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NFL · Week 2 · September 20, 2015 · 12 min read

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2015 Week 2 Recap

Vikings defeat Lions 26–16 in Week 2

Teddy Bridgewater led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 16–26 Week 2 finish.

Detroit Lions 16 0–2
Final 16–26
Minnesota Vikings 26 1–1 Winner
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
16–26
Halftime
Detroit Lions 10–17 Minnesota Vikings
Top passer
Matthew Stafford
FantasyHQ MVP
Teddy Bridgewater
Game date
September 20, 2015

Top fantasy performers · Lions

  • Matthew Stafford
    Matthew Stafford 32/63 · 305 YDS · 2 TD +4.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Cornelius Johnson
    Cornelius Johnson 10 REC · 83 YDS · 1 TD +4.3 Fantasy Impact
  • T.Riddick 5 REC · 41 YDS +2.8 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Teddy Bridgewater
    Teddy Bridgewater 14/24 · 165 YDS · 1 TD +8.2 Fantasy Impact
  • A.Peterson 2 REC · 58 YDS +3.4 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Wallace 3 REC · 38 YDS +2.5 Fantasy Impact
View Lions vs Vikings box score View all 2015 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
Minnesota Vikings 26–16 Detroit Lions
Halftime
Detroit Lions 10–17 Minnesota Vikings at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Teddy Bridgewater
Top passer
Matthew Stafford
Biggest EPA play
(13:47) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 16-L.Moore to DET 37 for 5 yards (24-C.M…
Game date
2015-09-20

Game summary

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 26–16 on 2015-09-20. Teddy Bridgewater posted a game-high +8.18 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Detroit Lions01006016
Minnesota Vikings710123026

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

DETDetroit Lions
MINMinnesota Vikings

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

12 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 10:29TD
    KRK. Rudolph

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 5
    Score
    0-6

    (10:29) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 10:25XP
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 15
    Score
    0-7

    (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  3. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 14:31TD
    Teddy Bridgewater

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 1
    Score
    0-13

    (14:31) (Run formation) 5-T.Bridgewater left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DET-94-E.Ansah, Defensive Offside, declined.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 14:26XP
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 15
    Score
    0-14

    (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  5. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 7:16FG
    Matt Prater

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 8
    Score
    3-14

    (7:16) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.

  6. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 2:35FG
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DET 10
    Score
    3-17

    (2:35) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  7. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 0:42TD
    Cornelius Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 11
    Score
    9-17

    (:42) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 81-C.Johnson for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

  8. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 0:34XP
    Matt Prater

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    10-17

    (Kick formation) 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.

  9. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 8:56TD
    ZLZ. Line

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 1
    Score
    10-23

    (8:56) 48-Z.Line up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 8:54TD
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 15
    Score
    10-23

    3-B.Walsh extra point is No Good, Wide Right, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  11. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 6:23FG
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DET 5
    Score
    10-26

    (6:23) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  12. DETDetroit Lions
    Q4 1:54TD
    EEE. Ebron

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 12
    Score
    16-26

    (1:54) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 85-E.Ebron for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN [98-L.Joseph].

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Teddy BridgewaterTeddy Bridgewater · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +8.18 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
  2. 2Matthew StaffordMatthew Stafford · Detroit Lions · Passing · +4.29 total EPA · 63 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
  3. 3Cornelius JohnsonCornelius Johnson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +4.29 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
  4. 4A. Peterson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.35 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.67 EPA/play
  5. 5T. Riddick · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.81 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
  6. 6M. Wallace · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.54 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
  7. 7K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.92 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
  8. 8Jacardia WrightJacardia Wright · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +1.88 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.88 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Teddy Bridgewater

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Teddy Bridgewater — MIN · Passing

Teddy Bridgewater posted the highest total EPA (+8.18) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 24 counted snaps, they averaged +0.34 EPA per play.

