Quick answer
- Winner
- New England Patriots
- Final score
- New England Patriots 26–23 Denver Broncos
- Halftime
- New England Patriots 3–7 Denver Broncos at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Buddy Johnson
- Top passer
- Russell Wilson
- Biggest EPA play
- 37-C.Ryland kicks 66 yards from NE 35 to DEN -1. 19-M.Mims MUFFS catch, and recovers at DE…
- Game date
- 2023-12-24
Game summary
The New England Patriots beat the Denver Broncos 26–23 on 2023-12-24, overcoming Denver Broncos's 7–3 halftime lead. Buddy Johnson posted a game-high +6.48 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 20 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New England Patriots | 0 | 3 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 26 |
 Denver Broncos | 7 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 23 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
NENew England Patriots
(5:20) 33-J.Williams right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
16-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon.
(13:33) 37-C.Ryland 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
(9:54) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass short right to 15-E.Elliott for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(1:41) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass short right to 88-M.Gesicki for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN [56-B.Browning].
37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
37-C.Ryland kicks 66 yards from NE 35 to DEN -1. 19-M.Mims MUFFS catch, and recovers at DEN 4. 19-M.Mims to DEN 9 for 5 yards (30-M.Mapu). FUMBLES (30-M.Mapu), RECOVERED by NE-22-C.Davis at DEN 1. 22-C.Davis for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
(8:39) 3-R.Wilson pass short right to 85-L.Krull for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-R.Wilson pass to 89-B.Johnson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
(2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 89-B.Johnson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE-2-J.Mills was injured during the play.
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-R.Wilson pass to 33-J.Williams is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
(:07) 37-C.Ryland 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
DENDenver BroncosFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 5:20TD Joshua WilliamsPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 3
- Score
- 0-6
(5:20) 33-J.Williams right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 5:15XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 15
- Score
- 0-7
16-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 13:33FG Chad RylandPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 14
- Score
- 3-7
(13:33) 37-C.Ryland 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 9:54TD Ezekiel ElliottPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 15
- Score
- 9-7
(9:54) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass short right to 15-E.Elliott for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 1:41TD Mike GesickiPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 11
- Score
- 15-7
(1:41) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass short right to 88-M.Gesicki for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN [56-B.Browning].
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 1:34XP Chad RylandPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 15
- Score
- 16-7
37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 1:34TD Carlton Davis IIIPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 35
- Score
- 22-7
37-C.Ryland kicks 66 yards from NE 35 to DEN -1. 19-M.Mims MUFFS catch, and recovers at DEN 4. 19-M.Mims to DEN 9 for 5 yards (30-M.Mapu). FUMBLES (30-M.Mapu), RECOVERED by NE-22-C.Davis at DEN 1. 22-C.Davis for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 1:28XP Chad RylandPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 15
- Score
- 23-7
37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 8:39TD Lucas KrullPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 3
- Score
- 23-13
(8:39) 3-R.Wilson pass short right to 85-L.Krull for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 8:33Safety Russell WilsonPoints+2
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 23-15
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-R.Wilson pass to 89-B.Johnson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 2:59TD Buddy JohnsonPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 21
- Score
- 23-21
(2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 89-B.Johnson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE-2-J.Mills was injured during the play.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 2:53Safety Russell WilsonPoints+2
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 23-23
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-R.Wilson pass to 33-J.Williams is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 0:07FG Chad RylandPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 38
- Score
- 26-23
(:07) 37-C.Ryland 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Buddy Johnson · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +6.48 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.08 EPA/play
- 2Mike Gesicki · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.44 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.72 EPA/play
- 3DeVante Parker · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.37 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.67 EPA/play
- 4
Marvin Mims Jr. · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.94 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play - 5
Jerry Jeudy · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.48 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play - 6
Pharaoh Brown · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.15 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.07 EPA/play - 7Russell Wilson · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +2.15 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play
- 8Jalen Reagor · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.12 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.06 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
Buddy Johnson — DEN · Receiving
Buddy Johnson posted the highest total EPA (+6.48) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Denver Broncos. Across 6 counted snaps, they averaged +1.08 EPA per play.
