FantasyHQ+

FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 16 · December 23, 2018 · 12 min read

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions: 2018 Week 16 Recap

Vikings defeat Lions 27–9 in Week 16

K.Rudolph led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 27–9 Week 16 finish.

Minnesota Vikings 27 8–6 Winner
Final 27–9
Detroit Lions 9 5–10
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
27–9
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 14–9 Detroit Lions
Top passer
Matthew Stafford
FantasyHQ MVP
K.Rudolph
Game date
December 23, 2018

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • K.Rudolph 9 REC · 122 YDS · 2 TD +11.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Kirk Cousins
    Kirk Cousins 21/31 · 240 YDS · 4 TD +9.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Adam Thielen
    Adam Thielen 5 REC · 80 YDS +3.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Lions

  • L.Toilolo 1 REC · 16 YDS +1.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Truman Jones
    Truman Jones 6 REC · 42 YDS +0.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Z.Zenner 2 REC · 22 YDS +0.4 Fantasy Impact
View Vikings vs Lions box score View all 2018 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
Minnesota Vikings 27–9 Detroit Lions
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 14–9 Detroit Lions at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
K. Rudolph
Top passer
Matthew Stafford
Biggest EPA play
(:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date
2018-12-23

Game summary

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 27–9 on 2018-12-23. K. Rudolph posted a game-high +11.56 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 Vikings014310027
Detroit Lions360009

Scoring Map

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

MINMinnesota Vikings
DETDetroit Lions

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

11 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. DETDetroit Lions
    Q1 7:35FG
    Matt Prater

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 29
    Score
    0-3

    (7:35) 5-M.Prater 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.

  2. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 10:43FG
    Matt Prater

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 17
    Score
    0-6

    (10:43) 5-M.Prater 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.

  3. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 4:10FG
    Matt Prater

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 30
    Score
    0-9

    (4:10) 5-M.Prater 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 1:35TD
    Stefon Diggs

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 8
    Score
    6-9

    (1:35) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 1:32XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 15
    Score
    7-9

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  6. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 0:02TD
    KRK. Rudolph

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 44
    Score
    13-9

    (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 0:00XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 15
    Score
    14-9

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  8. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 8:57FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DET 6
    Score
    17-9

    (8:57) 5-D.Bailey 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  9. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 13:31TD
    KRK. Rudolph

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 4
    Score
    23-9

    (13:31) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 13:25XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 15
    Score
    24-9

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  11. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 4:19FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DET 11
    Score
    27-9

    (4:19) 5-D.Bailey 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +11.56 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.28 EPA/play
  2. 2Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +9.06 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
  3. 3Adam ThielenAdam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.87 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
  4. 4Dylan CookDylan Cook · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.04 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
  5. 5L. Toilolo · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +0.96 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
  6. 6Truman JonesTruman Jones · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +0.64 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
  7. 7Z. Zenner · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +0.43 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
  8. 8Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · -0.06 total EPA · 1 snaps · -0.06 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

K. Rudolph — MIN · Receiving

K. Rudolph posted the highest total EPA (+11.56) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +1.28 EPA per play.

K. Rudolph's top snap (+6.17 EPA): (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Matthew Stafford led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Matthew StaffordMatthew Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 37 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · -13.8% CPOE · -0.25 EPA/play · -9.20 total EPA
  • Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 31 dropbacks · 67.7% completion · +8.0% CPOE · +0.29 EPA/play · +9.06 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMinnesota VikingsDetroit Lions
Offensive EPA/play-0.045-0.271
Offensive success rate37.5%33.0%
Pass EPA/play+0.292-0.281
Rush EPA/play-0.347-0.445
Defensive EPA/play+0.271+0.045
Defensive success rate67.0%62.5%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.04 vs -0.27), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Minnesota Vikings: -0.04 EPA/play (40th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Detroit Lions: -0.27 EPA/play (7th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Detroit Lions: 12 drives, -24.67 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, -3.58 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Stefon DiggsMinnesota Vikings — Stefon Diggs (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q2 1:35)
  • Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q2 0:02)
  • Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q4 13:31)

Field goals

  • Matt PraterDetroit Lions — Matt Prater (Q1 7:35)
  • Matt PraterDetroit Lions — Matt Prater (Q2 10:43)
  • Matt PraterDetroit Lions — Matt Prater (Q2 4:10)
  • Dominic BaileyMinnesota Vikings — Dominic Bailey (Q3 8:57)
  • Dominic BaileyMinnesota Vikings — Dominic Bailey (Q4 4:19)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 3–0. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 29 (Q1 7:35) — (7:35) 5-M.Prater 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin..

