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NFL · Week 5 · October 7, 2018 · 12 min read

Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 2018 Week 5 Recap

Vikings defeat Eagles 23–21 in Week 5

Kirk Cousins led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 23–21 Week 5 finish.

Minnesota Vikings 23 2–2 Winner
Final 23–21
Philadelphia Eagles 21 2–3
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
23–21
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 17–3 Philadelphia Eagles
Top passer
Carson Wentz
FantasyHQ MVP
Kirk Cousins
Game date
October 7, 2018

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Kirk Cousins
    Kirk Cousins 30/40 · 301 YDS · 1 TD +11.2 Fantasy Impact
  • Adam Thielen
    Adam Thielen 7 REC · 116 YDS · 1 TD +5.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Stefon Diggs
    Stefon Diggs 10 REC · 91 YDS +4.8 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Eagles

  • Zach Ertz
    Zach Ertz 10 REC · 110 YDS · 1 TD +8.1 Fantasy Impact
  • W.Smallwood 3 REC · 44 YDS · 1 TD +3.3 Fantasy Impact
  • S.Gibson 1 REC · 48 YDS +3.1 Fantasy Impact
View Vikings vs Eagles box score View all 2018 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
Minnesota Vikings 23–21 Philadelphia Eagles
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 17–3 Philadelphia Eagles at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Kirk Cousins
Top passer
Carson Wentz
Biggest EPA play
(4:24) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz sacked at MIN 39 for -8 yards (91-S.Weatherly). FUMBLES (91-S.…
Game date
2018-10-07

Game summary

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23–21 on 2018-10-07. Kirk Cousins posted a game-high +11.24 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 18 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Minnesota Vikings31433023
Philadelphia Eagles03315021

Scoring Map

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

MINMinnesota Vikings
PHIPhiladelphia Eagles

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 5:06FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PHI 19
    Score
    3-0

    (5:06) 5-D.Bailey 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  2. PHIPhiladelphia Eagles
    Q2 12:27FG
    Jordan Elliott

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 12
    Score
    3-3

    (12:27) 4-J.Elliott 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston.

  3. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 4:24TD
    Linval Joseph

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 31
    Score
    9-3

    (4:24) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz sacked at MIN 39 for -8 yards (91-S.Weatherly). FUMBLES (91-S.Weatherly) [91-S.Weatherly], RECOVERED by MIN-98-L.Joseph at MIN 36. 98-L.Joseph for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 4:12XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PHI 15
    Score
    10-3

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

  5. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 0:27TD
    Adam Thielen

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PHI 3
    Score
    16-3

    (:27) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN [77-M.Bennett]. Penalty on PHI-21-R.Darby, Defensive Holding, declined.

  6. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 0:21XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PHI 15
    Score
    17-3

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

  7. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 7:35FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PHI 4
    Score
    20-3

    (7:35) 5-D.Bailey 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  8. PHIPhiladelphia Eagles
    Q3 3:00FG
    Jordan Elliott

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 10
    Score
    20-6

    (3:00) 4-J.Elliott 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston.

  9. PHIPhiladelphia Eagles
    Q4 12:09TD
    WSW. Smallwood

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 12
    Score
    20-12

    (12:09) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz pass short right to 28-W.Smallwood for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. PHIPhiladelphia Eagles
    Q4 12:05Safety
    WSW. Smallwood

    Points+2

    Yard line
    MIN 2
    Score
    20-14

    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 28-W.Smallwood rushes right end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

  11. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 2:51FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PHI 34
    Score
    23-14

    (2:51) 5-D.Bailey 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  12. PHIPhiladelphia Eagles
    Q4 1:15TD
    Zach Ertz

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 7
    Score
    23-20

    (1:15) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz pass short left to 86-Z.Ertz for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. PHIPhiladelphia Eagles
    Q4 1:09XP
    Jordan Elliott

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    23-21

    4-J.Elliott extra point is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +11.24 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
  2. 2Zach ErtzZach Ertz · Philadelphia Eagles · Receiving · +8.05 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
  3. 3Adam ThielenAdam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.92 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
  4. 4Stefon DiggsStefon Diggs · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.77 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
  5. 5W. Smallwood · Philadelphia Eagles · Receiving · +3.30 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
  6. 6S. Gibson · Philadelphia Eagles · Receiving · +3.06 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.06 EPA/play
  7. 7Nelson AgholorNelson Agholor · Philadelphia Eagles · Receiving · +2.85 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
  8. 8W. Smallwood · Philadelphia Eagles · Rushing · +2.76 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

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

Kirk Cousins

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Kirk Cousins — MIN · Passing

Kirk Cousins posted the highest total EPA (+11.24) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 40 counted snaps, they averaged +0.28 EPA per play.

