23-14
(2:00) 3-M.Bryant 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 0:13TD OUO. UmenyioraPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 8
- Score
- 29-14
(:13) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at ATL 11 for -3 yards (71-K.Biermann). FUMBLES (71-K.Biermann) [71-K.Biermann], touched at ATL 11, RECOVERED by ATL-50-O.Umenyiora at ATL 14. 50-O.Umenyiora for 86 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 0:00XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 30-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +16.23 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
- 2K. Stills · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +8.47 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.06 EPA/play
- 3
Justin Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +7.67 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play - 4D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.80 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
- 5M. Colston · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.73 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 6
Ricky White III · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.85 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play - 7E. Weems · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.55 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.55 EPA/play
- 8
Shedrick Jackson · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +0.95 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.95 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 (+16.23) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 43 counted snaps, they averaged +0.38 EPA per play.
Matt Ryan's top snap (-3.88 EPA): (3:27) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at NO 49, recovered by ATL-32-J.Rodgers at NO 49. 32-J.Rodgers to ATL 36 for -15 yards (32-K.Vaccaro; 98-P.Haralson). PENALTY on ATL-84-R.White, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced
Biggest single play (-10.52 EPA): D. Brees — (:13) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at ATL 11 for -3 yards (71-K.Biermann). FUMBLES (71-K.Biermann) [71-K.Biermann], touched at ATL 11, RECOVERED by ATL-50-O.Umenyiora at ATL 14. 50-O.Umenyior
Quarterback report card
D. Brees led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 52 dropbacks · 57.7% completion · +0.9% CPOE · -0.28 EPA/play · -14.73 total EPA
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 43 dropbacks · 69.8% completion · +8.3% CPOE · +0.38 EPA/play · +16.23 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.099 | -0.150 |
| Offensive success rate | 46.2% | 42.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.377 | -0.283 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.444 | -0.215 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.150 | -0.099 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.6% | 53.8% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.10 vs -0.15), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.10 EPA/play (77th percentile vs. 2014 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: -0.15 EPA/play (21st percentile vs. 2014 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +7.89 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 12 drives, -12.75 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New Orleans Saints — Melvin Ingram
- Atlanta Falcons — E. Weems (Matt Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman
- New Orleans Saints — Jimmy Graham (D. Brees pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — O. Umenyiora
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–3. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q1 14:40) — (14:40) 22-M.Ingram left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 14:40) — 3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 26 (Q1 11:20) — (11:20) 3-M.Bryant 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 32 (Q2 11:53) — (11:53) 3-M.Bryant 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 3 (Q2 0:08) — (:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 14-E.Weems for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass -3, YAC 6; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 0:03) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 31 (Q3 5:51) — (5:51) 24-D.Freeman right tackle for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 5:42) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 4 (Q4 5:52) — (5:52) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 80-J.Graham for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 4, YAC 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 5:48) — 3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 13 (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) 3-M.Bryant 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ATL 8 (Q4 0:13); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 0:00) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 15:00) — 5-M.Bosher kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to NO 0. 18-J.Saunders to ATL 1 for 99 yards (28-J.Arenas).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 80-J.Graham to ATL 2 for 12 yards (36-K.Ishmael). FUMBLES (36-K.Ishmael), RECOVERED by ATL-36-K.Ishmael at ATL 2. 36-K.Ishmael to ATL 20 for 18 yards (88-N.Toon)
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 8:15) — (8:15) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 84-K.Stills to ATL 36 for 22 yards (55-P.Worrilow). Pass 22, YAC 0
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 2:35) — (2:35) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right intended for 88-N.Toon INTERCEPTED by 27-R.McClain at NO 18. 27-R.McClain to NO 13 for 5 yards (88-N.Toon).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 0:15) — (:15) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 11-J.Jones to NO 3 for 24 yards (32-K.Vaccaro). Pass 18, YAC 6
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 0:13) — (:13) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at ATL 11 for -3 yards (71-K.Biermann). FUMBLES (71-K.Biermann) [71-K.Biermann], touched at ATL 11, RECOVERED by ATL-50-O.Umenyiora at ATL 14. 50-O.Umenyior
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 80-J.Graham to ATL 2 for 12 yards (36-K.Ishmael). FUMBLES (36-K.Ishmael), RECOVERED by ATL-36-K.Ishmael at ATL 2. 36-K.Ishmael to ATL 20 for 18 yards (88-N.Toon)
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 2:35) — (2:35) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right intended for 88-N.Toon INTERCEPTED by 27-R.McClain at NO 18. 27-R.McClain to NO 13 for 5 yards (88-N.Toon).
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 15:00) — 5-M.Bosher kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to NO 0. 18-J.Saunders to ATL 1 for 99 yards (28-J.Arenas).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 14:40 · ATL 1 · Score 0-6
(14:40) 22-M.Ingram left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 14:40 · ATL 2 · Score 0-7
3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 11:20 · NO 26 · Score 3-7
(11:20) 3-M.Bryant 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 11:53 · NO 32 · Score 6-7
(11:53) 3-M.Bryant 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 0:08 · NO 3 · Score 12-7
(:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 14-E.Weems for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass -3, YAC 6 - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 0:03 · NO 2 · Score 13-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 5:51 · NO 31 · Score 19-7
(5:51) 24-D.Freeman right tackle for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 5:42 · NO 2 · Score 20-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 5:52 · ATL 4 · Score 20-13
(5:52) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 80-J.Graham for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 4, YAC 0 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 5:48 · ATL 2 · Score 20-14
3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 2:00 · NO 13 · Score 23-14
(2:00) 3-M.Bryant 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 0:13 · ATL 8 · Score 29-14
(:13) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at ATL 11 for -3 yards (71-K.Biermann). FUMBLES (71-K.Biermann) [71-K.Biermann], touched at ATL 11, RECOVERED by ATL-50-O.Umenyiora at ATL 14. 50-O.Umenyior - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 0:00 · NO 2 · Score 30-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
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 New Orleans Saints on 2014-12-21?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 30-14 in Week 16, 2014.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 3, New Orleans Saints 7; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 10, New Orleans Saints 0; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 7, New Orleans Saints 0; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 10, New Orleans Saints 7; Final: Atlanta Falcons 30, New Orleans Saints 14.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Ingram (Q1 14:40) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — E. Weems (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 0:08) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Freeman (Q3 5:51) New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Graham (D. Brees pass) (Q4 5:52) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — O. Umenyiora (Q4 0:13) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q1 11:20, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 11:53, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q4 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?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 57.7% completion, +0.9% CPOE, -0.28 EPA per dropback, -14.73 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 69.8% completion, +8.3% CPOE, +0.38 EPA per dropback, +16.23 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints?
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +16.23 total EPA on Passing plays. across 43 snaps. Their top snap (-3.88 EPA): (3:27) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at NO 49, recovered by ATL-32-J.Rodgers at NO 49. 32-J.Rodgers to ATL 36 for -15 yards (32-K.Vaccaro; 98-P.Haralson). PENALTY on ATL-84-R.White, U.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 5-9 Now 6-9 W
New Orleans Saints
Entered 6-8 Now 6-9 L
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