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NFL · Week 2 · September 16, 2018 · 12 min read

Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons: 2018 Week 2 Recap

Falcons defeat Panthers 31–24 in Week 2

Matt Ryan led Fantasy Impact as Falcons prevailed in a 24–31 Week 2 finish.

Carolina Panthers 24 1–1
Final 24–31
Atlanta Falcons 31 1–1 Winner
Winner
Atlanta Falcons
Final score
24–31
Halftime
Carolina Panthers 10–17 Atlanta Falcons
Top passer
C. Newton
FantasyHQ MVP
Matt Ryan
Game date
September 16, 2018

Top fantasy performers · Panthers

  • C.Newton 32/52 · 346 YDS · 3 TD +6.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Jacardia Wright
    Jacardia Wright 5 REC · 62 YDS · 1 TD +5.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Christian McCaffrey
    Christian McCaffrey 14 REC · 102 YDS +3.4 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

  • Matt Ryan
    Matt Ryan 23/33 · 289 YDS · 3 TD +19.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Calvin Ridley
    Calvin Ridley 4 REC · 64 YDS · 1 TD +7.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Austin Hooper
    Austin Hooper 5 REC · 59 YDS · 1 TD +5.1 Fantasy Impact
View Panthers vs Falcons box score View all 2018 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Atlanta Falcons
Final score
Atlanta Falcons 31–24 Carolina Panthers
Halftime
Carolina Panthers 10–17 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Matt Ryan
Top passer
C. Newton
Biggest EPA play
(6:26) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle intended for 20-C.Anderson INTERCEPTED by 37…
Game date
2018-09-16

Game summary

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers 31–24 on 2018-09-16. Matt Ryan posted a game-high +19.32 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Carolina Panthers37014024
Atlanta Falcons31477031

Scoring Map

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

CARCarolina Panthers
ATLAtlanta Falcons

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

16 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q1 11:40FG
    Graham Gano

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ATL 36
    Score
    3-0

    (11:40) 9-G.Gano 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.

  2. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q1 5:46FG
    Myles Bryant

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CAR 26
    Score
    3-3

    (5:46) 3-M.Bryant 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.

  3. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 8:50TD
    Jacardia Wright

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ATL 5
    Score
    9-3

    (8:50) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 13-J.Wright for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 8:42XP
    Graham Gano

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ATL 15
    Score
    10-3

    9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.

  5. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 4:08TD
    Calvin Ridley

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 11
    Score
    10-9

    (4:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 18-C.Ridley for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 4:03XP
    Myles Bryant

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 15
    Score
    10-10

    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.

  7. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 0:28TD
    Austin Hooper

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 8
    Score
    10-16

    (:28) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 81-A.Hooper for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 0:22XP
    Myles Bryant

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 15
    Score
    10-17

    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.

  9. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q3 9:44TD
    Matt Ryan

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 1
    Score
    10-23

    (9:44) 2-M.Ryan right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q3 9:23XP
    Myles Bryant

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 15
    Score
    10-24

    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.

  11. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 11:27TD
    Tyron Smith

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ATL 3
    Score
    16-24

    (11:27) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 11-T.Smith for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 11:23XP
    Graham Gano

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ATL 15
    Score
    17-24

    9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.

  13. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q4 7:27TD
    Matt Ryan

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 8
    Score
    17-30

    (7:27) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  14. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q4 7:17XP
    Myles Bryant

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 15
    Score
    17-31

    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.

  15. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 2:30TD
    David Moore

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ATL 51
    Score
    23-31

    (2:30) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep middle to 12-D.Moore for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  16. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 2:20XP
    Graham Gano

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ATL 15
    Score
    24-31

    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).