Teddy Bridgewater's top snap (+3.62 EPA): (6:04) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle to 28-A.Peterson pushed ob at DET 23 for 49 yards (23-D.Slay) [53-K.Van Noy].

Biggest single play (-6.76 EPA): Matthew Stafford — (13:47) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 16-L.Moore to DET 37 for 5 yards (24-C.Munnerlyn). FUMBLES (24-C.Munnerlyn), RECOVERED by MIN-34-A.Sendejo at DET 34. 34-A.Sendejo to DET 6 for 28 yar

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 StaffordMatthew Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 63 dropbacks · 50.8% completion · -3.4% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +4.29 total EPA
  • Teddy BridgewaterTeddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) · 24 dropbacks · 58.3% completion · +14.3% CPOE · +0.34 EPA/play · +8.18 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatDetroit LionsMinnesota Vikings
Offensive EPA/play-0.075+0.047
Offensive success rate43.3%41.8%
Pass EPA/play+0.068+0.341
Rush EPA/play-0.821-0.042
Defensive EPA/play-0.047+0.075
Defensive success rate58.2%56.7%

Drive & efficiency notes

Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.05 vs -0.07), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Detroit Lions: -0.07 EPA/play (33rd percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Minnesota Vikings: +0.05 EPA/play (68th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Detroit Lions: 10 drives, -6.71 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, +3.72 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (Teddy Bridgewater pass) (Q1 10:29)
  • Teddy BridgewaterMinnesota Vikings — Teddy Bridgewater (Q2 14:31)
  • Cornelius JohnsonDetroit Lions — Cornelius Johnson (Matthew Stafford pass) (Q2 0:42)
  • Minnesota Vikings — Z. Line (Q3 8:56)
  • Detroit Lions — E. Ebron (Matthew Stafford pass) (Q4 1:54)

Field goals

  • Matt PraterDetroit Lions — Matt Prater (Q2 7:16)
  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q2 2:35)
  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q4 6:23)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 5 (Q1 10:29) — (10:29) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q1 10:25) — (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q2 14:31) — (14:31) (Run formation) 5-T.Bridgewater left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DET-94-E.Ansah, Defensive Offside, declined.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 14:26) — (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 8 (Q2 7:16) — (7:16) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DET 10 (Q2 2:35) — (2:35) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 11 (Q2 0:42); Detroit Lions added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 0:34) — (Kick formation) 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..

The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 12–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q3 8:56) — (8:56) 48-Z.Line up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 15 (Q3 8:54) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is No Good, Wide Right, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..

