Quick answer
- Winner
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Final score
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31–24 New Orleans Saints
- Halftime
- New Orleans Saints 14–13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Jameis Winston
- Top passer
- Jameis Winston
- Biggest EPA play
- (14:19) (Punt formation) 9-B.Anger punts 54 yards to NO 14, Center-65-G.Sanborn. 11-T.Lewi…
- Game date
- 2017-12-31
Game summary
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints 31–24 on 2017-12-31, overcoming New Orleans Saints's 14–13 halftime lead. Jameis Winston posted a game-high +13.37 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 25 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New Orleans Saints | 14 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7 | 6 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 31 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
NONew Orleans Saints(9:47) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
7-P.Murray kicks 71 yards from TB 35 to NO -6. 41-A.Kamara for 106 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(2:41) 41-A.Kamara up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(5:57) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 3-J.Winston scrambles up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
(2:48) (Field Goal formation) 3-W.Lutz 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(14:19) (Punt formation) 9-B.Anger punts 54 yards to NO 14, Center-65-G.Sanborn. 11-T.Lewis to NO 7 for -7 yards (26-J.Robinson). FUMBLES (26-J.Robinson), RECOVERED by TB-39-I.Johnson at NO 7. 39-I.Johnson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(7:13) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 42-Z.Line for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(4:35) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(:15) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 12-C.Godwin for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-J.Winston pass to 13-M.Evans is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
TBTampa Bay BuccaneersFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 9:47TD PBP. BarberPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 1
- Score
- 0-6
(9:47) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 9:42XP PMP. MurrayPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 0-7
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 9:42TD Alvin KamaraPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 35
- Score
- 6-7
7-P.Murray kicks 71 yards from TB 35 to NO -6. 41-A.Kamara for 106 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 9:29XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 7-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 2:41TD Alvin KamaraPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 7
- Score
- 13-7
(2:41) 41-A.Kamara up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 2:36XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 14-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q2 5:57TD LaJohntay WesterPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 1
- Score
- 14-13
(5:57) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 3-J.Winston scrambles up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 2:48FG Wil LutzPoints+3
- Yard line
- TB 30
- Score
- 17-13
(2:48) (Field Goal formation) 3-W.Lutz 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 14:19TD Isaiah JohnsonPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 68
- Score
- 17-19
(14:19) (Punt formation) 9-B.Anger punts 54 yards to NO 14, Center-65-G.Sanborn. 11-T.Lewis to NO 7 for -7 yards (26-J.Robinson). FUMBLES (26-J.Robinson), RECOVERED by TB-39-I.Johnson at NO 7. 39-I.Johnson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 14:04XP PMP. MurrayPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 17-20
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 7:13TD ZLZ. LinePoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 3
- Score
- 23-20
(7:13) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 42-Z.Line for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 7:07XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 24-20
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 4:35FG PMP. MurrayPoints+3
- Yard line
- NO 24
- Score
- 24-23
(4:35) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 0:15TD Chris GodwinPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 39
- Score
- 24-29
(:15) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 12-C.Godwin for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 0:09Safety Jameis WinstonPoints+2
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 24-31
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-J.Winston pass to 13-M.Evans is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Jameis Winston · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +13.37 total EPA · 59 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 2D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +8.96 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
- 3Chris Godwin · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +8.36 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
- 4Adam Humphries · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +7.59 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
- 5Michael Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.55 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
- 6Alvin Kamara · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.08 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.87 EPA/play
- 7C. Brate · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.97 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
- 8Alvin Kamara · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +1.61 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.16 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 (+13.37) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Across 59 counted snaps, they averaged +0.23 EPA per play.
Jameis Winston's top snap (+5.60 EPA): (:15) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 12-C.Godwin for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (+8.02 EPA): Bryan Anger — (14:19) (Punt formation) 9-B.Anger punts 54 yards to NO 14, Center-65-G.Sanborn. 11-T.Lewis to NO 7 for -7 yards (26-J.Robinson). FUMBLES (26-J.Robinson), RECOVERED by TB-39-I.Johnson at NO 7. 39-I.Jo
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) · 59 dropbacks · 47.5% completion · -2.7% CPOE · +0.23 EPA/play · +13.37 total EPA
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 32 dropbacks · 68.8% completion · +7.6% CPOE · +0.28 EPA/play · +8.96 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.185 | +0.183 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.0% | 51.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.280 | +0.227 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.089 | -0.138 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.183 | -0.185 |
| Defensive success rate | 49.0% | 52.0% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (New Orleans Saints +0.18, Tampa Bay Buccaneers +0.18) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- New Orleans Saints: +0.18 EPA/play (92nd percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +0.18 EPA/play (92nd percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: 10 drives, +13.90 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 drives, +17.91 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — P. Barber
- New Orleans Saints — Alvin Kamara
- New Orleans Saints — Alvin Kamara
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — LaJohntay Wester
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Isaiah Johnson
- New Orleans Saints — Z. Line (D. Brees pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Chris Godwin (Jameis Winston pass)
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — P. Murray
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 14–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q1 9:47) — (9:47) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 9:42) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 35 (Q1 9:42) — 7-P.Murray kicks 71 yards from TB 35 to NO -6. 41-A.Kamara for 106 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 9:29) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 7 (Q1 2:41) — (2:41) 41-A.Kamara up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 2:36) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 6–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 5:57) — (5:57) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 3-J.Winston scrambles up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN..