  1. 1Matt RyanMatt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +19.32 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
  2. 2Calvin RidleyCalvin Ridley · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +7.42 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.48 EPA/play
  3. 3C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +6.77 total EPA · 52 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
  4. 4Jacardia WrightJacardia Wright · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +5.27 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
  5. 5Austin HooperAustin Hooper · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.13 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
  6. 6Christian McCaffreyChristian McCaffrey · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.42 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
  7. 7David MooreDavid Moore · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.66 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.33 EPA/play
  8. 8D. Funchess · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.65 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Matt Ryan

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Matt Ryan — ATL · Passing

Matt Ryan posted the highest total EPA (+19.32) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 33 counted snaps, they averaged +0.59 EPA per play.

Matt Ryan's top snap (+3.16 EPA): (12:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 18-C.Ridley ran ob at CAR 38 for 22 yards (28-R.Gaulden).

Biggest single play (-7.25 EPA): C. Newton — (6:26) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle intended for 20-C.Anderson INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Allen at ATL 19. 37-R.Allen to ATL 47 for 28 yards (13-J.Wright).

Quarterback report card

C. Newton led all passers in efficiency for Carolina Panthers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 52 dropbacks · 61.5% completion · +1.5% CPOE · +0.13 EPA/play · +6.77 total EPA
  • Matt RyanMatt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 33 dropbacks · 69.7% completion · +15.2% CPOE · +0.59 EPA/play · +19.32 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatCarolina PanthersAtlanta Falcons
Offensive EPA/play+0.105+0.189
Offensive success rate47.1%55.8%
Pass EPA/play+0.130+0.585
Rush EPA/play+0.145-0.124
Defensive EPA/play-0.189-0.105
Defensive success rate44.2%52.9%

Drive & efficiency notes

Atlanta Falcons held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.19 vs +0.10), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Carolina Panthers: +0.10 EPA/play (77th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Atlanta Falcons: +0.19 EPA/play (91st percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, +14.53 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, +9.13 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Jacardia WrightCarolina Panthers — Jacardia Wright (C. Newton pass) (Q2 8:50)
  • Calvin RidleyAtlanta Falcons — Calvin Ridley (Matt Ryan pass) (Q2 4:08)
  • Austin HooperAtlanta Falcons — Austin Hooper (Matt Ryan pass) (Q2 0:28)
  • Matt RyanAtlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan (Q3 9:44)
  • Tyron SmithCarolina Panthers — Tyron Smith (C. Newton pass) (Q4 11:27)
  • Matt RyanAtlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan (Q4 7:27)
  • David MooreCarolina Panthers — David Moore (C. Newton pass) (Q4 2:30)

Field goals

  • Graham GanoCarolina Panthers — Graham Gano (Q1 11:40)
  • Myles BryantAtlanta Falcons — Myles Bryant (Q1 5:46)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the ATL 36 (Q1 11:40) — (11:40) 9-G.Gano 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CAR 26 (Q1 5:46) — (5:46) 3-M.Bryant 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ATL 5 (Q2 8:50) — (8:50) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 13-J.Wright for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 8:42) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 11 (Q2 4:08) — (4:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 18-C.Ridley for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 4:03) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 8 (Q2 0:28) — (:28) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 81-A.Hooper for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 0:22) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..

The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 1 (Q3 9:44) — (9:44) 2-M.Ryan right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q3 9:23) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..

