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NFL · Week 16 · December 24, 2023 · 12 min read

Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons: 2023 Week 16 Recap

Falcons defeat Colts 29–10 in Week 16

Taylor Heinicke led Fantasy Impact as Falcons prevailed in a 10–29 Week 16 finish.

Indianapolis Colts 10 8–7
Final 10–29
Atlanta Falcons 29 7–8 Winner
Winner
Atlanta Falcons
Final score
10–29
Halftime
Indianapolis Colts 7–16 Atlanta Falcons
Top passer
Gardner Minshew II
FantasyHQ MVP
Taylor Heinicke
Game date
December 24, 2023

Top fantasy performers · Colts

  • Kylen Granson
    Kylen Granson 5 REC · 62 YDS +6.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Will Mallory
    Will Mallory 4 REC · 47 YDS +5.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Tyler Goodson
    Tyler Goodson 1 REC · 15 YDS +0.5 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

  • Taylor Heinicke
    Taylor Heinicke 23/34 · 239 YDS · 1 TD +8.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Jonnu Smith
    Jonnu Smith 4 REC · 32 YDS +2.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Kyle Pitts
    Kyle Pitts 3 REC · 49 YDS · 1 TD +2.3 Fantasy Impact
View Colts vs Falcons box score View all 2023 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Atlanta Falcons
Final score
Atlanta Falcons 29–10 Indianapolis Colts
Halftime
Indianapolis Colts 7–16 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Taylor Heinicke
Top passer
Gardner Minshew II
Biggest EPA play
(4:55) (Shotgun) 10-G.Minshew pass incomplete deep right to 2-D.Montgomery.
Game date
2023-12-24

Game summary

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Indianapolis Colts 29–10 on 2023-12-24. Taylor Heinicke posted a game-high +8.29 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Indianapolis Colts7030010
Atlanta Falcons79712029

Scoring Map

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

INDIndianapolis Colts
ATLAtlanta Falcons

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

14 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q1 9:26TD
    Jawaan Taylor

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ATL 1
    Score
    6-0

    (9:26) (Shotgun) 28-J.Taylor right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q1 9:24XP
    Matt Gay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ATL 15
    Score
    7-0

    7-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.

  3. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q1 7:46TD
    Kyle Pitts

    Points+6

    Yard line
    IND 24
    Score
    7-6

    (7:46) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 8-K.Pitts for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q1 7:42XP
    Younghoe Koo

    Points+1

    Yard line
    IND 15
    Score
    7-7

    6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  5. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 3:26FG
    Younghoe Koo

    Points+3

    Yard line
    IND 4
    Score
    7-10

    (3:26) 6-Y.Koo 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  6. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 0:10FG
    Younghoe Koo

    Points+3

    Yard line
    IND 29
    Score
    7-13

    (:10) 6-Y.Koo 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  7. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 0:05FG
    Bradley Pinion

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ATL 35
    Score
    7-13

    13-B.Pinion kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to end zone, Touchback.

  8. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q3 11:20TD
    Tyler Allgeier

    Points+6

    Yard line
    IND 31
    Score
    7-19

    (11:20) (Shotgun) 25-T.Allgeier right end for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q3 11:13XP
    Younghoe Koo

    Points+1

    Yard line
    IND 15
    Score
    7-20

    6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  10. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q3 4:27FG
    Matt Gay

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ATL 15
    Score
    10-20

    (4:27) 7-M.Gay 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.

  11. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q4 14:10FG
    Younghoe Koo

    Points+3

    Yard line
    IND 23
    Score
    10-23

    (14:10) 6-Y.Koo 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  12. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q4 5:49FG
    Younghoe Koo

    Points+3

    Yard line
    IND 17
    Score
    10-26

    (5:49) 6-Y.Koo 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  13. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q4 5:46FG
    Bradley Pinion

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ATL 35
    Score
    10-26

    13-B.Pinion kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to end zone, Touchback.

