Saints 17–19 Falcons: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 18, 2025

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

T. Shough (New Orleans Saints), 51.1% completion, -1.7% CPOE, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -5.46 total passing EPA. K. Cousins (Atlanta Falcons), 48.6% completion, -6.6% CPOE, -0.13 EPA per dropback, -4.76 total passing EPA.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

D. London (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +4.49 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 8 snaps. Their top snap (+2.76 EPA): (3:09) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 5-D.London for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Quick answer

Winner: Atlanta Falcons
Final score: Atlanta Falcons 19–17 New Orleans Saints
Halftime: New Orleans Saints 7–10 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Drake London
Top passer: Tyler Shough
Biggest EPA play: (3:24) (Shotgun) 6-T.Shough pass short left intended for 89-S.Toure INTERCEPTED by 20-D.Al…
Game date: 2026-01-04

Game summary

The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 19–17 on 2026-01-04. Drake London posted a game-high +4.49 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 16 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
New Orleans Saints	0	7	3	7	0	17
Atlanta Falcons	7	3	3	9	0	19

Scoring Map

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

NONew Orleans Saints

+3NO 22

ATL 1

+3NO 33

+3ATL 11

+3ATL 35

ATLAtlanta Falcons

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

12 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 3:09TD
Drake London
Points+6
Yard line
NO 15
Score
0-6
(3:09) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 5-D.London for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 3:02XP
Zane Gonzalez
Points+1
Yard line
NO 15
Score
0-7
45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 10:23FG
Zane Gonzalez
Points+3
Yard line
NO 22
Score
0-10
(10:23) 45-Z.Gonzalez 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 4:38TD
Will Sherman
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 1
Score
6-10
(4:38) 66-W.Sherman reported in as eligible. 6-T.Shough scrambles right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 4:31XP
Charlie Smyth
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 15
Score
7-10
39-C.Smyth extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-32-K.Kroeger.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 8:55FG
Zane Gonzalez
Points+3
Yard line
NO 33
Score
7-13
(8:55) 45-Z.Gonzalez 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion. Penalty on NO-21-J.Reid, Defensive Offside, declined.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 2:19FG
Charlie Smyth
Points+3
Yard line
ATL 11
Score
10-13
(2:19) 39-C.Smyth 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-32-K.Kroeger.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 10:47FG
Zane Gonzalez
Points+3
Yard line
NO 19
Score
10-16
(10:47) 45-Z.Gonzalez 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 2:57FG
Zane Gonzalez
Points+3
Yard line
NO 20
Score
10-19
(2:57) 45-Z.Gonzalez 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 2:52FG
Zane Gonzalez
Points+3
Yard line
ATL 35
Score
10-19
45-Z.Gonzalez kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to end zone, Touchback to the NO 35.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 1:16TD
Ronnie Bell
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 16
Score
16-19
(1:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-T.Shough pass deep left to 85-R.Bell for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 1:11XP
Charlie Smyth
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 15
Score
17-19
39-C.Smyth extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-32-K.Kroeger.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Drake London · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.49 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
2A. Estime · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.99 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
3Dante Pettis · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.40 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
4Trysten Hill · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.67 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
5Josh Johnson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.28 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
6Ronnie Bell · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.19 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
7Evan Hull · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +0.26 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
8David Sills · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +0.04 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.04 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

Drake London — ATL · Receiving

Drake London posted the highest total EPA (+4.49) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +0.56 EPA per play.

Drake London's top snap (+2.76 EPA): (3:09) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 5-D.London for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-7.50 EPA): Tyler Shough — (3:24) (Shotgun) 6-T.Shough pass short left intended for 89-S.Toure INTERCEPTED by 20-D.Alford at ATL 14. 20-D.Alford pushed ob at NO 27 for 59 yards (30-A.Estime).