The fourth quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 14–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ATL 3 (Q4 11:27) — (11:27) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 11-T.Smith for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 11:23) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 8 (Q4 7:27) — (7:27) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q4 7:17) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ATL 51 (Q4 2:30) — (2:30) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep middle to 12-D.Moore for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 2:20) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Atlanta Falcons (Q2 4:08) — (4:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 18-C.Ridley for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +12.6% · EPA +3.16]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q2 12:22) — (12:22) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton scrambles left end to ATL 23 for 10 yards (27-D.Kazee). Penalty on ATL-27-D.Kazee, Disqualification, offsetting. Penalty on CAR-11-T.Smith, Unnecessary Roughness, offsetti [WPA +12.4% · EPA +2.99]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 0:04) — (:04) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass incomplete deep left to 12-D.Moore (23-R.Alford) [97-G.Jarrett]. [WPA -10.6% · EPA -1.92]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q1 8:20) — (8:20) 26-T.Coleman right end pushed ob at CAR 31 for 27 yards (26-D.Jackson). [WPA +9.1% · EPA +2.05]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q2 7:13) — (7:13) 26-T.Coleman right tackle to CAR 24 for 36 yards (26-D.Jackson). FUMBLES (26-D.Jackson), ball out of bounds at CAR 24. [WPA +7.7% · EPA +2.74]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 6:26) — (6:26) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle intended for 20-C.Anderson INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Allen at ATL 19. 37-R.Allen to ATL 47 for 28 yards (13-J.Wright). [WPA -6.8% · EPA -7.25]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 2:30) — (2:30) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep middle to 12-D.Moore for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +4.3% · EPA +4.58]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q3 12:01) — (12:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 18-C.Ridley ran ob at CAR 38 for 22 yards (28-R.Gaulden). [WPA +5.7% · EPA +3.16]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q2 4:08) — (4:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 18-C.Ridley for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +12.6% · EPA +3.16]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q1 11:40 · ATL 36 · Score 3-0
    (11:40) 9-G.Gano 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  2. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 5:46 · CAR 26 · Score 3-3
    (5:46) 3-M.Bryant 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
  3. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 8:50 · ATL 5 · Score 9-3
    (8:50) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 13-J.Wright for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 8:42 · ATL 15 · Score 10-3
    9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  5. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 4:08 · CAR 11 · Score 10-9
    (4:08) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 18-C.Ridley for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 4:03 · CAR 15 · Score 10-10
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
  7. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 0:28 · CAR 8 · Score 10-16
    (:28) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 81-A.Hooper for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 0:22 · CAR 15 · Score 10-17
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
  9. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 9:44 · CAR 1 · Score 10-23
    (9:44) 2-M.Ryan right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 9:23 · CAR 15 · Score 10-24
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
  11. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 11:27 · ATL 3 · Score 16-24
    (11:27) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 11-T.Smith for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 11:23 · ATL 15 · Score 17-24
    9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  13. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 7:27 · CAR 8 · Score 17-30
    (7:27) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 7:17 · CAR 15 · Score 17-31
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
  15. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 2:30 · ATL 51 · Score 23-31
    (2:30) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep middle to 12-D.Moore for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  16. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 2:20 · ATL 15 · Score 24-31
    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.

  • 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.
  • Matt Ryan (ATL) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons on 2018-09-16?

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers 31-24 in Week 2, 2018.

What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?

Q1: Carolina Panthers 3, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q2: Carolina Panthers 7, Atlanta Falcons 14; Q3: Carolina Panthers 0, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: Carolina Panthers 14, Atlanta Falcons 7; Final: Carolina Panthers 24, Atlanta Falcons 31.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?

Carolina Panthers touchdown — J. Wright (C. Newton pass) (Q2 8:50) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Ridley (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 4:08) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — A. Hooper (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 0:28) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Ryan (Q3 9:44) Carolina Panthers touchdown — T. Smith (C. Newton pass) (Q4 11:27) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Ryan (Q4 7:27) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Moore (C. Newton pass) (Q4 2:30) Carolina Panthers field goal — G. Gano (Q1 11:40, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q1 5:46, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?

C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 61.5% completion, +1.5% CPOE, +0.13 EPA per dropback, +6.77 total passing EPA. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 69.7% completion, +15.2% CPOE, +0.59 EPA per dropback, +19.32 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?

Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +19.32 total EPA on Passing plays. across 33 snaps. Their top snap (+3.16 EPA): (12:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 18-C.Ridley ran ob at CAR 38 for 22 yards (28-R.Gaulden)..

Was Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?

Yes — the margin was 7 points. Atlanta Falcons won 31-24 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Carolina Panthers

Entered 1-0 Now 1-1 L

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 0-1 Now 1-1 W

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