The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–6. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 17 (Q2 10:43) — (10:43) 5-M.Prater 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 30 (Q2 4:10) — (4:10) 5-M.Prater 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 8 (Q2 1:35) — (1:35) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 1:32) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 44 (Q2 0:02) — (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 0:00) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 3–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DET 6 (Q3 8:57) — (8:57) 5-D.Bailey 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 4 (Q4 13:31) — (13:31) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q4 13:25) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DET 11 (Q4 4:19) — (4:19) 5-D.Bailey 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 0:02) — (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.3% · EPA +6.17]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 1:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen to DET 9 for 40 yards (23-D.Slay). DET-23-D.Slay was injured during the play. [WPA +10.8% · EPA +3.93]
  • Detroit Lions (Q1 13:49) — (13:49) 34-Z.Zenner up the middle pushed ob at MIN 37 for 29 yards (22-H.Smith). [WPA +7.6% · EPA +2.02]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 1:35) — (1:35) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.5% · EPA +2.36]
  • Detroit Lions (Q1 12:21) — (12:21) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 25-T.Riddick to MIN 44 for -4 yards (50-E.Wilson). [WPA -7.0% · EPA -1.65]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 0:02) — (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.3% · EPA +6.17]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 2:08) — (2:08) 25-L.Murray left end to DET 21 for -6 yards (32-T.Wilson). [WPA -0.0% · EPA -4.48]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 1:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen to DET 9 for 40 yards (23-D.Slay). DET-23-D.Slay was injured during the play. [WPA +10.8% · EPA +3.93]
  • Detroit Lions (Q4 6:35) — (6:35) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford sacked at DET 10 for -8 yards (50-E.Wilson). [WPA -1.5% · EPA -3.53]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 7:35 · MIN 29 · Score 0-3
    (7:35) 5-M.Prater 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
  2. Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 10:43 · MIN 17 · Score 0-6
    (10:43) 5-M.Prater 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
  3. Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 4:10 · MIN 30 · Score 0-9
    (4:10) 5-M.Prater 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-S.Martin.
  4. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 1:35 · DET 8 · Score 6-9
    (1:35) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 1:32 · DET 15 · Score 7-9
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  6. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 0:02 · DET 44 · Score 13-9
    (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 0:00 · DET 15 · Score 14-9
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  8. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 8:57 · DET 6 · Score 17-9
    (8:57) 5-D.Bailey 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  9. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 13:31 · DET 4 · Score 23-9
    (13:31) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 13:25 · DET 15 · Score 24-9
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  11. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 4:19 · DET 11 · Score 27-9
    (4:19) 5-D.Bailey 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

Key takeaways

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

  • Minnesota Vikings earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • K. Rudolph (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Matthew Stafford (DET) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
  • Kirk Cousins (MIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions on 2018-12-23?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 27-9 in Week 16, 2018.

What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 0, Detroit Lions 3; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 14, Detroit Lions 6; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 3, Detroit Lions 0; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 10, Detroit Lions 0; Final: Minnesota Vikings 27, Detroit Lions 9.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — S. Diggs (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 1:35) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 0:02) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 13:31) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q1 7:35, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q2 10:43, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Prater (Q2 4:10, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q3 8:57, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q4 4:19, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?

Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions), 48.6% completion, -13.8% CPOE, -0.25 EPA per dropback, -9.20 total passing EPA. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 67.7% completion, +8.0% CPOE, +0.29 EPA per dropback, +9.06 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions?

K. Rudolph (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +11.56 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 9 snaps. Their top snap (+6.17 EPA): (:02) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 82-K.Rudolph for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 7-6 Now 8-6 W

Detroit Lions

Entered 5-9 Now 5-10 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

More 2018 game recaps

Week 16 · Dec 24, 2018

Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 23, 2018

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 23, 2018

Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 23, 2018

New York Giants vs Indianapolis Colts

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 23, 2018

Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 23, 2018

Kansas City Chiefs vs Seattle Seahawks

Read full recap →