Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 26–20 Dallas Cowboys
- Halftime
- Dallas Cowboys 10–7 New Orleans Saints at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- B. Weeden
- Top passer
- D. Brees
- Biggest EPA play
- (14:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 28-C.Spiller for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass …
- Game date
- 2015-10-04
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Dallas Cowboys 26–20 on 2015-10-04, overcoming Dallas Cowboys's 10–7 halftime lead. B. Weeden posted a game-high +15.99 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 14 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dallas Cowboys | 3 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
 New Orleans Saints | 7 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 26 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
DALDallas Cowboys
(9:46) 5-D.Bailey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
(3:52) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 89-J.Hill for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 3, YAC 0
2-Z.Hocker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
(13:37) 21-J.Randle right guard to NO 1 for no gain (50-S.Anthony). FUMBLES (50-S.Anthony), RECOVERED by NO-56-M.Mauti at NO 4. 56-M.Mauti to NO 4 for no gain (44-T.Clutts). The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 21-J.Randle right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
(11:24) 2-Z.Hocker 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
(8:25) 5-D.Bailey 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
(1:30) 2-Z.Hocker 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
(8:02) 29-K.Robinson left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NO-29-K.Robinson, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
2-Z.Hocker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
(1:56) (Shotgun) 3-B.Weeden pass deep right to 83-T.Williams for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-78-B.Richardson was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
(14:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 28-C.Spiller for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 18, YAC 62
NONew Orleans SaintsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 9:46FG Points+3
- Yard line
- NO 12
- Score
- 3-0
(9:46) 5-D.Bailey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 3:52TD Julian HillPoints+6
- Yard line
- DAL 3
- Score
- 3-6
(3:52) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 89-J.Hill for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 3, YAC 0
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 3:48XP ZHZ. HockerPoints+1
- Yard line
- DAL 15
- Score
- 3-7
2-Z.Hocker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 13:37TD JRJ. RandlePoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 1
- Score
- 9-7
(13:37) 21-J.Randle right guard to NO 1 for no gain (50-S.Anthony). FUMBLES (50-S.Anthony), RECOVERED by NO-56-M.Mauti at NO 4. 56-M.Mauti to NO 4 for no gain (44-T.Clutts). The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 21-J.Randle right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 13:35XP Points+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 10-7
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 11:24FG ZHZ. HockerPoints+3
- Yard line
- DAL 33
- Score
- 10-10
(11:24) 2-Z.Hocker 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 8:25FG Points+3
- Yard line
- NO 20
- Score
- 13-10
(8:25) 5-D.Bailey 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 1:30FG ZHZ. HockerPoints+3
- Yard line
- DAL 11
- Score
- 13-13
(1:30) 2-Z.Hocker 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 8:02TD Keilan RobinsonPoints+6
- Yard line
- DAL 1
- Score
- 13-19
(8:02) 29-K.Robinson left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NO-29-K.Robinson, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 7:58XP ZHZ. HockerPoints+1
- Yard line
- DAL 15
- Score
- 13-20
2-Z.Hocker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 1:56TD Tyleik WilliamsPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 17
- Score
- 19-20
(1:56) (Shotgun) 3-B.Weeden pass deep right to 83-T.Williams for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-78-B.Richardson was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 1:51XP Points+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 20-20
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- NONew Orleans Saints
OT 14:57TD CSC. SpillerPoints+6
- Yard line
- DAL 80
- Score
- 20-26
(14:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 28-C.Spiller for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 18, YAC 62
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1B. Weeden · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +15.99 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 2D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +12.17 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 3Willie Snead · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +7.55 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.26 EPA/play
- 4C. Spiller · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.57 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.31 EPA/play
- 5B. Butler · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.34 total EPA · 1 snaps · +5.34 EPA/play
- 6Cole Beasley · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.73 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 7Tyleik Williams · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.11 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
- 8
Blake Watson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.74 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.91 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
B. Weeden — DAL · Passing
B. Weeden posted the highest total EPA (+15.99) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Dallas Cowboys. Across 35 counted snaps, they averaged +0.46 EPA per play.
B. Weeden's top snap (+5.34 EPA): (9:45) 3-B.Weeden pass deep left to 19-B.Butler pushed ob at NO 9 for 67 yards (39-B.Browner). Pass 41, YAC 26
Biggest single play (+6.28 EPA): D. Brees — (14:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 28-C.Spiller for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 18, YAC 62
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) · 48 dropbacks · 68.8% completion · +5.6% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +12.17 total EPA
- B. Weeden (Dallas Cowboys) · 35 dropbacks · 45.7% completion · +1.4% CPOE · +0.46 EPA/play · +15.99 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.094 | +0.113 |
| Offensive success rate | 36.4% | 42.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.457 | +0.254 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.212 | -0.049 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.113 | -0.094 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.3% | 63.6% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Dallas Cowboys +0.09, New Orleans Saints +0.11) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Dallas Cowboys: +0.09 EPA/play (77th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: +0.11 EPA/play (80th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
- Dallas Cowboys: 10 drives, +7.24 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, +10.04 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New Orleans Saints — Julian Hill (D. Brees pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — J. Randle
- New Orleans Saints — Keilan Robinson
- Dallas Cowboys — Tyleik Williams (B. Weeden pass)
- New Orleans Saints — C. Spiller (D. Brees pass)
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey
- New Orleans Saints — Z. Hocker
- Dallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey
- New Orleans Saints — Z. Hocker
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the NO 12 (Q1 9:46) — (9:46) 5-D.Bailey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the DAL 3 (Q1 3:52) — (3:52) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 89-J.Hill for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 3, YAC 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q1 3:48) — 2-Z.Hocker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown..