Kirk Cousins's top snap (-5.18 EPA): (10:14) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 35, RECOVERED by PHI-53-N.Bradham at MIN 30. 53-N.Bradham to MIN 30 for no gain (32-R.Thomas).

Biggest single play (-10.69 EPA): Carson Wentz — (4:24) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz sacked at MIN 39 for -8 yards (91-S.Weatherly). FUMBLES (91-S.Weatherly) [91-S.Weatherly], RECOVERED by MIN-98-L.Joseph at MIN 36. 98-L.Joseph for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Carson Wentz led all passers in efficiency for Philadelphia Eagles, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Carson WentzCarson Wentz (Philadelphia Eagles) · 42 dropbacks · 57.1% completion · +10.8% CPOE · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.96 total EPA
  • Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 40 dropbacks · 75.0% completion · +15.9% CPOE · +0.28 EPA/play · +11.24 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMinnesota VikingsPhiladelphia Eagles
Offensive EPA/play-0.021-0.087
Offensive success rate50.0%47.4%
Pass EPA/play+0.281+0.023
Rush EPA/play-0.307-0.360
Defensive EPA/play+0.087+0.021
Defensive success rate52.6%50.0%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.02 vs -0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Minnesota Vikings: -0.02 EPA/play (45th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Philadelphia Eagles: -0.09 EPA/play (31st percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, -1.67 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • Philadelphia Eagles: 11 drives, -6.77 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Linval JosephMinnesota Vikings — Linval Joseph (Q2 4:24)
  • Adam ThielenMinnesota Vikings — Adam Thielen (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q2 0:27)
  • Philadelphia Eagles — W. Smallwood (Carson Wentz pass) (Q4 12:09)
  • Zach ErtzPhiladelphia Eagles — Zach Ertz (Carson Wentz pass) (Q4 1:15)

Field goals

  • Dominic BaileyMinnesota Vikings — Dominic Bailey (Q1 5:06)
  • Jordan ElliottPhiladelphia Eagles — Jordan Elliott (Q2 12:27)
  • Dominic BaileyMinnesota Vikings — Dominic Bailey (Q3 7:35)
  • Jordan ElliottPhiladelphia Eagles — Jordan Elliott (Q3 3:00)
  • Dominic BaileyMinnesota Vikings — Dominic Bailey (Q4 2:51)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 3–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the PHI 19 (Q1 5:06) — (5:06) 5-D.Bailey 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–3. Philadelphia Eagles connected on a field goal from the MIN 12 (Q2 12:27) — (12:27) 4-J.Elliott 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 31 (Q2 4:24); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the PHI 15 (Q2 4:12) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the PHI 3 (Q2 0:27); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the PHI 15 (Q2 0:21) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the PHI 4 (Q3 7:35) — (7:35) 5-D.Bailey 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Philadelphia Eagles connected on a field goal from the MIN 10 (Q3 3:00) — (3:00) 4-J.Elliott 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston..

