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NFL · Week 4 · October 4, 2015 · 12 min read

Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos: 2015 Week 4 Recap

Broncos defeat Vikings 23–20 in Week 4

M.Wallace led Fantasy Impact as Broncos prevailed in a 20–23 Week 4 finish.

Minnesota Vikings 20 2–2
Final 20–23
Denver Broncos 23 4–0 Winner
Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
20–23
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 10–13 Denver Broncos
Top passer
Teddy Bridgewater
FantasyHQ MVP
M.Wallace
Game date
October 4, 2015

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • M.Wallace 8 REC · 83 YDS · 1 TD +7.2 Fantasy Impact
  • Stefon Diggs
    Stefon Diggs 6 REC · 87 YDS +4.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Teddy Bridgewater
    Teddy Bridgewater 1 CAR · 2 YDS +2.4 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Broncos

  • Eli Sanders 3 REC · 68 YDS +4.4 Fantasy Impact
  • R.Hillman 11 CAR · 103 YDS · 1 TD +4.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Calvin Anderson
    Calvin Anderson 1 REC · 27 YDS +1.6 Fantasy Impact
View Vikings vs Broncos box score View all 2015 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
Denver Broncos 23–20 Minnesota Vikings
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 10–13 Denver Broncos at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
M. Wallace
Top passer
Teddy Bridgewater
Biggest EPA play
(10:09) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date
2015-10-04

Game summary

The Denver Broncos beat the Minnesota Vikings 23–20 on 2015-10-04. M. Wallace posted a game-high +7.24 total EPA in the receiving.

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

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Minnesota Vikings010010020
Denver Broncos31073023

Scoring Map

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

MINMinnesota Vikings
DENDenver Broncos

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 8:20FG
    Brandon McManus

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    0-3

    (8:20) 8-B.McManus 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  2. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 11:35TD
    RHR. Hillman

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 72
    Score
    0-9

    (11:35) (Shotgun) 23-R.Hillman left end for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 11:24XP
    Brandon McManus

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    0-10

    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  4. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 6:02FG
    Brandon McManus

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 29
    Score
    0-13

    (6:02) 8-B.McManus 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  5. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 1:43FG
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 20
    Score
    3-13

    (1:43) 3-B.Walsh 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  6. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 0:17TD
    MWM. Wallace

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 4
    Score
    9-13

    (:17) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 11-M.Wallace for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 0:12XP
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 15
    Score
    10-13

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

  8. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 11:15TD
    ODO. Daniels

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 1
    Score
    10-19

    (11:15) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 81-O.Daniels for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on MIN-52-C.Greenway, Defensive Holding, declined.

  9. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 11:10XP
    Brandon McManus

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    10-20

    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  10. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 10:09TD
    APA. Peterson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 48
    Score
    16-20

    (10:09) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 10:01XP
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 15
    Score
    17-20

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

  12. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 5:16FG
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 15
    Score
    20-20

    (5:16) 3-B.Walsh 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  13. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 1:54FG
    Brandon McManus

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 21
    Score
    20-23

    (1:54) 8-B.McManus 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1M. Wallace · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.24 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play
  2. 2Stefon DiggsStefon Diggs · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.85 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
  3. 3Eli Sanders · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +4.44 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
  4. 4R. Hillman · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +4.26 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
  5. 5Teddy BridgewaterTeddy Bridgewater · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +2.38 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.38 EPA/play
  6. 6Teddy BridgewaterTeddy Bridgewater · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +2.10 total EPA · 51 snaps · +0.04 EPA/play
  7. 7Adam ThielenAdam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.03 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
  8. 8Calvin AndersonCalvin Anderson · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.61 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.61 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

M. Wallace — MIN · Receiving

M. Wallace posted the highest total EPA (+7.24) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 10 counted snaps, they averaged +0.72 EPA per play.

M. Wallace's top snap (+2.59 EPA): (3:31) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle to 11-M.Wallace to DEN 33 for 18 yards (25-C.Harris; 26-D.Stewart).

Biggest single play (+6.28 EPA): A. Peterson — (10:09) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Teddy Bridgewater led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Teddy BridgewaterTeddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) · 51 dropbacks · 52.9% completion · +5.1% CPOE · +0.04 EPA/play · +2.10 total EPA
  • Paul Manning (Denver Broncos) · 32 dropbacks · 53.1% completion · +2.5% CPOE · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.09 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMinnesota VikingsDenver Broncos
Offensive EPA/play-0.002+0.027
Offensive success rate42.9%42.1%
Pass EPA/play+0.041-0.034
Rush EPA/play+0.002+0.038
Defensive EPA/play-0.027+0.002
Defensive success rate57.9%57.1%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Minnesota Vikings -0.00, Denver Broncos +0.03) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Minnesota Vikings: -0.00 EPA/play (54th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Denver Broncos: +0.03 EPA/play (63rd percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Denver Broncos: 12 drives, +2.06 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, -0.21 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Denver Broncos — R. Hillman (Q2 11:35)
  • Minnesota Vikings — M. Wallace (Teddy Bridgewater pass) (Q2 0:17)
  • Denver Broncos — O. Daniels (Paul Manning pass) (Q3 11:15)
  • Minnesota Vikings — A. Peterson (Q4 10:09)

