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NFL · Week 16 · December 21, 2025 · 12 min read

Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals: 2025 Week 16 Recap

Falcons defeat Cardinals 26–19 in Week 16

Kirk Cousins led Fantasy Impact as Falcons prevailed in a 26–19 Week 16 finish.

Atlanta Falcons 26 6–9 Winner
Final 26–19
Arizona Cardinals 19 3–12
Winner
Atlanta Falcons
Final score
26–19
Halftime
Atlanta Falcons 22–16 Arizona Cardinals
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
FantasyHQ MVP
Kirk Cousins
Game date
December 21, 2025

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

  • Kirk Cousins
    Kirk Cousins 21/38 · 190 YDS · 2 TD +10.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Kyle Pitts
    Kyle Pitts 7 REC · 57 YDS · 1 TD +8.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Brian Robinson
    Brian Robinson 7 REC · 92 YDS · 1 TD +3.7 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

  • Elijah Higgins
    Elijah Higgins 7 REC · 91 YDS +6.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Xavier Weaver
    Xavier Weaver 2 REC · 19 YDS +2.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Marco Wilson
    Marco Wilson 2 REC · 52 YDS · 1 TD +1.5 Fantasy Impact
View Falcons vs Cardinals box score View all 2025 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Atlanta Falcons
Final score
Atlanta Falcons 26–19 Arizona Cardinals
Halftime
Atlanta Falcons 22–16 Arizona Cardinals at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Kirk Cousins
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
Biggest EPA play
(7:50) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass incomplete deep right to 14-M.Wilson (37-C.Bryant). Ari…
Game date
2025-12-21

Game summary

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Arizona Cardinals 26–19 on 2025-12-21. Kirk Cousins posted a game-high +10.69 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 25 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Atlanta Falcons31937026
Arizona Cardinals10603019

Scoring Map

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

ATLAtlanta Falcons
ARIArizona Cardinals

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

14 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 12:51FG
    Chad Ryland

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ATL 31
    Score
    0-3

    (12:51) 38-C.Ryland 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.

  2. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 7:50TD
    Marco Wilson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ATL 32
    Score
    0-9

    (7:50) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass incomplete deep right to 14-M.Wilson (37-C.Bryant). Arizona challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep right to 14-M.Wilson for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 7:43XP
    Chad Ryland

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ATL 15
    Score
    0-10

    38-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.

  4. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q1 2:22FG
    Zane Gonzalez

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 31
    Score
    3-10

    (2:22) 45-Z.Gonzalez 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  5. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 13:32FG
    Chad Ryland

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ATL 33
    Score
    3-13

    (13:32) 38-C.Ryland 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.

  6. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 12:03TD
    Brian Robinson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 13
    Score
    9-13

    (12:03) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 7-B.Robinson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 11:56XP
    Zane Gonzalez

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    10-13

    45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  8. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 5:06FG
    Chad Ryland

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ATL 6
    Score
    10-16

    (5:06) 38-C.Ryland 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.

  9. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 0:29TD
    Kyle Pitts

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 5
    Score
    16-16

    (:29) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 8-K.Pitts for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q2 0:25TD
    Zane Gonzalez

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    16-16

    45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is Blocked (93-C.Campbell), Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  11. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q3 7:29FG
    Zane Gonzalez

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 21
    Score
    19-16

    (7:29) 45-Z.Gonzalez 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  12. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q4 12:33TD
    Kirk Cousins

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 1
    Score
    25-16

    (12:33) 18-K.Cousins up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. ATLAtlanta Falcons
    Q4 12:28XP
    Zane Gonzalez

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    26-16

    45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.

  14. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 4:41FG
    Chad Ryland

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ATL 16
    Score
    26-19

    (4:41) 38-C.Ryland 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +10.69 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
  2. 2Kyle PittsKyle Pitts · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +8.90 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.99 EPA/play
  3. 3Elijah HigginsElijah Higgins · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +6.61 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play
  4. 4Brian RobinsonBrian Robinson · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.74 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
  5. 5Xavier WeaverXavier Weaver · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.09 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.04 EPA/play
  6. 6Darnell MooneyDarnell Mooney · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.69 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
  7. 7Marco WilsonMarco Wilson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.50 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
  8. 8Corey KinerCorey Kiner · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +1.47 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.24 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 — ATL · Passing

Kirk Cousins posted the highest total EPA (+10.69) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 38 counted snaps, they averaged +0.28 EPA per play.

