Saints 32–38 Falcons: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 17, 2016

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +21.35 total EPA on Passing plays. across 39 snaps. Their top snap (-2.73 EPA): (13:44) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at ATL 25 for -8 yards (90-N.Fairley)..

Quick answer

Winner: Atlanta Falcons
Final score: Atlanta Falcons 38–32 New Orleans Saints
Halftime: New Orleans Saints 13–35 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Matt Ryan
Top passer: D. Brees
Biggest EPA play: (6:58) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left intended for 13-M.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 32-J.Co…
Game date: 2017-01-01

Game summary

The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 38–32 on 2017-01-01. Matt Ryan posted a game-high +21.35 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 24 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
New Orleans Saints	10	3	0	19	0	32
Atlanta Falcons	14	21	3	0	0	38

Scoring Map

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

NONew Orleans Saints

NO 75

NO 10

+3ATL 22

ATLAtlanta Falcons

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

19 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 12:01TD
TCTavian Coleman
Points+6
Yard line
NO 7
Score
0-6
(12:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 26-T.Coleman for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 11:55XP
Myles Bryant
Points+1
Yard line
NO 15
Score
0-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 3:57FG
Wil Lutz
Points+3
Yard line
ATL 1
Score
3-7
(3:57) 3-W.Lutz 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 3:53TD
DFD. Freeman
Points+6
Yard line
NO 75
Score
3-13
(3:53) 24-D.Freeman right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 3:42XP
Myles Bryant
Points+1
Yard line
NO 15
Score
3-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 0:56TD
THT. Hightower
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
9-14
(:56) 34-T.Hightower left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 0:52XP
Wil Lutz
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 15
Score
10-14
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 14:22TD
Justin Jones
Points+6
Yard line
NO 1
Score
10-20
(14:22) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 14:17XP
Myles Bryant
Points+1
Yard line
NO 15
Score
10-21
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 6:58TD
MSM. Sanu
Points+6
Yard line
NO 10
Score
10-27
(6:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 12-M.Sanu for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 6:51XP
Myles Bryant
Points+1
Yard line
NO 15
Score
10-28
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 3:44FG
Wil Lutz
Points+3
Yard line
ATL 22
Score
13-28
(3:44) 3-W.Lutz 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:36TD
JHJ. Hardy
Points+6
Yard line
NO 7
Score
13-34
(:36) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 16-J.Hardy for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:32XP
Myles Bryant
Points+1
Yard line
NO 15
Score
13-35
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 5:22FG
Myles Bryant
Points+3
Yard line
NO 4
Score
13-38
(5:22) 3-M.Bryant 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 12:47TD
Michael Thomas
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 14
Score
19-38
(12:47) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 13-M.Thomas for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 2:50TD
Melvin Ingram
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 1
Score
25-38
(2:50) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 0:45TD
TCT. Cadet
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 3
Score
31-38
(:45) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 38-T.Cadet for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-13-M.Thomas was injured during the play.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 0:39XP
Wil Lutz
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 15
Score
32-38
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +21.35 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
2Michael Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +7.75 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
3Justin Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +7.41 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
4D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +6.38 total EPA · 52 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
5Willie Snead · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +5.76 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.44 EPA/play
6D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.41 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.68 EPA/play
7T. Hightower · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +3.29 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.10 EPA/play
8M. Sanu · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.21 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.80 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 (+21.35) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 39 counted snaps, they averaged +0.55 EPA per play.

Matt Ryan's top snap (-2.73 EPA): (13:44) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at ATL 25 for -8 yards (90-N.Fairley).

Biggest single play (-6.30 EPA): D. Brees — (6:58) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left intended for 13-M.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 32-J.Collins at ATL 0. Touchback.

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 · 55.8% completion · -6.9% CPOE · +0.12 EPA/play · +6.38 total EPA
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 39 dropbacks · 69.2% completion · +8.2% CPOE · +0.55 EPA/play · +21.35 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	New Orleans Saints	Atlanta Falcons
Offensive EPA/play	+0.128	+0.180
Offensive success rate	42.6%	47.7%
Pass EPA/play	+0.123	+0.547
Rush EPA/play	+0.253	+0.076
Defensive EPA/play	-0.180	-0.128
Defensive success rate	52.3%	57.4%

Drive & efficiency notes

Atlanta Falcons held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.18 vs +0.13), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

New Orleans Saints: +0.13 EPA/play (84th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
Atlanta Falcons: +0.18 EPA/play (91st percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)

Atlanta Falcons: 12 drives, +15.49 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
New Orleans Saints: 12 drives, +11.99 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

Atlanta Falcons — Tavian Coleman (Matt Ryan pass) (Q1 12:01)
Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman (Q1 3:53)
New Orleans Saints — T. Hightower (Q1 0:56)
Atlanta Falcons — Justin Jones (Matt Ryan pass) (Q2 14:22)
Atlanta Falcons — M. Sanu (Matt Ryan pass) (Q2 6:58)
Atlanta Falcons — J. Hardy (Matt Ryan pass) (Q2 0:36)
New Orleans Saints — Michael Thomas (D. Brees pass) (Q4 12:47)
New Orleans Saints — Melvin Ingram (Q4 2:50)
New Orleans Saints — T. Cadet (D. Brees pass) (Q4 0:45)

Field goals

New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz (Q1 3:57)
New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz (Q2 3:44)
Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant (Q3 5:22)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–10. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 7 (Q1 12:01) — (12:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 26-T.Coleman for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 11:55) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 1 (Q1 3:57) — (3:57) 3-W.Lutz 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 75 (Q1 3:53) — (3:53) 24-D.Freeman right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 3:42) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q1 0:56) — (:56) 34-T.Hightower left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 0:52) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 21–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 14:22) — (14:22) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 14:17) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 10 (Q2 6:58) — (6:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 12-M.Sanu for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 6:51) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 22 (Q2 3:44) — (3:44) 3-W.Lutz 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 7 (Q2 0:36) — (:36) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 16-J.Hardy for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 0:32) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..

