Quick answer
- Winner
- Carolina Panthers
- Final score
- Carolina Panthers 41–38 New Orleans Saints
- Halftime
- Carolina Panthers 13–16 New Orleans Saints at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- C. Newton
- Top passer
- C. Newton
- Biggest EPA play
- (4:25) 28-J.Stewart left guard to CAR 31 for 2 yards (50-S.Anthony). FUMBLES (50-S.Anthony…
- Game date
- 2015-12-06
Game summary
The Carolina Panthers beat the New Orleans Saints 41–38 on 2015-12-06, overcoming New Orleans Saints's 16–13 halftime lead. C. Newton posted a game-high +17.73 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 28 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 41 | |
| 14 | 2 | 8 | 14 | 0 | 38 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +17.73 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play - 2

Brandon Coleman · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +5.69 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play - 3
J. Cotchery · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.78 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.26 EPA/play - 4

Brandin Cooks · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.42 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play - 5
G. Olsen · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.38 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play - 6
M. Tolbert · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.06 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play - 7
T. Ginn · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.97 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play - 8
Melvin Ingram · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +2.79 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.21 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
C. Newton — CAR · Passing
C. Newton posted the highest total EPA (+17.73) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Carolina Panthers. Across 48 counted snaps, they averaged +0.37 EPA per play.
C. Newton's top snap (-6.90 EPA): (6:40) 1-C.Newton pass short left intended for 19-T.Ginn INTERCEPTED by 40-D.Breaux at CAR 42. 40-D.Breaux to CAR 20 for 22 yards (1-C.Newton).
Biggest single play (-7.60 EPA): Josaiah Stewart — (4:25) 28-J.Stewart left guard to CAR 31 for 2 yards (50-S.Anthony). FUMBLES (50-S.Anthony), RECOVERED by NO-50-S.Anthony at CAR 31. 50-S.Anthony for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed
Quarterback report card
C. Newton led all passers in efficiency for Carolina Panthers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 48 dropbacks · 58.3% completion · +6.8% CPOE · +0.37 EPA/play · +17.73 total EPA
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 46 dropbacks · 52.2% completion · -9.1% CPOE · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.96 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.083 | +0.009 |
| Offensive success rate | 50.5% | 40.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.369 | +0.043 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.123 | +0.171 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.009 | -0.083 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.8% | 49.5% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Carolina Panthers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.08 vs +0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Carolina Panthers: +0.08 EPA/play (75th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: +0.01 EPA/play (57th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
- Carolina Panthers: 14 drives, +8.26 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 13 drives, +0.72 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 — Blake Watson (D. Brees pass) 
New Orleans Saints — Josaiah Stewart
Carolina Panthers — M. Tolbert (C. Newton pass) 
Carolina Panthers — Josaiah Stewart
Carolina Panthers — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass)
Carolina Panthers — D. Funchess (C. Newton pass) 
New Orleans Saints — Brandin Cooks (D. Brees pass) 
New Orleans Saints — Brandon Coleman (D. Brees pass)
Carolina Panthers — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass)
New Orleans Saints — Melvin Ingram
Carolina Panthers — J. Cotchery (C. Newton pass)
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 14–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 14 (Q1 8:21) — (8:21) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 82-B.Watson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 14, YAC 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q1 8:16) — 5-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the NO 71 (Q1 4:25); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q1 4:04) — 5-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The second quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 13–2. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 12 (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 35-M.Tolbert for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 0, YAC 12; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 14:55) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 5 (Q2 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 28-J.Stewart left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the NO 15 (Q2 1:55).
The third quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 14–8. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 13 (Q3 10:26) — (10:26) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 19-T.Ginn for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 13, YAC 0; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 10:21) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 13 (Q3 5:01) — (5:01) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 17-D.Funchess for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 10, YAC 3; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 4:56) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 54 (Q3 2:59) — (2:59) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 10-B.Cooks for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-R.Delaire]. Pass 37, YAC 17; New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the CAR 2 (Q3 2:51) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 22-M.Ingram rushes left guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 14–14. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 24 (Q4 14:07) — (14:07) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-B.Coleman for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 18, YAC 6; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q4 14:02) — 5-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 45 (Q4 12:02) — (12:02) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep right to 19-T.Ginn for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 42, YAC 3; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q4 11:54) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 9 (Q4 5:27); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q4 5:21) — 5-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 15 (Q4 1:10) — (1:10) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 82-J.Cotchery for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 15, YAC 0; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q4 1:05) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 12:02) — (12:02) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep right to 19-T.Ginn for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 42, YAC 3
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 1:10) — (1:10) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 82-J.Cotchery for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 15, YAC 0
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 2:09) — (2:09) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 88-G.Olsen to NO 30 for 16 yards (91-K.Edebali). Pass 16, YAC 0 New Orleans challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 10:26) — (10:26) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 19-T.Ginn for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 13, YAC 0
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 6:40) — (6:40) 1-C.Newton pass short left intended for 19-T.Ginn INTERCEPTED by 40-D.Breaux at CAR 42. 40-D.Breaux to CAR 20 for 22 yards (1-C.Newton).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 4:25) — (4:25) 28-J.Stewart left guard to CAR 31 for 2 yards (50-S.Anthony). FUMBLES (50-S.Anthony), RECOVERED by NO-50-S.Anthony at CAR 31. 50-S.Anthony for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 6:40) — (6:40) 1-C.Newton pass short left intended for 19-T.Ginn INTERCEPTED by 40-D.Breaux at CAR 42. 40-D.Breaux to CAR 20 for 22 yards (1-C.Newton).