The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 13:37); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 13:35) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 6–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the DAL 33 (Q3 11:24) — (11:24) 2-Z.Hocker 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the NO 20 (Q3 8:25) — (8:25) 5-D.Bailey 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the DAL 11 (Q3 1:30) — (1:30) 2-Z.Hocker 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q4 8:02); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q4 7:58) — 2-Z.Hocker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the NO 17 (Q4 1:56); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q4 1:51) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
Overtime: New Orleans Saints won the period 6–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the DAL 80 (OT 14:57) — (14:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 28-C.Spiller for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 18, YAC 62.
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New Orleans Saints (OT 14:57) — (14:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 28-C.Spiller for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 18, YAC 62
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 0:16) — (:16) 2-Z.Hocker 30 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Left Upright, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 3-B.Weeden pass deep right to 83-T.Williams for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-78-B.Richardson was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 9:45) — (9:45) 3-B.Weeden pass deep left to 19-B.Butler pushed ob at NO 9 for 67 yards (39-B.Browner). Pass 41, YAC 26
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 0:31) — (:31) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 16-B.Coleman to DAL 17 for 30 yards (59-A.Hitchens). Pass 25, YAC 5
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New Orleans Saints (OT 14:57) — (14:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 28-C.Spiller for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 18, YAC 62
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 9:45) — (9:45) 3-B.Weeden pass deep left to 19-B.Butler pushed ob at NO 9 for 67 yards (39-B.Browner). Pass 41, YAC 26
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 3-B.Weeden pass deep right to 83-T.Williams for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-78-B.Richardson was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 13:15) — (13:15) 25-L.Dunbar right tackle to NO 27 for 45 yards (39-B.Browner).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 9:46 · NO 12 · Score 3-0
(9:46) 5-D.Bailey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 3:52 · DAL 3 · Score 3-6
(3:52) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 89-J.Hill for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 3, YAC 0 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 3:48 · DAL 15 · Score 3-7
2-Z.Hocker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 13:37 · NO 1 · Score 9-7
(13:37) 21-J.Randle right guard to NO 1 for no gain (50-S.Anthony). FUMBLES (50-S.Anthony), RECOVERED by NO-56-M.Mauti at NO 4. 56-M.Mauti to NO 4 for no gain (44-T.Clutts). The Replay Official review - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 13:35 · NO 15 · Score 10-7
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q3 11:24 · DAL 33 · Score 10-10
(11:24) 2-Z.Hocker 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 8:25 · NO 20 · Score 13-10
(8:25) 5-D.Bailey 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q3 1:30 · DAL 11 · Score 13-13
(1:30) 2-Z.Hocker 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 8:02 · DAL 1 · Score 13-19
(8:02) 29-K.Robinson left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NO-29-K.Robinson, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 7:58 · DAL 15 · Score 13-20
2-Z.Hocker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 1:56 · NO 17 · Score 19-20
(1:56) (Shotgun) 3-B.Weeden pass deep right to 83-T.Williams for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-78-B.Richardson was injured during the play. His return is Probable. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 1:51 · NO 15 · Score 20-20
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — OT 14:57 · DAL 80 · Score 20-26
(14:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 28-C.Spiller for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 18, YAC 62
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New Orleans Saints earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- B. Weeden (Dallas Cowboys) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- D. Brees (NO) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints on 2015-10-04?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Dallas Cowboys 26-20 in Week 4, 2015.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Dallas Cowboys 3, New Orleans Saints 7; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 7, New Orleans Saints 0; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 3, New Orleans Saints 6; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 7, New Orleans Saints 7; Q5: Dallas Cowboys 0, New Orleans Saints 6; Final: Dallas Cowboys 20, New Orleans Saints 26.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Hill (D. Brees pass) (Q1 3:52) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — J. Randle (Q2 13:37) New Orleans Saints touchdown — K. Robinson (Q4 8:02) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — T. Williams (B. Weeden pass) (Q4 1:56) New Orleans Saints touchdown — C. Spiller (D. Brees pass) (OT 14:57) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q1 9:46, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — Z. Hocker (Q3 11:24, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q3 8:25, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — Z. Hocker (Q3 1:30, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 68.8% completion, +5.6% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +12.17 total passing EPA. B. Weeden (Dallas Cowboys), 45.7% completion, +1.4% CPOE, +0.46 EPA per dropback, +15.99 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints?
B. Weeden (Dallas Cowboys) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +15.99 total EPA on Passing plays. across 35 snaps. Their top snap (+5.34 EPA): (9:45) 3-B.Weeden pass deep left to 19-B.Butler pushed ob at NO 9 for 67 yards (39-B.Browner). Pass 41, YAC 26.
Was Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. New Orleans Saints won 26-20 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 2-1 Now 2-2 L
New Orleans Saints
Entered 0-3 Now 1-3 W
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