The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 4 (Q3 5:22) — (5:22) 3-M.Bryant 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..

The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 19–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 14 (Q4 12:47) — (12:47) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 13-M.Thomas for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q4 2:50) — (2:50) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 3 (Q4 0:45) — (:45) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 38-T.Cadet for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-13-M.Thomas was injured during the play.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 0:39) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

New Orleans Saints (Q1 6:07) — (6:07) 68-T.Lelito reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 82-C.Fleener to ATL 5 for 25 yards (23-R.Alford). [WPA +11.3% · EPA +3.52]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 3:53) — (3:53) 24-D.Freeman right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.4% · EPA +5.37]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 12:46) — (12:46) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 24-D.Freeman to NO 7 for 35 yards (41-R.Harper). [WPA +7.3% · EPA +2.03]
New Orleans Saints (Q1 4:01) — (4:01) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 82-C.Fleener for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass incomplet [WPA -5.7% · EPA -2.72]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 0:52) — (:52) 2-M.Ryan pass incomplete deep middle to 11-J.Jones. PENALTY on NO-41-R.Harper, Defensive Pass Interference, 46 yards, enforced at ATL 30 - No Play. [WPA +5.5% · EPA +2.37]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

New Orleans Saints (Q4 6:58) — (6:58) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left intended for 13-M.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 32-J.Collins at ATL 0. Touchback. [WPA -0.6% · EPA -6.30]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 3:53) — (3:53) 24-D.Freeman right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.4% · EPA +5.37]
New Orleans Saints (Q1 6:07) — (6:07) 68-T.Lelito reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 82-C.Fleener to ATL 5 for 25 yards (23-R.Alford). [WPA +11.3% · EPA +3.52]
New Orleans Saints (Q4 8:30) — (8:30) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 83-W.Snead to ATL 22 for 27 yards (22-K.Neal). FUMBLES (22-K.Neal), ball out of bounds at ATL 19. ATL-34-B.Poole was injured during the play. ATL-22-K.Ne [WPA +0.4% · EPA +3.50]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 12:01 · NO 7 · Score 0-6
(12:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 26-T.Coleman for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 11:55 · NO 15 · Score 0-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q1 3:57 · ATL 1 · Score 3-7
(3:57) 3-W.Lutz 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 3:53 · NO 75 · Score 3-13
(3:53) 24-D.Freeman right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 3:42 · NO 15 · Score 3-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 0:56 · ATL 2 · Score 9-14
(:56) 34-T.Hightower left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 0:52 · ATL 15 · Score 10-14
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 14:22 · NO 1 · Score 10-20
(14:22) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 11-J.Jones for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 14:17 · NO 15 · Score 10-21
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 6:58 · NO 10 · Score 10-27
(6:58) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 12-M.Sanu for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 6:51 · NO 15 · Score 10-28
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 3:44 · ATL 22 · Score 13-28
(3:44) 3-W.Lutz 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 0:36 · NO 7 · Score 13-34
(:36) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 16-J.Hardy for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 0:32 · NO 15 · Score 13-35
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 5:22 · NO 4 · Score 13-38
(5:22) 3-M.Bryant 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 12:47 · ATL 14 · Score 19-38
(12:47) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 13-M.Thomas for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 2:50 · ATL 1 · Score 25-38
(2:50) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 0:45 · ATL 3 · Score 31-38
(:45) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 38-T.Cadet for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-13-M.Thomas was injured during the play.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 0:39 · ATL 15 · Score 32-38
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-6-T.Morstead.

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.
One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
D. Brees (NO) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons on 2017-01-01?

The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 38-32 in Week 17, 2016.

What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

Q1: New Orleans Saints 10, Atlanta Falcons 14; Q2: New Orleans Saints 3, Atlanta Falcons 21; Q3: New Orleans Saints 0, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q4: New Orleans Saints 19, Atlanta Falcons 0; Final: New Orleans Saints 32, Atlanta Falcons 38.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Coleman (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 12:01) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Freeman (Q1 3:53) New Orleans Saints touchdown — T. Hightower (Q1 0:56) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Jones (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 14:22) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Sanu (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 6:58) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Hardy (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 0:36) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Thomas (D. Brees pass) (Q4 12:47) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Ingram (Q4 2:50) New Orleans Saints touchdown — T. Cadet (D. Brees pass) (Q4 0:45) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q1 3:57, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 3:44, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q3 5:22, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 55.8% completion, -6.9% CPOE, +0.12 EPA per dropback, +6.38 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 69.2% completion, +8.2% CPOE, +0.55 EPA per dropback, +21.35 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +21.35 total EPA on Passing plays. across 39 snaps. Their top snap (-2.73 EPA): (13:44) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at ATL 25 for -8 yards (90-N.Fairley)..

Was New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?

Yes — the margin was 6 points. Atlanta Falcons won 38-32 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

New Orleans Saints

Entered 7-8 Now 7-9 L

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 10-5 Now 11-5 W

New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons: 2016 Week 17 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Saints

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

Quick answer

Game summary