The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 3–0. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 30 (Q3 2:48) — (2:48) (Field Goal formation) 3-W.Lutz 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 18–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 68 (Q4 14:19); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q4 14:04) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 3 (Q4 7:13) — (7:13) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 42-Z.Line for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q4 7:07) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 24 (Q4 4:35) — (4:35) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 39 (Q4 0:15) — (:15) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 12-C.Godwin for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers registered a safety from the NO 2 (Q4 0:09) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-J.Winston pass to 13-M.Evans is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:15) — (:15) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 12-C.Godwin for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 14:19) — (14:19) (Punt formation) 9-B.Anger punts 54 yards to NO 14, Center-65-G.Sanborn. 11-T.Lewis to NO 7 for -7 yards (26-J.Robinson). FUMBLES (26-J.Robinson), RECOVERED by TB-39-I.Johnson at NO 7. 39-I.Jo
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 1:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short middle to 84-C.Brate to TB 17 for 12 yards (25-R.Bush).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 2:00) — (2:00) 3-J.Winston pass short left intended for 25-P.Barber INTERCEPTED by 52-C.Robertson at NO 42. 52-C.Robertson to NO 42 for no gain (25-P.Barber).
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 9:42) — 7-P.Murray kicks 71 yards from TB 35 to NO -6. 41-A.Kamara for 106 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 14:19) — (14:19) (Punt formation) 9-B.Anger punts 54 yards to NO 14, Center-65-G.Sanborn. 11-T.Lewis to NO 7 for -7 yards (26-J.Robinson). FUMBLES (26-J.Robinson), RECOVERED by TB-39-I.Johnson at NO 7. 39-I.Jo
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 9:42) — 7-P.Murray kicks 71 yards from TB 35 to NO -6. 41-A.Kamara for 106 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:15) — (:15) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 12-C.Godwin for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 6:09) — (6:09) 3-J.Winston pass short right intended for 13-M.Evans INTERCEPTED by 43-M.Williams at NO 35. 43-M.Williams to NO 35 for no gain (13-M.Evans).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 9:47 · NO 1 · Score 0-6
(9:47) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 25-P.Barber right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 9:42 · NO 15 · Score 0-7
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 9:42 · TB 35 · Score 6-7
7-P.Murray kicks 71 yards from TB 35 to NO -6. 41-A.Kamara for 106 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 9:29 · TB 15 · Score 7-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 2:41 · TB 7 · Score 13-7
(2:41) 41-A.Kamara up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 2:36 · TB 15 · Score 14-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 5:57 · NO 1 · Score 14-13
(5:57) 66-L.Wester reported in as eligible. 3-J.Winston scrambles up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q3 2:48 · TB 30 · Score 17-13
(2:48) (Field Goal formation) 3-W.Lutz 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 14:19 · NO 68 · Score 17-19
(14:19) (Punt formation) 9-B.Anger punts 54 yards to NO 14, Center-65-G.Sanborn. 11-T.Lewis to NO 7 for -7 yards (26-J.Robinson). FUMBLES (26-J.Robinson), RECOVERED by TB-39-I.Johnson at NO 7. 39-I.Jo - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 14:04 · NO 15 · Score 17-20
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 7:13 · TB 3 · Score 23-20
(7:13) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 42-Z.Line for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 7:07 · TB 15 · Score 24-20
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 4:35 · NO 24 · Score 24-23
(4:35) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-65-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 0:15 · NO 39 · Score 24-29
(:15) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 12-C.Godwin for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Safety (+2) — Q4 0:09 · NO 2 · Score 24-31
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-J.Winston pass to 13-M.Evans is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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.
- D. Brees (NO) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 2017-12-31?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints 31-24 in Week 17, 2017.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: New Orleans Saints 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q2: New Orleans Saints 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6; Q3: New Orleans Saints 3, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q4: New Orleans Saints 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 18; Final: New Orleans Saints 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — P. Barber (Q1 9:47) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (Q1 9:42) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (Q1 2:41) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — L. Wester (Q2 5:57) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — I. Johnson (Q4 14:19) New Orleans Saints touchdown — Z. Line (D. Brees pass) (Q4 7:13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Godwin (J. Winston pass) (Q4 0:15) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q3 2:48, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — P. Murray (Q4 4:35, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 47.5% completion, -2.7% CPOE, +0.23 EPA per dropback, +13.37 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 68.8% completion, +7.6% CPOE, +0.28 EPA per dropback, +8.96 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +13.37 total EPA on Passing plays. across 59 snaps. Their top snap (+5.60 EPA): (:15) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 12-C.Godwin for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 31-24 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 11-4 Now 11-5 L
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 4-11 Now 5-11 W
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