Buddy Johnson's top snap (+3.77 EPA): (2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 89-B.Johnson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE-2-J.Mills was injured during the play.
Biggest single play (-8.64 EPA): Chad Ryland — 37-C.Ryland kicks 66 yards from NE 35 to DEN -1. 19-M.Mims MUFFS catch, and recovers at DEN 4. 19-M.Mims to DEN 9 for 5 yards (30-M.Mapu). FUMBLES (30-M.Mapu), RECOVERED by NE-22-C.Davis at DEN 1. 22-
Quarterback report card
Russell Wilson led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos) · 46 dropbacks · 54.3% completion · +6.0% CPOE · -0.12 EPA/play · -5.44 total EPA
Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots) · 36 dropbacks · 69.4% completion · +13.4% CPOE · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.39 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | New England Patriots | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.156 | -0.222 |
| Offensive success rate | 33.8% | 42.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.039 | -0.118 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.359 | -0.150 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.222 | +0.156 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.6% | 66.2% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, New England Patriots generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.16 vs -0.22), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- New England Patriots: -0.16 EPA/play (21st percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: -0.22 EPA/play (10th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: 15 drives, -18.86 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New England Patriots: 14 drives, -11.99 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — Joshua Williams
- New England Patriots — Ezekiel Elliott (Bailey Zappe pass)
- New England Patriots — Mike Gesicki (Bailey Zappe pass)
- New England Patriots — Carlton Davis III
- Denver Broncos — Lucas Krull (Russell Wilson pass)
- Denver Broncos — Buddy Johnson (Russell Wilson pass)
Field goals
- New England Patriots — Chad Ryland
- New England Patriots — Chad Ryland
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the NE 3 (Q1 5:20) — (5:20) 33-J.Williams right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q1 5:15) — 16-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon..
The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 3–0. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the DEN 14 (Q2 13:33) — (13:33) 37-C.Ryland 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer..
The third quarter: New England Patriots won the period 20–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the DEN 15 (Q3 9:54) — (9:54) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass short right to 15-E.Elliott for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the DEN 11 (Q3 1:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass short right to 88-M.Gesicki for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN [56-B.Browning].; New England Patriots added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q3 1:34) — 37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the NE 35 (Q3 1:34); New England Patriots added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q3 1:28) — 37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer..
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 16–3. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the NE 3 (Q4 8:39) — (8:39) 3-R.Wilson pass short right to 85-L.Krull for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos registered a safety from the NE 2 (Q4 8:33) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-R.Wilson pass to 89-B.Johnson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the NE 21 (Q4 2:59) — (2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 89-B.Johnson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE-2-J.Mills was injured during the play.; Denver Broncos registered a safety from the NE 2 (Q4 2:53) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-R.Wilson pass to 33-J.Williams is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the DEN 38 (Q4 0:07) — (:07) 37-C.Ryland 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New England Patriots (Q4 0:07) — (:07) 37-C.Ryland 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
- Denver Broncos (Q4 2:59) — (2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 89-B.Johnson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE-2-J.Mills was injured during the play.
- New England Patriots (Q4 0:47) — (:47) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass deep left to 1-D.Parker to DEN 47 for 27 yards (2-P.Surtain).
- Denver Broncos (Q4 2:53) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-R.Wilson pass to 33-J.Williams is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
- New England Patriots (Q3 1:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass short right to 88-M.Gesicki for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN [56-B.Browning].
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Denver Broncos (Q3 1:34) — 37-C.Ryland kicks 66 yards from NE 35 to DEN -1. 19-M.Mims MUFFS catch, and recovers at DEN 4. 19-M.Mims to DEN 9 for 5 yards (30-M.Mapu). FUMBLES (30-M.Mapu), RECOVERED by NE-22-C.Davis at DEN 1. 22-
- New England Patriots (Q1 15:00) — (15:00) 4-B.Zappe sacked at NE 15 for -10 yards (93-D.Jones). FUMBLES (93-D.Jones) [93-D.Jones], RECOVERED by DEN-93-D.Jones at NE 9. 93-D.Jones to NE 6 for 3 yards (86-P.Brown).