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 12:02) — (12:02) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep right to 19-T.Ginn for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 42, YAC 3
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 2:59) — (2:59) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 10-B.Cooks for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-R.Delaire]. Pass 37, YAC 17
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 8:21 · CAR 14 · Score 0-6
(8:21) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 82-B.Watson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 14, YAC 0
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 8:16 · CAR 15 · Score 0-7
5-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 4:25 · NO 71 · Score 0-13
(4:25) 28-J.Stewart left guard to CAR 31 for 2 yards (50-S.Anthony). FUMBLES (50-S.Anthony), RECOVERED by NO-50-S.Anthony at CAR 31. 50-S.Anthony for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 4:04 · CAR 15 · Score 0-14
5-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 15:00 · NO 12 · Score 6-14
(15:00) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 35-M.Tolbert for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 0, YAC 12
Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 14:55 · NO 15 · Score 7-14
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.
Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 2:00 · NO 5 · Score 13-14
(2:00) (Shotgun) 28-J.Stewart left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q2 1:55 · NO 15 · Score 13-16
9-G.Gano extra point is Blocked (93-K.Williams), Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. DEFENSIVE TWO-POINT ATTEMPT. 50-S.Anthony recovered the blocked kick. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 10:26 · NO 13 · Score 19-16
(10:26) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 19-T.Ginn for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 13, YAC 0
Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 10:21 · NO 15 · Score 20-16
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.
Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 5:01 · NO 13 · Score 26-16
(5:01) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 17-D.Funchess for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 10, YAC 3
Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 4:56 · NO 15 · Score 27-16
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 2:59 · CAR 54 · Score 27-22
(2:59) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 10-B.Cooks for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-R.Delaire]. Pass 37, YAC 17
New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q3 2:51 · CAR 2 · Score 27-24
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 22-M.Ingram rushes left guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 14:07 · CAR 24 · Score 27-30
(14:07) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-B.Coleman for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 18, YAC 6
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 14:02 · CAR 15 · Score 27-31
5-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 12:02 · NO 45 · Score 33-31
(12:02) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep right to 19-T.Ginn for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 42, YAC 3
Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 11:54 · NO 15 · Score 34-31
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 5:27 · CAR 9 · Score 34-37
(5:27) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NO-22-M.Ingram, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 5:21 · CAR 15 · Score 34-38
5-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 1:10 · NO 15 · Score 40-38
(1:10) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 82-J.Cotchery for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 15, YAC 0
Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 1:05 · NO 15 · Score 41-38
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Carolina Panthers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- C. Newton (CAR) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints on 2015-12-06?
The Carolina Panthers beat the New Orleans Saints 41-38 in Week 13, 2015.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 0, New Orleans Saints 14; Q2: Carolina Panthers 13, New Orleans Saints 2; Q3: Carolina Panthers 14, New Orleans Saints 8; Q4: Carolina Panthers 14, New Orleans Saints 14; Final: Carolina Panthers 41, New Orleans Saints 38.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — B. Watson (D. Brees pass) (Q1 8:21) New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Stewart (Q1 4:25) Carolina Panthers touchdown — M. Tolbert (C. Newton pass) (Q2 15:00) Carolina Panthers touchdown — J. Stewart (Q2 2:00) Carolina Panthers touchdown — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass) (Q3 10:26) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Funchess (C. Newton pass) (Q3 5:01) New Orleans Saints touchdown — B. Cooks (D. Brees pass) (Q3 2:59) New Orleans Saints touchdown — B. Coleman (D. Brees pass) (Q4 14:07) Carolina Panthers touchdown — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass) (Q4 12:02) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Ingram (Q4 5:27) Carolina Panthers touchdown — J. Cotchery (C. Newton pass) (Q4 1:10) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 58.3% completion, +6.8% CPOE, +0.37 EPA per dropback, +17.73 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 52.2% completion, -9.1% CPOE, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +1.96 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +17.73 total EPA on Passing plays. across 48 snaps. Their top snap (-6.90 EPA): (6:40) 1-C.Newton pass short left intended for 19-T.Ginn INTERCEPTED by 40-D.Breaux at CAR 42. 40-D.Breaux to CAR 20 for 22 yards (1-C.Newton)..
Was Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Carolina Panthers won 41-38 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 11-0 Now 12-0 W
New Orleans Saints
Entered 4-7 Now 4-8 L