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NFL · Week 8 · October 28, 2018 · 12 min read

New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2018 Week 8 Recap

Saints defeat Vikings 30–20 in Week 8

Trysten Hill led Fantasy Impact as Saints prevailed in a 30–20 Week 8 finish.

New Orleans Saints 30 6–1 Winner
Final 30–20
Minnesota Vikings 20 4–3
Winner
New Orleans Saints
Final score
30–20
Halftime
New Orleans Saints 17–13 Minnesota Vikings
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
FantasyHQ MVP
Trysten Hill
Game date
October 28, 2018

Top fantasy performers · Saints

  • Trysten Hill
    Trysten Hill 1/1 · 44 YDS +3.2 Fantasy Impact
  • Michael Thomas
    Michael Thomas 5 REC · 81 YDS +2.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Tyron Smith
    Tyron Smith 3 REC · 18 YDS +1.7 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Adam Thielen
    Adam Thielen 7 REC · 103 YDS · 1 TD +1.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Alton Robinson
    Alton Robinson 1 REC · 19 YDS +1.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Stefon Diggs
    Stefon Diggs 10 REC · 119 YDS · 2 TD +0.6 Fantasy Impact
View Saints vs Vikings box score View all 2018 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
New Orleans Saints
Final score
New Orleans Saints 30–20 Minnesota Vikings
Halftime
New Orleans Saints 17–13 Minnesota Vikings at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Trysten Hill
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
Biggest EPA play
(6:08) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 26-P…
Game date
2018-10-28

Game summary

The New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 30–20 on 2018-10-28. Trysten Hill posted a game-high +3.20 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 16 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
New Orleans Saints710103030
Minnesota Vikings7607020

Scoring Map

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

NONew Orleans Saints
MINMinnesota Vikings

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

14 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q1 10:38TD
    Alvin Kamara

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 3
    Score
    6-0

    (10:38) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 41-A.Kamara for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q1 10:33XP
    Wil Lutz

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    7-0

    3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.

  3. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 3:21TD
    Stefon Diggs

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NO 1
    Score
    7-6

    (3:21) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 3:16XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NO 15
    Score
    7-7

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

  5. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 12:01TD
    Latavius Murray

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NO 1
    Score
    7-13

    (12:01) 25-L.Murray up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q2 7:32FG
    Wil Lutz

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 34
    Score
    10-13

    (7:32) 3-W.Lutz 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.

  7. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q2 0:33TD
    Alvin Kamara

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 1
    Score
    16-13

    (:33) (No Huddle) 41-A.Kamara up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q2 0:30XP
    Wil Lutz

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 20
    Score
    17-13

    3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.

  9. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q3 8:22FG
    Wil Lutz

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 24
    Score
    20-13

    (8:22) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.

  10. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q3 6:08TD
    PWP. Williams

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NO 56
    Score
    26-13

    (6:08) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 26-P.Williams at MIN 45. 26-P.Williams for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q3 5:58XP
    Wil Lutz

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    27-13

    3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.

  12. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q4 9:39FG
    Wil Lutz

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 24
    Score
    30-13

    (9:39) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.

  13. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 4:30TD
    Adam Thielen

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NO 1
    Score
    30-19

    (4:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  14. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 4:26XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NO 15
    Score
    30-20

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

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Trysten HillTrysten Hill · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +3.20 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.20 EPA/play
  2. 2Michael ThomasMichael Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.27 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
  3. 3Adam ThielenAdam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.85 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
  4. 4Tyron SmithTyron Smith · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.72 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
  5. 5Melvin IngramMelvin Ingram · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.60 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
  6. 6Alton RobinsonAlton Robinson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.51 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
  7. 7D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +1.07 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.05 EPA/play
  8. 8Alvin KamaraAlvin Kamara · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +0.96 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

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

Trysten Hill

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Trysten Hill — NO · Passing

Trysten Hill posted the highest total EPA (+3.20) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New Orleans Saints. Across 1 counted snaps, they averaged +3.20 EPA per play.

Trysten Hill's top snap (+3.20 EPA): (12:36) (Shotgun) 7-T.Hill pass deep middle to 13-M.Thomas to MIN 8 for 44 yards (23-G.Iloka) [93-S.Richardson]. Penalty on MIN-22-H.Smith, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.

Biggest single play (-9.22 EPA): Kirk Cousins — (6:08) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 26-P.Williams at MIN 45. 26-P.Williams for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Kirk Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 48 dropbacks · 64.6% completion · +7.3% CPOE · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.67 total EPA
  • D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 23 dropbacks · 78.3% completion · +4.1% CPOE · +0.05 EPA/play · +1.07 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatNew Orleans SaintsMinnesota Vikings
Offensive EPA/play+0.075-0.121
Offensive success rate51.5%41.9%
Pass EPA/play+0.178-0.035
Rush EPA/play-0.137-0.220
Defensive EPA/play+0.121-0.075
Defensive success rate58.1%48.5%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, New Orleans Saints generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.07 vs -0.12), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • New Orleans Saints: +0.07 EPA/play (68th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Minnesota Vikings: -0.12 EPA/play (24th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, -10.44 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • New Orleans Saints: 9 drives, +5.10 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Alvin KamaraNew Orleans Saints — Alvin Kamara (D. Brees pass) (Q1 10:38)
  • Stefon DiggsMinnesota Vikings — Stefon Diggs (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q1 3:21)
  • Latavius MurrayMinnesota Vikings — Latavius Murray (Q2 12:01)
  • Alvin KamaraNew Orleans Saints — Alvin Kamara (Q2 0:33)
  • New Orleans Saints — P. Williams (Q3 6:08)
  • Adam ThielenMinnesota Vikings — Adam Thielen (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q4 4:30)

Field goals

  • Wil LutzNew Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz (Q2 7:32)
  • Wil LutzNew Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz (Q3 8:22)
  • Wil LutzNew Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz (Q4 9:39)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the MIN 3 (Q1 10:38) — (10:38) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 41-A.Kamara for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 10:33) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q1 3:21) — (3:21) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 3:16) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

The second quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 10–6. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 12:01) — (12:01) 25-L.Murray up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the MIN 34 (Q2 7:32) — (7:32) 3-W.Lutz 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q2 0:33) — (:33) (No Huddle) 41-A.Kamara up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the MIN 20 (Q2 0:30) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..