- Denver Broncos (Q2 11:45) — (11:45) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 33-J.Williams to NE 41 for -3 yards (48-Ja.Tavai) [2-J.Mills]. FUMBLES (48-Ja.Tavai), RECOVERED by NE-70-J.Pharms at NE 39.
- Denver Broncos (Q4 2:59) — (2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 89-B.Johnson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE-2-J.Mills was injured during the play.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 5:20 · NE 3 · Score 0-6
(5:20) 33-J.Williams right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 5:15 · NE 15 · Score 0-7
16-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 13:33 · DEN 14 · Score 3-7
(13:33) 37-C.Ryland 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 9:54 · DEN 15 · Score 9-7
(9:54) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass short right to 15-E.Elliott for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 1:41 · DEN 11 · Score 15-7
(1:41) (Shotgun) 4-B.Zappe pass short right to 88-M.Gesicki for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN [56-B.Browning]. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q3 1:34 · DEN 15 · Score 16-7
37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 1:34 · NE 35 · Score 22-7
37-C.Ryland kicks 66 yards from NE 35 to DEN -1. 19-M.Mims MUFFS catch, and recovers at DEN 4. 19-M.Mims to DEN 9 for 5 yards (30-M.Mapu). FUMBLES (30-M.Mapu), RECOVERED by NE-22-C.Davis at DEN 1. 22- - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q3 1:28 · DEN 15 · Score 23-7
37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 8:39 · NE 3 · Score 23-13
(8:39) 3-R.Wilson pass short right to 85-L.Krull for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos Safety (+2) — Q4 8:33 · NE 2 · Score 23-15
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-R.Wilson pass to 89-B.Johnson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 2:59 · NE 21 · Score 23-21
(2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 89-B.Johnson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE-2-J.Mills was injured during the play. - Denver Broncos Safety (+2) — Q4 2:53 · NE 2 · Score 23-23
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-R.Wilson pass to 33-J.Williams is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q4 0:07 · DEN 38 · Score 26-23
(:07) 37-C.Ryland 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New England Patriots earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- Buddy Johnson (Denver Broncos) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Russell Wilson (DEN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos on 2023-12-24?
The New England Patriots beat the Denver Broncos 26-23 in Week 16, 2023.
What was the score by quarter in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: New England Patriots 0, Denver Broncos 7; Q2: New England Patriots 3, Denver Broncos 0; Q3: New England Patriots 20, Denver Broncos 0; Q4: New England Patriots 3, Denver Broncos 16; Final: New England Patriots 26, Denver Broncos 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?
Denver Broncos touchdown — J. Williams (Q1 5:20) New England Patriots touchdown — E. Elliott (B. Zappe pass) (Q3 9:54) New England Patriots touchdown — M. Gesicki (B. Zappe pass) (Q3 1:41) New England Patriots touchdown — C. Davis (Q3 1:34) Denver Broncos touchdown — L. Krull (R. Wilson pass) (Q4 8:39) Denver Broncos touchdown — B. Johnson (R. Wilson pass) (Q4 2:59) New England Patriots field goal — C. Ryland (Q2 13:33, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — C. Ryland (Q4 0:07, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?
Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos), 54.3% completion, +6.0% CPOE, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -5.44 total passing EPA. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots), 69.4% completion, +13.4% CPOE, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +1.39 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?
Buddy Johnson (Denver Broncos) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +6.48 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 6 snaps. Their top snap (+3.77 EPA): (2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short left to 89-B.Johnson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE-2-J.Mills was injured during the play..
Was New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. New England Patriots won 26-23 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
New England Patriots
Entered 3-11 Now 4-11 W
Denver Broncos
Entered 7-7 Now 7-8 L
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