Field goals

  • Brandon McManusDenver Broncos — Brandon McManus (Q1 8:20)
  • Brandon McManusDenver Broncos — Brandon McManus (Q2 6:02)
  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q2 1:43)
  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q4 5:16)
  • Brandon McManusDenver Broncos — Brandon McManus (Q4 1:54)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 3–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the MIN 15 (Q1 8:20) — (8:20) 8-B.McManus 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the MIN 72 (Q2 11:35) — (11:35) (Shotgun) 23-R.Hillman left end for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 11:24) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the MIN 29 (Q2 6:02) — (6:02) 8-B.McManus 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DEN 20 (Q2 1:43) — (1:43) 3-B.Walsh 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DEN 4 (Q2 0:17) — (:17) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 11-M.Wallace for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q2 0:12) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..

The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q3 11:15) — (11:15) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 81-O.Daniels for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on MIN-52-C.Greenway, Defensive Holding, declined.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 11:10) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–3. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DEN 48 (Q4 10:09) — (10:09) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q4 10:01) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DEN 15 (Q4 5:16) — (5:16) 3-B.Walsh 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the MIN 21 (Q4 1:54) — (1:54) 8-B.McManus 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 0:35) — (:35) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater sacked at MIN 42 for -5 yards (43-T.Ward). FUMBLES (43-T.Ward), RECOVERED by DEN-58-V.Miller at MIN 42. 58-V.Miller to MIN 42 for no gain (63-B.Fusco). [WPA -24.0% · EPA -3.34]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 9:13) — (9:13) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left intended for 88-D.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at MIN 47. 22-H.Smith to MIN 47 for no gain (88-D.Thomas). [WPA -16.3% · EPA -4.04]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 10:09) — (10:09) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.9% · EPA +6.28]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 0:32) — (:32) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left intended for 12-A.Caldwell INTERCEPTED by 55-A.Barr at MIN 41. 55-A.Barr to DEN 27 for 32 yards (81-O.Daniels). [WPA -11.8% · EPA -3.72]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 7:17) — (7:17) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass deep right to 14-S.Diggs ran ob at DEN 23 for 21 yards. [WPA +11.2% · EPA +1.73]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 10:09) — (10:09) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.9% · EPA +6.28]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 11:35) — (11:35) (Shotgun) 23-R.Hillman left end for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +8.8% · EPA +5.51]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 9:13) — (9:13) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left intended for 88-D.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at MIN 47. 22-H.Smith to MIN 47 for no gain (88-D.Thomas). [WPA -16.3% · EPA -4.04]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 11:39) — (11:39) 3-B.Walsh 38 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke. [WPA -11.1% · EPA -4.01]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q1 8:20 · MIN 15 · Score 0-3
    (8:20) 8-B.McManus 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  2. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 11:35 · MIN 72 · Score 0-9
    (11:35) (Shotgun) 23-R.Hillman left end for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 11:24 · MIN 15 · Score 0-10
    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  4. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 6:02 · MIN 29 · Score 0-13
    (6:02) 8-B.McManus 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  5. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 1:43 · DEN 20 · Score 3-13
    (1:43) 3-B.Walsh 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  6. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 0:17 · DEN 4 · Score 9-13
    (:17) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 11-M.Wallace for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 0:12 · DEN 15 · Score 10-13
    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  8. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 11:15 · MIN 1 · Score 10-19
    (11:15) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 81-O.Daniels for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on MIN-52-C.Greenway, Defensive Holding, declined.
  9. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 11:10 · MIN 15 · Score 10-20
    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  10. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 10:09 · DEN 48 · Score 16-20
    (10:09) 28-A.Peterson up the middle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 10:01 · DEN 15 · Score 17-20
    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  12. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 5:16 · DEN 15 · Score 20-20
    (5:16) 3-B.Walsh 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  13. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 1:54 · MIN 21 · Score 20-23
    (1:54) 8-B.McManus 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

Key takeaways

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

  • Denver Broncos earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • M. Wallace (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Teddy Bridgewater (MIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos on 2015-10-04?

The Denver Broncos beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-20 in Week 4, 2015.

What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos?

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 0, Denver Broncos 3; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 10, Denver Broncos 10; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 0, Denver Broncos 7; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 10, Denver Broncos 3; Final: Minnesota Vikings 20, Denver Broncos 23.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos?

Denver Broncos touchdown — R. Hillman (Q2 11:35) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — M. Wallace (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q2 0:17) Denver Broncos touchdown — O. Daniels (P. Manning pass) (Q3 11:15) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Peterson (Q4 10:09) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q1 8:20, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q2 6:02, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 1:43, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q4 5:16, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q4 1:54, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos?

Teddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings), 52.9% completion, +5.1% CPOE, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +2.10 total passing EPA. Paul Manning (Denver Broncos), 53.1% completion, +2.5% CPOE, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.09 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos?

M. Wallace (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.24 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 10 snaps. Their top snap (+2.59 EPA): (3:31) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle to 11-M.Wallace to DEN 33 for 18 yards (25-C.Harris; 26-D.Stewart)..

Was Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Denver Broncos won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 2-1 Now 2-2 L

Denver Broncos

Entered 3-0 Now 4-0 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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