The fourth quarter: Philadelphia Eagles won the period 15–3. Philadelphia Eagles found the end zone from the MIN 12 (Q4 12:09) — (12:09) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz pass short right to 28-W.Smallwood for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Philadelphia Eagles registered a safety from the MIN 2 (Q4 12:05) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 28-W.Smallwood rushes right end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the PHI 34 (Q4 2:51) — (2:51) 5-D.Bailey 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Philadelphia Eagles found the end zone from the MIN 7 (Q4 1:15) — (1:15) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz pass short left to 86-Z.Ertz for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Philadelphia Eagles added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 1:09) — 4-J.Elliott extra point is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Philadelphia Eagles (Q2 4:24) — (4:24) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz sacked at MIN 39 for -8 yards (91-S.Weatherly). FUMBLES (91-S.Weatherly) [91-S.Weatherly], RECOVERED by MIN-98-L.Joseph at MIN 36. 98-L.Joseph for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -33.0% · EPA -10.69]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 10:14) — (10:14) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 35, RECOVERED by PHI-53-N.Bradham at MIN 30. 53-N.Bradham to MIN 30 for no gain (32-R.Thomas). [WPA -14.2% · EPA -5.18]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 8:43) — (8:43) 5-D.Bailey 28 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Left Upright, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile. [WPA -13.3% · EPA -3.82]
  • Philadelphia Eagles (Q3 9:41) — (9:41) (Shotgun) 26-J.Ajayi right tackle to MIN 5 for 1 yard. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by MIN-54-E.Kendricks at MIN 5. 54-E.Kendricks to MIN 5 for no gain (26-J.Ajayi). [WPA -12.1% · EPA -5.45]
  • Philadelphia Eagles (Q2 14:35) — (14:35) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz pass deep left to 18-S.Gibson to MIN 19 for 48 yards (21-M.Hughes). [WPA +10.4% · EPA +3.06]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Philadelphia Eagles (Q2 4:24) — (4:24) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz sacked at MIN 39 for -8 yards (91-S.Weatherly). FUMBLES (91-S.Weatherly) [91-S.Weatherly], RECOVERED by MIN-98-L.Joseph at MIN 36. 98-L.Joseph for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -33.0% · EPA -10.69]
  • Philadelphia Eagles (Q3 9:41) — (9:41) (Shotgun) 26-J.Ajayi right tackle to MIN 5 for 1 yard. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by MIN-54-E.Kendricks at MIN 5. 54-E.Kendricks to MIN 5 for no gain (26-J.Ajayi). [WPA -12.1% · EPA -5.45]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 10:14) — (10:14) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 35, RECOVERED by PHI-53-N.Bradham at MIN 30. 53-N.Bradham to MIN 30 for no gain (32-R.Thomas). [WPA -14.2% · EPA -5.18]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 9:33) — (9:33) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen to PHI 27 for 68 yards (31-J.Mills) [91-F.Cox]. [WPA +3.1% · EPA +4.31]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q1 5:06 · PHI 19 · Score 3-0
    (5:06) 5-D.Bailey 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  2. Philadelphia Eagles FG (+3) — Q2 12:27 · MIN 12 · Score 3-3
    (12:27) 4-J.Elliott 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston.
  3. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 4:24 · MIN 31 · Score 9-3
    (4:24) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz sacked at MIN 39 for -8 yards (91-S.Weatherly). FUMBLES (91-S.Weatherly) [91-S.Weatherly], RECOVERED by MIN-98-L.Joseph at MIN 36. 98-L.Joseph for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 4:12 · PHI 15 · Score 10-3
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  5. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 0:27 · PHI 3 · Score 16-3
    (:27) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN [77-M.Bennett]. Penalty on PHI-21-R.Darby, Defensive Holding, declined.
  6. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 0:21 · PHI 15 · Score 17-3
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  7. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 7:35 · PHI 4 · Score 20-3
    (7:35) 5-D.Bailey 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  8. Philadelphia Eagles FG (+3) — Q3 3:00 · MIN 10 · Score 20-6
    (3:00) 4-J.Elliott 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston.
  9. Philadelphia Eagles TD (+6) — Q4 12:09 · MIN 12 · Score 20-12
    (12:09) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz pass short right to 28-W.Smallwood for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Philadelphia Eagles Safety (+2) — Q4 12:05 · MIN 2 · Score 20-14
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 28-W.Smallwood rushes right end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  11. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 2:51 · PHI 34 · Score 23-14
    (2:51) 5-D.Bailey 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  12. Philadelphia Eagles TD (+6) — Q4 1:15 · MIN 7 · Score 23-20
    (1:15) (Shotgun) 11-C.Wentz pass short left to 86-Z.Ertz for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Philadelphia Eagles XP (+1) — Q4 1:09 · MIN 15 · Score 23-21
    4-J.Elliott extra point is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston.

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.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Carson Wentz (PHI) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles on 2018-10-07?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23-21 in Week 5, 2018.

What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles?

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 3, Philadelphia Eagles 0; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 14, Philadelphia Eagles 3; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 3, Philadelphia Eagles 3; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 3, Philadelphia Eagles 15; Final: Minnesota Vikings 23, Philadelphia Eagles 21.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — L. Joseph (Q2 4:24) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 0:27) Philadelphia Eagles touchdown — W. Smallwood (C. Wentz pass) (Q4 12:09) Philadelphia Eagles touchdown — Z. Ertz (C. Wentz pass) (Q4 1:15) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q1 5:06, 3 pts) Philadelphia Eagles field goal — J. Elliott (Q2 12:27, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q3 7:35, 3 pts) Philadelphia Eagles field goal — J. Elliott (Q3 3:00, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q4 2:51, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles?

Carson Wentz (Philadelphia Eagles), 57.1% completion, +10.8% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.96 total passing EPA. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 75.0% completion, +15.9% CPOE, +0.28 EPA per dropback, +11.24 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles?

Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +11.24 total EPA on Passing plays. across 40 snaps. Their top snap (-5.18 EPA): (10:14) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 35, RECOVERED by PHI-53-N.Bradham at MIN 30. 53-N.Bradham to MIN 30 for no gain (32-R.Thomas)..

Was Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles a close game?

Yes — the margin was 2 points. Minnesota Vikings won 23-21 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 1-2 Now 2-2 W

Philadelphia Eagles

Entered 2-2 Now 2-3 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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