Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 31–21 Carolina Panthers
- Halftime
- Carolina Panthers 14–21 New Orleans Saints at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Alvin Kamara
- Top passer
- D. Brees
- Biggest EPA play
- (9:08) 6-T.Morstead punts 53 yards to CAR 42, Center-49-Z.Wood. 12-K.Clay to CAR 45 for 3 …
- Game date
- 2017-12-03
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Carolina Panthers 31–21 on 2017-12-03. Alvin Kamara posted a game-high +6.62 total EPA in the rushing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Carolina Panthers | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
 New Orleans Saints | 7 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 31 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
CARCarolina Panthers
(10:21) 41-A.Kamara right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(5:12) 72-T.Moton reported in as eligible. 28-J.Stewart left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
(11:36) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(7:27) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 13-M.Thomas for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 10, YAC 0
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(2:05) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 22-C.McCaffrey for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-91-T.Hendrickson was injured during the play. His return is Questionable. Pass 1, YAC 20
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
(8:17) 41-A.Kamara right tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(6:13) 3-W.Lutz 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(4:03) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 17-D.Funchess for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 14, YAC 10
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
NONew Orleans SaintsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 10:21TD Alvin KamaraPoints+6
- Yard line
- CAR 2
- Score
- 0-6
(10:21) 41-A.Kamara right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 10:15XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- CAR 15
- Score
- 0-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- CARCarolina Panthers
Q1 5:12TD Josaiah StewartPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 6-7
(5:12) 72-T.Moton reported in as eligible. 28-J.Stewart left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CARCarolina Panthers
Q1 5:09XP Graham GanoPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 7-7
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 11:36TD Points+6
- Yard line
- CAR 3
- Score
- 7-13
(11:36) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 11:32XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- CAR 15
- Score
- 7-14
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 7:27TD Points+6
- Yard line
- CAR 10
- Score
- 7-20
(7:27) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 13-M.Thomas for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 10, YAC 0
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 7:21XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- CAR 15
- Score
- 7-21
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- CARCarolina Panthers
Q2 2:05TD Christian McCaffreyPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 21
- Score
- 13-21
(2:05) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 22-C.McCaffrey for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-91-T.Hendrickson was injured during the play. His return is Questionable. Pass 1, YAC 20
- CARCarolina Panthers
Q2 1:56XP Graham GanoPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 14-21
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 8:17TD Alvin KamaraPoints+6
- Yard line
- CAR 20
- Score
- 14-27
(8:17) 41-A.Kamara right tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 8:10XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- CAR 15
- Score
- 14-28
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 6:13FG Wil LutzPoints+3
- Yard line
- CAR 13
- Score
- 14-31
(6:13) 3-W.Lutz 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- CARCarolina Panthers
Q4 4:03TD DFD. FunchessPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 24
- Score
- 20-31
(4:03) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 17-D.Funchess for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 14, YAC 10
- CARCarolina Panthers
Q4 3:57XP Graham GanoPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 21-31
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Alvin Kamara · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +6.62 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 2Alvin Kamara · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.37 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 3C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +2.64 total EPA · 36 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 4Michael Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.40 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
- 5Willie Snead · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.40 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
- 6E. Dickson · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.18 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.09 EPA/play
- 7K. Clay · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.10 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.10 EPA/play
- 8
Brandon Coleman · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.88 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.94 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
Alvin Kamara — NO · Rushing
Alvin Kamara posted the highest total EPA (+6.62) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New Orleans Saints. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +0.74 EPA per play.
Alvin Kamara's top snap (+3.76 EPA): (10:21) 41-A.Kamara right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (+5.40 EPA): Thomas Morstead — (9:08) 6-T.Morstead punts 53 yards to CAR 42, Center-49-Z.Wood. 12-K.Clay to CAR 45 for 3 yards (31-C.Banjo). FUMBLES (31-C.Banjo), RECOVERED by NO-52-C.Robertson at CAR 47. 52-C.Robertson to CAR 47 f
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) · 37 dropbacks · 67.6% completion · +6.0% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +1.22 total EPA
- C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 36 dropbacks · 47.2% completion · -5.7% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +2.64 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.052 | +0.085 |
| Offensive success rate | 37.8% | 44.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.009 | +0.033 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.088 | +0.252 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.085 | +0.052 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.7% | 62.2% |
Drive & efficiency notes
New Orleans Saints held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.09 vs -0.05), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Carolina Panthers: -0.05 EPA/play (43rd percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: +0.09 EPA/play (77th percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, -3.86 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 12 drives, +6.71 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 — Alvin Kamara
- Carolina Panthers — Josaiah Stewart
- New Orleans Saints — Melvin Ingram
- New Orleans Saints — Michael Thomas (D. Brees pass)
- Carolina Panthers — Christian McCaffrey (C. Newton pass)
- New Orleans Saints — Alvin Kamara
- Carolina Panthers — D. Funchess (C. Newton pass)
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 2 (Q1 10:21) — (10:21) 41-A.Kamara right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q1 10:15) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 2 (Q1 5:12) — (5:12) 72-T.Moton reported in as eligible. 28-J.Stewart left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 5:09) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy..