Kirk Cousins's top snap (-3.53 EPA): (7:25) 18-K.Cousins FUMBLES (Aborted) at ARI 49, RECOVERED by ARI-56-D.Robinson at ARI 47.

Biggest single play (+3.85 EPA): Jacoby Brissett — (7:50) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass incomplete deep right to 14-M.Wilson (37-C.Bryant). Arizona challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep right

Quarterback report card

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

  • Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) · 38 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · -6.9% CPOE · +0.28 EPA/play · +10.69 total EPA
  • Jacoby BrissettJacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals) · 34 dropbacks · 47.1% completion · -13.6% CPOE · -0.02 EPA/play · -0.76 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatAtlanta FalconsArizona Cardinals
Offensive EPA/play+0.105+0.005
Offensive success rate46.1%45.2%
Pass EPA/play+0.281-0.022
Rush EPA/play-0.158+0.094
Defensive EPA/play-0.005-0.105
Defensive success rate54.8%53.9%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.10 vs +0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Atlanta Falcons: +0.10 EPA/play (69th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
  • Arizona Cardinals: +0.01 EPA/play (46th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
  • Arizona Cardinals: 9 drives, +0.39 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Atlanta Falcons: 9 drives, +9.36 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Marco WilsonArizona Cardinals — Marco Wilson (Jacoby Brissett pass) (Q1 7:50)
  • Brian RobinsonAtlanta Falcons — Brian Robinson (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q2 12:03)
  • Kyle PittsAtlanta Falcons — Kyle Pitts (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q2 0:29)
  • Kirk CousinsAtlanta Falcons — Kirk Cousins (Q4 12:33)

Field goals

  • Chad RylandArizona Cardinals — Chad Ryland (Q1 12:51)
  • Zane GonzalezAtlanta Falcons — Zane Gonzalez (Q1 2:22)
  • Chad RylandArizona Cardinals — Chad Ryland (Q2 13:32)
  • Chad RylandArizona Cardinals — Chad Ryland (Q2 5:06)
  • Zane GonzalezAtlanta Falcons — Zane Gonzalez (Q3 7:29)
  • Chad RylandArizona Cardinals — Chad Ryland (Q4 4:41)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 10–3. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the ATL 31 (Q1 12:51) — (12:51) 38-C.Ryland 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ATL 32 (Q1 7:50); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 7:43) — 38-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the ARI 31 (Q1 2:22) — (2:22) 45-Z.Gonzalez 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 19–6. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the ATL 33 (Q2 13:32) — (13:32) 38-C.Ryland 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ARI 13 (Q2 12:03) — (12:03) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 7-B.Robinson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q2 11:56) — 45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the ATL 6 (Q2 5:06) — (5:06) 38-C.Ryland 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ARI 5 (Q2 0:29) — (:29) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 8-K.Pitts for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ARI 15 (Q2 0:25) — 45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is Blocked (93-C.Campbell), Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion..

The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the ARI 21 (Q3 7:29) — (7:29) 45-Z.Gonzalez 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion..