The fourth quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 6–3. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DET 5 (Q4 6:23) — (6:23) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 12 (Q4 1:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 85-E.Ebron for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN [98-L.Joseph]..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Detroit Lions (Q3 13:47) — (13:47) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 16-L.Moore to DET 37 for 5 yards (24-C.Munnerlyn). FUMBLES (24-C.Munnerlyn), RECOVERED by MIN-34-A.Sendejo at DET 34. 34-A.Sendejo to DET 6 for 28 yar [WPA -14.3% · EPA -6.76]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 13:37) — (13:37) (Shotgun) 28-A.Peterson left tackle to DET 8 for -2 yards (32-J.Ihedigbo). FUMBLES (32-J.Ihedigbo), RECOVERED by DET-30-J.Wilson at DET 11. [WPA -11.7% · EPA -5.22]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 13:17) — (13:17) (No Huddle) 28-A.Peterson right guard pushed ob at DET 20 for 25 yards (23-D.Slay). [WPA +7.6% · EPA +1.41]
  • Detroit Lions (Q3 7:43) — (7:43) 25-T.Riddick left guard to MIN 47 for 5 yards (22-H.Smith). FUMBLES (22-H.Smith), RECOVERED by MIN-93-S.Stephen at MIN 47. 93-S.Stephen to MIN 47 for no gain (81-C.Johnson). The Replay Official [WPA -7.0% · EPA -5.36]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 13:25) — (13:25) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass deep right to 17-J.Wright to DET 45 for 17 yards. [WPA +6.6% · EPA +2.26]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Detroit Lions (Q3 13:47) — (13:47) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 16-L.Moore to DET 37 for 5 yards (24-C.Munnerlyn). FUMBLES (24-C.Munnerlyn), RECOVERED by MIN-34-A.Sendejo at DET 34. 34-A.Sendejo to DET 6 for 28 yar [WPA -14.3% · EPA -6.76]
  • Detroit Lions (Q4 12:12) — (12:12) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle intended for 85-E.Ebron INTERCEPTED by 94-J.Trattou at 50. 94-J.Trattou to DET 39 for 11 yards (Team). [WPA -4.7% · EPA -5.90]
  • Detroit Lions (Q3 7:43) — (7:43) 25-T.Riddick left guard to MIN 47 for 5 yards (22-H.Smith). FUMBLES (22-H.Smith), RECOVERED by MIN-93-S.Stephen at MIN 47. 93-S.Stephen to MIN 47 for no gain (81-C.Johnson). The Replay Official [WPA -7.0% · EPA -5.36]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 13:37) — (13:37) (Shotgun) 28-A.Peterson left tackle to DET 8 for -2 yards (32-J.Ihedigbo). FUMBLES (32-J.Ihedigbo), RECOVERED by DET-30-J.Wilson at DET 11. [WPA -11.7% · EPA -5.22]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 10:29 · DET 5 · Score 0-6
    (10:29) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 10:25 · DET 15 · Score 0-7
    (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  3. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 14:31 · DET 1 · Score 0-13
    (14:31) (Run formation) 5-T.Bridgewater left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DET-94-E.Ansah, Defensive Offside, declined.
  4. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 14:26 · DET 15 · Score 0-14
    (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  5. Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 7:16 · MIN 8 · Score 3-14
    (7:16) (Field Goal formation) 5-M.Prater 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
  6. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 2:35 · DET 10 · Score 3-17
    (2:35) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  7. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 0:42 · MIN 11 · Score 9-17
    (:42) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 81-C.Johnson for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the fie
  8. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 0:34 · MIN 15 · Score 10-17
    (Kick formation) 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
  9. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 8:56 · DET 1 · Score 10-23
    (8:56) 48-Z.Line up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 8:54 · DET 15 · Score 10-23
    3-B.Walsh extra point is No Good, Wide Right, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  11. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 6:23 · DET 5 · Score 10-26
    (6:23) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  12. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 1:54 · MIN 12 · Score 16-26
    (1:54) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 85-E.Ebron for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN [98-L.Joseph].

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Minnesota Vikings earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • Teddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Matthew Stafford (DET) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
  • Teddy Bridgewater (MIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings on 2015-09-20?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 26-16 in Week 2, 2015.

What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?

Q1: Detroit Lions 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q2: Detroit Lions 10, Minnesota Vikings 10; Q3: Detroit Lions 0, Minnesota Vikings 12; Q4: Detroit Lions 6, Minnesota Vikings 3; Final: Detroit Lions 16, Minnesota Vikings 26.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q1 10:29) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — T. Bridgewater (Q2 14:31) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Johnson (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 0:42) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — Z. Line (Q3 8:56) Detroit Lions touchdown — E. Ebron (M. Stafford pass) (Q4 1:54) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q2 7:16, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 2:35, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q4 6:23, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?

Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions), 50.8% completion, -3.4% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +4.29 total passing EPA. Teddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings), 58.3% completion, +14.3% CPOE, +0.34 EPA per dropback, +8.18 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?

Teddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +8.18 total EPA on Passing plays. across 24 snaps. Their top snap (+3.62 EPA): (6:04) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle to 28-A.Peterson pushed ob at DET 23 for 49 yards (23-D.Slay) [53-K.Van Noy]..

Season records after this game

Detroit Lions

Entered 0-1 Now 0-2 L

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 0-1 Now 1-1 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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