The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 10–0. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the MIN 24 (Q3 8:22) — (8:22) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the NO 56 (Q3 6:08); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 5:58) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the MIN 24 (Q4 9:39) — (9:39) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q4 4:30) — (4:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q4 4:26) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 1:11) — (1:11) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen to NO 14 for 4 yards (47-A.Anzalone). FUMBLES (47-A.Anzalone), RECOVERED by NO-23-M.Lattimore at NO 13. 23-M.Lattimore to MIN 33 for 54 yar [WPA -27.0% · EPA -9.18]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 6:08) — (6:08) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 26-P.Williams at MIN 45. 26-P.Williams for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -20.1% · EPA -9.22]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q2 3:07) — (3:07) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle intended for 13-M.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at MIN 33. 22-H.Smith to MIN 33 for no gain (13-M.Thomas). [WPA -13.8% · EPA -4.12]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 3:21) — (3:21) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.5% · EPA +2.02]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q1 12:36) — (12:36) (Shotgun) 7-T.Hill pass deep middle to 13-M.Thomas to MIN 8 for 44 yards (23-G.Iloka) [93-S.Richardson]. Penalty on MIN-22-H.Smith, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. [WPA +12.5% · EPA +3.20]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 6:08) — (6:08) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 26-P.Williams at MIN 45. 26-P.Williams for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -20.1% · EPA -9.22]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 1:11) — (1:11) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen to NO 14 for 4 yards (47-A.Anzalone). FUMBLES (47-A.Anzalone), RECOVERED by NO-23-M.Lattimore at NO 13. 23-M.Lattimore to MIN 33 for 54 yar [WPA -27.0% · EPA -9.18]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q2 3:07) — (3:07) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle intended for 13-M.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith at MIN 33. 22-H.Smith to MIN 33 for no gain (13-M.Thomas). [WPA -13.8% · EPA -4.12]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 12:33) — (12:33) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass incomplete short middle to 11-L.Treadwell (23-M.Lattimore). [WPA -7.4% · EPA -3.70]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 10:38 · MIN 3 · Score 6-0
    (10:38) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 41-A.Kamara for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 10:33 · MIN 15 · Score 7-0
    3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
  3. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 3:21 · NO 1 · Score 7-6
    (3:21) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 3:16 · NO 15 · Score 7-7
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  5. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 12:01 · NO 1 · Score 7-13
    (12:01) 25-L.Murray up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 7:32 · MIN 34 · Score 10-13
    (7:32) 3-W.Lutz 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
  7. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 0:33 · MIN 1 · Score 16-13
    (:33) (No Huddle) 41-A.Kamara up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 0:30 · MIN 20 · Score 17-13
    3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
  9. New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q3 8:22 · MIN 24 · Score 20-13
    (8:22) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
  10. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 6:08 · NO 56 · Score 26-13
    (6:08) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 26-P.Williams at MIN 45. 26-P.Williams for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 5:58 · MIN 15 · Score 27-13
    3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
  12. New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 9:39 · MIN 24 · Score 30-13
    (9:39) 3-W.Lutz 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
  13. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 4:30 · NO 1 · Score 30-19
    (4:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 4:26 · NO 15 · Score 30-20
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

Key takeaways

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

  • New Orleans Saints earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • Trysten Hill (New Orleans Saints) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Kirk Cousins (MIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
  • D. Brees (NO) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings on 2018-10-28?

The New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 30-20 in Week 8, 2018.

What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings?

Q1: New Orleans Saints 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q2: New Orleans Saints 10, Minnesota Vikings 6; Q3: New Orleans Saints 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q4: New Orleans Saints 3, Minnesota Vikings 7; Final: New Orleans Saints 30, Minnesota Vikings 20.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings?

New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (D. Brees pass) (Q1 10:38) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — S. Diggs (K. Cousins pass) (Q1 3:21) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — L. Murray (Q2 12:01) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (Q2 0:33) New Orleans Saints touchdown — P. Williams (Q3 6:08) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 4:30) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 7:32, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q3 8:22, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q4 9:39, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings?

Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 64.6% completion, +7.3% CPOE, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.67 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 78.3% completion, +4.1% CPOE, +0.05 EPA per dropback, +1.07 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings?

Trysten Hill (New Orleans Saints) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +3.20 total EPA on Passing plays. across 1 snaps. Their top snap (+3.20 EPA): (12:36) (Shotgun) 7-T.Hill pass deep middle to 13-M.Thomas to MIN 8 for 44 yards (23-G.Iloka) [93-S.Richardson]. Penalty on MIN-22-H.Smith, Defensive Pass Interference, declined..

Season records after this game

New Orleans Saints

Entered 5-1 Now 6-1 W

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 4-2 Now 4-3 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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