The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q4 12:33) — (12:33) 18-K.Cousins up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q4 12:28) — 45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the ATL 16 (Q4 4:41) — (4:41) 38-C.Ryland 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Arizona Cardinals (Q4 1:30) — (1:30) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short right intended for 14-M.Wilson INTERCEPTED by 39-C.Henderson at ATL 37. 39-C.Henderson ran ob at ATL 37 for no gain. The Replay Official reviewed th [WPA -16.7% · EPA -2.97]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q3 5:23) — (5:23) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short left to 84-E.Higgins to ATL 25 for 25 yards (31-X.Watts). [WPA +14.5% · EPA +3.01]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q3 3:46) — (3:46) 38-C.Ryland 44 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack. [WPA -11.2% · EPA -3.60]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q1 11:32) — (11:32) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short middle to 8-K.Pitts to ARI 43 for 10 yards (21-G.Williams). [WPA +10.7% · EPA +1.96]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q1 7:50) — (7:50) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass incomplete deep right to 14-M.Wilson (37-C.Bryant). Arizona challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep right [WPA +10.6% · EPA +3.85]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Arizona Cardinals (Q1 7:50) — (7:50) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass incomplete deep right to 14-M.Wilson (37-C.Bryant). Arizona challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep right [WPA +10.6% · EPA +3.85]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q3 3:46) — (3:46) 38-C.Ryland 44 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack. [WPA -11.2% · EPA -3.60]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q4 7:25) — (7:25) 18-K.Cousins FUMBLES (Aborted) at ARI 49, RECOVERED by ARI-56-D.Robinson at ARI 47. [WPA -5.2% · EPA -3.53]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:14) — (2:14) 69-J.Nelson reported in as eligible. 25-T.Allgeier up the middle to ARI 39 for no gain (94-D.Tomlinson; 56-D.Robinson). [WPA -8.4% · EPA -3.34]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q1 12:51 · ATL 31 · Score 0-3
    (12:51) 38-C.Ryland 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.
  2. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 7:50 · ATL 32 · Score 0-9
    (7:50) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass incomplete deep right to 14-M.Wilson (37-C.Bryant). Arizona challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep right
  3. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 7:43 · ATL 15 · Score 0-10
    38-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.
  4. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 2:22 · ARI 31 · Score 3-10
    (2:22) 45-Z.Gonzalez 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  5. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 13:32 · ATL 33 · Score 3-13
    (13:32) 38-C.Ryland 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.
  6. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 12:03 · ARI 13 · Score 9-13
    (12:03) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 7-B.Robinson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 11:56 · ARI 15 · Score 10-13
    45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  8. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 5:06 · ATL 6 · Score 10-16
    (5:06) 38-C.Ryland 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.
  9. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 0:29 · ARI 5 · Score 16-16
    (:29) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 8-K.Pitts for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 0:25 · ARI 15 · Score 16-16
    45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is Blocked (93-C.Campbell), Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  11. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 7:29 · ARI 21 · Score 19-16
    (7:29) 45-Z.Gonzalez 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  12. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 12:33 · ARI 1 · Score 25-16
    (12:33) 18-K.Cousins up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 12:28 · ARI 15 · Score 26-16
    45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
  14. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q4 4:41 · ATL 16 · Score 26-19
    (4:41) 38-C.Ryland 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.

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.
  • Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Kirk Cousins (ATL) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals on 2025-12-21?

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Arizona Cardinals 26-19 in Week 16, 2025.

What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

Q1: Atlanta Falcons 3, Arizona Cardinals 10; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 19, Arizona Cardinals 6; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 3, Arizona Cardinals 0; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, Arizona Cardinals 3; Final: Atlanta Falcons 26, Arizona Cardinals 19.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

Arizona Cardinals touchdown — M. Wilson (J. Brissett pass) (Q1 7:50) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — B. Robinson (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 12:03) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — K. Pitts (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 0:29) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — K. Cousins (Q4 12:33) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Ryland (Q1 12:51, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q1 2:22, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Ryland (Q2 13:32, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Ryland (Q2 5:06, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q3 7:29, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Ryland (Q4 4:41, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons), 55.3% completion, -6.9% CPOE, +0.28 EPA per dropback, +10.69 total passing EPA. Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals), 47.1% completion, -13.6% CPOE, -0.02 EPA per dropback, -0.76 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.69 total EPA on Passing plays. across 38 snaps. Their top snap (-3.53 EPA): (7:25) 18-K.Cousins FUMBLES (Aborted) at ARI 49, RECOVERED by ARI-56-D.Robinson at ARI 47..

Was Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals a close game?

Yes — the margin was 7 points. Atlanta Falcons won 26-19 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 5-9 Now 6-9 W

Arizona Cardinals

Entered 3-11 Now 3-12 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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