  14. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q4 2:00FG
    Younghoe Koo

    Points+3

    Yard line
    IND 7
    Score
    10-29

    (2:00) 6-Y.Koo 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Taylor HeinickeTaylor Heinicke · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +8.29 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play
  2. 2Kylen GransonKylen Granson · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +6.26 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
  3. 3Will MalloryWill Mallory · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +5.85 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.46 EPA/play
  4. 4Jonnu SmithJonnu Smith · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.64 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
  5. 5Kyle PittsKyle Pitts · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.26 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
  6. 6Tyler AllgeierTyler Allgeier · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.11 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.11 EPA/play
  7. 7Scotty MillerScotty Miller · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.07 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.07 EPA/play
  8. 8Tyler AllgeierTyler Allgeier · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +1.91 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

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

Taylor Heinicke

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Taylor Heinicke — ATL · Passing

Taylor Heinicke posted the highest total EPA (+8.29) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.24 EPA per play.

Taylor Heinicke's top snap (+3.00 EPA): (3:47) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 81-J.Smith to ATL 36 for 15 yards (45-E.Speed).

Biggest single play (-3.28 EPA): Gardner Minshew II — (4:55) (Shotgun) 10-G.Minshew pass incomplete deep right to 2-D.Montgomery.

Quarterback report card

Gardner Minshew II led all passers in efficiency for Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Gardner Minshew IIGardner Minshew II (Indianapolis Colts) · 49 dropbacks · 40.8% completion · -9.4% CPOE · -0.08 EPA/play · -4.02 total EPA
  • Taylor HeinickeTaylor Heinicke (Atlanta Falcons) · 34 dropbacks · 67.6% completion · -0.5% CPOE · +0.24 EPA/play · +8.29 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatIndianapolis ColtsAtlanta Falcons
Offensive EPA/play-0.148+0.117
Offensive success rate35.3%49.4%
Pass EPA/play-0.082+0.244
Rush EPA/play-0.427-0.002
Defensive EPA/play-0.117+0.148
Defensive success rate50.6%64.7%

Drive & efficiency notes

Atlanta Falcons held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.12 vs -0.15), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Indianapolis Colts: -0.15 EPA/play (23rd percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Atlanta Falcons: +0.12 EPA/play (83rd percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, +9.73 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
  • Indianapolis Colts: 11 drives, -12.56 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Jawaan TaylorIndianapolis Colts — Jawaan Taylor (Q1 9:26)
  • Kyle PittsAtlanta Falcons — Kyle Pitts (Taylor Heinicke pass) (Q1 7:46)
  • Tyler AllgeierAtlanta Falcons — Tyler Allgeier (Q3 11:20)

Field goals

  • Younghoe KooAtlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo (Q2 3:26)
  • Younghoe KooAtlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo (Q2 0:10)
  • Bradley PinionAtlanta Falcons — Bradley Pinion (Q2 0:05)
  • Matt GayIndianapolis Colts — Matt Gay (Q3 4:27)
  • Younghoe KooAtlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo (Q4 14:10)
  • Younghoe KooAtlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo (Q4 5:49)
  • Bradley PinionAtlanta Falcons — Bradley Pinion (Q4 5:46)
  • Younghoe KooAtlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo (Q4 2:00)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q1 9:26) — (9:26) (Shotgun) 28-J.Taylor right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 9:24) — 7-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the IND 24 (Q1 7:46) — (7:46) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 8-K.Pitts for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the IND 15 (Q1 7:42) — 6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 9–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the IND 4 (Q2 3:26) — (3:26) 6-Y.Koo 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the IND 29 (Q2 0:10) — (:10) 6-Y.Koo 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the ATL 35 (Q2 0:05) — 13-B.Pinion kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to end zone, Touchback..

The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the IND 31 (Q3 11:20) — (11:20) (Shotgun) 25-T.Allgeier right end for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the IND 15 (Q3 11:13) — 6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the ATL 15 (Q3 4:27) — (4:27) 7-M.Gay 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez..