The second quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 14–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 3 (Q2 11:36) — (11:36) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 11:32) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 10 (Q2 7:27) — (7:27) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 13-M.Thomas for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 10, YAC 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 7:21) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 21 (Q2 2:05); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 1:56) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy..
The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 20 (Q3 8:17) — (8:17) 41-A.Kamara right tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q3 8:10) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The fourth quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 7–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the CAR 13 (Q4 6:13) — (6:13) 3-W.Lutz 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 24 (Q4 4:03) — (4:03) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 17-D.Funchess for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 14, YAC 10; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q4 3:57) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 13:08) — (13:08) 22-M.Ingram right guard to CAR 12 for 72 yards (26-D.Worley).
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 10:21) — (10:21) 41-A.Kamara right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 3:57) — (3:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 89-J.Hill to NO 42 for 8 yards (29-M.Adams). FUMBLES (29-M.Adams), RECOVERED by CAR-59-L.Kuechly at NO 45. 59-L.Kuechly to NO 45 for no gain (83-W.Snead)
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 14:23) — (14:23) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep left to 13-M.Thomas to CAR 40 for 22 yards (20-K.Coleman). Pass 17, YAC 5
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 14:10) — (14:10) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 14 for -13 yards (53-A.Klein).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 9:08) — (9:08) 6-T.Morstead punts 53 yards to CAR 42, Center-49-Z.Wood. 12-K.Clay to CAR 45 for 3 yards (31-C.Banjo). FUMBLES (31-C.Banjo), RECOVERED by NO-52-C.Robertson at CAR 47. 52-C.Robertson to CAR 47 f
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 3:57) — (3:57) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 89-J.Hill to NO 42 for 8 yards (29-M.Adams). FUMBLES (29-M.Adams), RECOVERED by CAR-59-L.Kuechly at NO 45. 59-L.Kuechly to NO 45 for no gain (83-W.Snead)
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 13:08) — (13:08) 22-M.Ingram right guard to CAR 12 for 72 yards (26-D.Worley).
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 10:21) — (10:21) 41-A.Kamara right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 10:21 · CAR 2 · Score 0-6
(10:21) 41-A.Kamara right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 10:15 · CAR 15 · Score 0-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 5:12 · NO 2 · Score 6-7
(5:12) 72-T.Moton reported in as eligible. 28-J.Stewart left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 5:09 · NO 15 · Score 7-7
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 11:36 · CAR 3 · Score 7-13
(11:36) 22-M.Ingram right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 11:32 · CAR 15 · Score 7-14
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 7:27 · CAR 10 · Score 7-20
(7:27) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 13-M.Thomas for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 10, YAC 0 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 7:21 · CAR 15 · Score 7-21
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 2:05 · NO 21 · Score 13-21
(2:05) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 22-C.McCaffrey for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NO-91-T.Hendrickson was injured during the play. His return is Questionable. Pass 1, YAC 20 - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 1:56 · NO 15 · Score 14-21
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 8:17 · CAR 20 · Score 14-27
(8:17) 41-A.Kamara right tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 8:10 · CAR 15 · Score 14-28
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 6:13 · CAR 13 · Score 14-31
(6:13) 3-W.Lutz 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 4:03 · NO 24 · Score 20-31
(4:03) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 17-D.Funchess for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 14, YAC 10 - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 3:57 · NO 15 · Score 21-31
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
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.
- Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- D. Brees (NO) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
- C. Newton (CAR) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints on 2017-12-03?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Carolina Panthers 31-21 in Week 13, 2017.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 7, New Orleans Saints 7; Q2: Carolina Panthers 7, New Orleans Saints 14; Q3: Carolina Panthers 0, New Orleans Saints 7; Q4: Carolina Panthers 7, New Orleans Saints 3; Final: Carolina Panthers 21, New Orleans Saints 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (Q1 10:21) Carolina Panthers touchdown — J. Stewart (Q1 5:12) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Ingram (Q2 11:36) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Thomas (D. Brees pass) (Q2 7:27) Carolina Panthers touchdown — C. McCaffrey (C. Newton pass) (Q2 2:05) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (Q3 8:17) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Funchess (C. Newton pass) (Q4 4:03) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q4 6:13, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 67.6% completion, +6.0% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +1.22 total passing EPA. C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 47.2% completion, -5.7% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +2.64 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?
Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +6.62 total EPA on Rushing plays. across 9 snaps. Their top snap (+3.76 EPA): (10:21) 41-A.Kamara right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 8-3 Now 8-4 L
New Orleans Saints
Entered 8-3 Now 9-3 W
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