Quick answer
- Winner
- Atlanta Falcons
- Final score
- Atlanta Falcons 24–21 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Halftime
- Atlanta Falcons 17–7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Jameis Winston
- Top passer
- Jameis Winston
- Biggest EPA play
- (6:40) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle to ATL 5 for 4 yards …
- Game date
- 2017-12-18
Game summary
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24–21 on 2017-12-18. Jameis Winston posted a game-high +15.48 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ATLAtlanta Falcons(7:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 14-J.Hardy for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(2:01) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 80-O.Howard for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(13:02) 92-D.Poe reported in as eligible. 24-D.Freeman left guard to TB 1 for no gain (91-R.Ayers Jr.). FUMBLES (91-R.Ayers Jr.), recovered by ATL-80-L.Toilolo at TB 0. TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(3:17) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(8:08) 24-D.Freeman right end for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
(4:16) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 10-A.Humphries for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
TBTampa Bay BuccaneersFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 7:00TD JHJ. HardyPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 6
- Score
- 6-0
(7:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 14-J.Hardy for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 6:54XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 7-0
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 2:01TD OHO. HowardPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 30
- Score
- 7-6
(2:01) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 80-O.Howard for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 1:52XP PMP. MurrayPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 15
- Score
- 7-7
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 13:02TD DFD. FreemanPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 1
- Score
- 13-7
(13:02) 92-D.Poe reported in as eligible. 24-D.Freeman left guard to TB 1 for no gain (91-R.Ayers Jr.). FUMBLES (91-R.Ayers Jr.), recovered by ATL-80-L.Toilolo at TB 0. TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 12:56XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 14-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 3:17FG Myles BryantPoints+3
- Yard line
- TB 39
- Score
- 17-7
(3:17) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 8:40TD Mitchell EvansPoints+6
- Yard line
- ATL 42
- Score
- 17-13
(8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 8:31XP PMP. MurrayPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 15
- Score
- 17-14
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 8:08TD DFD. FreemanPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 32
- Score
- 23-14
(8:08) 24-D.Freeman right end for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 7:58XP Myles BryantPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 24-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 4:16TD Points+6
- Yard line
- ATL 16
- Score
- 24-20
(4:16) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 10-A.Humphries for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 4:07XP PMP. MurrayPoints+1
- Yard line
- ATL 15
- Score
- 24-21
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
Jameis Winston · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +15.48 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play - 2Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +7.96 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 3D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +6.45 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 4D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.91 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
- 5Mitchell Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.65 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 6Adam Humphries · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.55 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 7O. Howard · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.47 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.47 EPA/play
- 8J. Hardy · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.41 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.85 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
Jameis Winston — TB · Passing
Jameis Winston posted the highest total EPA (+15.48) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Across 42 counted snaps, they averaged +0.37 EPA per play.
Jameis Winston's top snap (+3.58 EPA): (8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (-4.95 EPA): LaJohntay Wester — (6:40) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle to ATL 5 for 4 yards (22-K.Neal). FUMBLES (22-K.Neal), RECOVERED by ATL-22-K.Neal at ATL 5.
Quarterback report card
Jameis Winston led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 42 dropbacks · 64.3% completion · +21.0% CPOE · +0.37 EPA/play · +15.48 total EPA
- Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 38 dropbacks · 44.7% completion · -1.4% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +7.96 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.153 | +0.093 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.2% | 46.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.210 | +0.368 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.241 | -0.331 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.093 | -0.153 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.3% | 51.8% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs +0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Atlanta Falcons: +0.15 EPA/play (88th percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +0.09 EPA/play (78th percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- Atlanta Falcons: 9 drives, +12.97 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 drives, +7.00 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Hardy (Matt Ryan pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — O. Howard (Jameis Winston pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Mitchell Evans (Jameis Winston pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Adam Humphries (Jameis Winston pass)
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 6 (Q1 7:00) — (7:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 14-J.Hardy for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 6:54) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 30 (Q1 2:01); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 1:52) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q2 13:02); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 12:56) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the TB 39 (Q2 3:17) — (3:17) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The third quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 42 (Q3 8:40) — (8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 8:31) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 32 (Q4 8:08) — (8:08) 24-D.Freeman right end for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q4 7:58) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 16 (Q4 4:16) — (4:16) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 10-A.Humphries for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 4:07) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:05) — (:05) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 54 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 8:40) — (8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 6:40) — (6:40) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle to ATL 5 for 4 yards (22-K.Neal). FUMBLES (22-K.Neal), RECOVERED by ATL-22-K.Neal at ATL 5.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 1:14) — (1:14) (Punt formation) 5-M.Bosher punts 53 yards to TB 10, Center-47-J.Harris. 10-A.Humphries to TB 29 for 19 yards (50-B.Reed).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 2:01) — (2:01) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 80-O.Howard for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 6:40) — (6:40) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle to ATL 5 for 4 yards (22-K.Neal). FUMBLES (22-K.Neal), RECOVERED by ATL-22-K.Neal at ATL 5.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 8:08) — (8:08) 24-D.Freeman right end for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 1:22) — (1:22) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 33 yard field goal is BLOCKED (92-W.Gholston), Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 8:40) — (8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 7:00 · TB 6 · Score 6-0
(7:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 14-J.Hardy for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 6:54 · TB 15 · Score 7-0
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 2:01 · ATL 30 · Score 7-6
(2:01) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 80-O.Howard for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 1:52 · ATL 15 · Score 7-7
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 13:02 · TB 1 · Score 13-7
(13:02) 92-D.Poe reported in as eligible. 24-D.Freeman left guard to TB 1 for no gain (91-R.Ayers Jr.). FUMBLES (91-R.Ayers Jr.), recovered by ATL-80-L.Toilolo at TB 0. TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 12:56 · TB 15 · Score 14-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 3:17 · TB 39 · Score 17-7
(3:17) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 8:40 · ATL 42 · Score 17-13
(8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 8:31 · ATL 15 · Score 17-14
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 8:08 · TB 32 · Score 23-14
(8:08) 24-D.Freeman right end for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 7:58 · TB 15 · Score 24-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 4:16 · ATL 16 · Score 24-20
(4:16) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 10-A.Humphries for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 4:07 · ATL 15 · Score 24-21
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
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.
- Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Jameis Winston (TB) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 2017-12-18?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-21 in Week 15, 2017.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 10, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Final: Atlanta Falcons 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Hardy (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 7:00) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — O. Howard (J. Winston pass) (Q1 2:01) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Freeman (Q2 13:02) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Evans (J. Winston pass) (Q3 8:40) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Freeman (Q4 8:08) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Humphries (J. Winston pass) (Q4 4:16) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 3:17, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 64.3% completion, +21.0% CPOE, +0.37 EPA per dropback, +15.48 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 44.7% completion, -1.4% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +7.96 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +15.48 total EPA on Passing plays. across 42 snaps. Their top snap (+3.58 EPA): (8:40) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Atlanta Falcons won 24-21 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 8-5 Now 9-5 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 4-9 Now 4-10 L
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