The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 12–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the IND 23 (Q4 14:10) — (14:10) 6-Y.Koo 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the IND 17 (Q4 5:49) — (5:49) 6-Y.Koo 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the ATL 35 (Q4 5:46) — 13-B.Pinion kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to end zone, Touchback.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the IND 7 (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) 6-Y.Koo 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Indianapolis Colts (Q1 10:47) — (10:47) (Shotgun) 10-G.Minshew pass incomplete short right to 14-A.Pierce. PENALTY on ATL-24-A.Terrell, Defensive Pass Interference, 13 yards, enforced at ATL 14 - No Play. [WPA +8.6% · EPA +2.63]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q1 7:46) — (7:46) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 8-K.Pitts for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.9% · EPA +2.17]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q3 11:20) — (11:20) (Shotgun) 25-T.Allgeier right end for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.6% · EPA +2.70]
  • Indianapolis Colts (Q2 2:38) — (2:38) (Shotgun) 10-G.Minshew sacked at IND 23 for -8 yards (55-K.Elliss). [WPA -7.4% · EPA -1.92]
  • Indianapolis Colts (Q1 14:19) — (14:19) (Shotgun) 10-G.Minshew pass deep left to 86-W.Mallory to IND 42 for 18 yards (53-N.Landman). [WPA +7.3% · EPA +2.88]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Indianapolis Colts (Q4 4:55) — (4:55) (Shotgun) 10-G.Minshew pass incomplete deep right to 2-D.Montgomery. [WPA -0.5% · EPA -3.28]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q3 3:47) — (3:47) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 81-J.Smith to ATL 36 for 15 yards (45-E.Speed). [WPA +5.9% · EPA +3.00]
  • Indianapolis Colts (Q1 14:19) — (14:19) (Shotgun) 10-G.Minshew pass deep left to 86-W.Mallory to IND 42 for 18 yards (53-N.Landman). [WPA +7.3% · EPA +2.88]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q3 11:20) — (11:20) (Shotgun) 25-T.Allgeier right end for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.6% · EPA +2.70]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q1 9:26 · ATL 1 · Score 6-0
    (9:26) (Shotgun) 28-J.Taylor right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q1 9:24 · ATL 15 · Score 7-0
    7-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
  3. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 7:46 · IND 24 · Score 7-6
    (7:46) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 8-K.Pitts for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 7:42 · IND 15 · Score 7-7
    6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  5. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 3:26 · IND 4 · Score 7-10
    (3:26) 6-Y.Koo 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  6. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 0:10 · IND 29 · Score 7-13
    (:10) 6-Y.Koo 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  7. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 0:05 · ATL 35 · Score 7-13
    13-B.Pinion kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to end zone, Touchback.
  8. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 11:20 · IND 31 · Score 7-19
    (11:20) (Shotgun) 25-T.Allgeier right end for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 11:13 · IND 15 · Score 7-20
    6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  10. Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q3 4:27 · ATL 15 · Score 10-20
    (4:27) 7-M.Gay 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
  11. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 14:10 · IND 23 · Score 10-23
    (14:10) 6-Y.Koo 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  12. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 5:49 · IND 17 · Score 10-26
    (5:49) 6-Y.Koo 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  13. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 5:46 · ATL 35 · Score 10-26
    13-B.Pinion kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to end zone, Touchback.
  14. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 2:00 · IND 7 · Score 10-29
    (2:00) 6-Y.Koo 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

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.
  • Taylor Heinicke (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Gardner Minshew II (IND) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Indianapolis Colts vs Atlanta Falcons on 2023-12-24?

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Indianapolis Colts 29-10 in Week 16, 2023.

What was the score by quarter in Indianapolis Colts vs Atlanta Falcons?

Q1: Indianapolis Colts 7, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q2: Indianapolis Colts 0, Atlanta Falcons 9; Q3: Indianapolis Colts 3, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: Indianapolis Colts 0, Atlanta Falcons 12; Final: Indianapolis Colts 10, Atlanta Falcons 29.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Indianapolis Colts vs Atlanta Falcons?

Indianapolis Colts touchdown — J. Taylor (Q1 9:26) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — K. Pitts (T. Heinicke pass) (Q1 7:46) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Allgeier (Q3 11:20) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q2 3:26, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q2 0:10, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — B. Pinion (Q2 0:05, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Gay (Q3 4:27, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q4 14:10, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q4 5:49, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — B. Pinion (Q4 5:46, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q4 2:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Indianapolis Colts vs Atlanta Falcons?

Gardner Minshew II (Indianapolis Colts), 40.8% completion, -9.4% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -4.02 total passing EPA. Taylor Heinicke (Atlanta Falcons), 67.6% completion, -0.5% CPOE, +0.24 EPA per dropback, +8.29 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Indianapolis Colts vs Atlanta Falcons?

Taylor Heinicke (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +8.29 total EPA on Passing plays. across 34 snaps. Their top snap (+3.00 EPA): (3:47) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 81-J.Smith to ATL 36 for 15 yards (45-E.Speed)..

Season records after this game

Indianapolis Colts

Entered 8-6 Now 8-7 L

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 6-8 Now 7-8 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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