Quarterback report card

Tyler Shough led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Tyler Shough (New Orleans Saints) · 45 dropbacks · 51.1% completion · -1.7% CPOE · -0.12 EPA/play · -5.46 total EPA
Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) · 37 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · -6.6% CPOE · -0.13 EPA/play · -4.76 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	New Orleans Saints	Atlanta Falcons
Offensive EPA/play	-0.162	-0.124
Offensive success rate	39.1%	41.0%
Pass EPA/play	-0.121	-0.129
Rush EPA/play	-0.076	-0.428
Defensive EPA/play	+0.124	+0.162
Defensive success rate	59.0%	60.9%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (New Orleans Saints -0.16, Atlanta Falcons -0.12) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

New Orleans Saints: -0.16 EPA/play (15th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
Atlanta Falcons: -0.12 EPA/play (19th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)

Atlanta Falcons: 12 drives, -9.70 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, -14.07 total EPA, 3 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

Atlanta Falcons — Drake London (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q1 3:09)
New Orleans Saints — Will Sherman (Q2 4:38)
New Orleans Saints — Ronnie Bell (Tyler Shough pass) (Q4 1:16)

Field goals

Atlanta Falcons — Zane Gonzalez (Q2 10:23)
Atlanta Falcons — Zane Gonzalez (Q3 8:55)
New Orleans Saints — Charlie Smyth (Q3 2:19)
Atlanta Falcons — Zane Gonzalez (Q4 10:47)
Atlanta Falcons — Zane Gonzalez (Q4 2:57)
Atlanta Falcons — Zane Gonzalez (Q4 2:52)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 15 (Q1 3:09) — (3:09) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 5-D.London for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 3:02) — 45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion..

The second quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 22 (Q2 10:23) — (10:23) 45-Z.Gonzalez 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q2 4:38) — (4:38) 66-W.Sherman reported in as eligible. 6-T.Shough scrambles right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 4:31) — 39-C.Smyth extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-32-K.Kroeger..

The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 33 (Q3 8:55); New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 11 (Q3 2:19) — (2:19) 39-C.Smyth 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-32-K.Kroeger..

The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 9–7. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 19 (Q4 10:47) — (10:47) 45-Z.Gonzalez 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 20 (Q4 2:57) — (2:57) 45-Z.Gonzalez 38 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 2:52) — 45-Z.Gonzalez kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to end zone, Touchback to the NO 35.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 16 (Q4 1:16) — (1:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-T.Shough pass deep left to 85-R.Bell for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 1:11) — 39-C.Smyth extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-32-K.Kroeger..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

New Orleans Saints (Q4 3:24) — (3:24) (Shotgun) 6-T.Shough pass short left intended for 89-S.Toure INTERCEPTED by 20-D.Alford at ATL 14. 20-D.Alford pushed ob at NO 27 for 59 yards (30-A.Estime). [WPA -24.8% · EPA -7.50]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 8:10) — (8:10) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right intended for 8-K.Pitts INTERCEPTED by 96-C.Granderson at NO 14. 96-C.Granderson to NO 14 for no gain (8-K.Pitts). [WPA -14.8% · EPA -5.61]
New Orleans Saints (Q4 4:40) — (4:40) (Shotgun) 6-T.Shough scrambles right tackle to ATL 23 for 29 yards (39-C.Henderson). [WPA +14.1% · EPA +1.61]
New Orleans Saints (Q3 6:33) — (6:33) (Shotgun) 6-T.Shough pass short left to 83-J.Johnson pushed ob at ATL 29 for 14 yards (20-D.Alford). [WPA +11.5% · EPA +4.08]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 10:35) — (10:35) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short middle to 8-K.Pitts to NO 23 for 9 yards (33-J.Sanker; 21-J.Reid). [WPA +11.1% · EPA +2.98]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

New Orleans Saints (Q4 3:24) — (3:24) (Shotgun) 6-T.Shough pass short left intended for 89-S.Toure INTERCEPTED by 20-D.Alford at ATL 14. 20-D.Alford pushed ob at NO 27 for 59 yards (30-A.Estime). [WPA -24.8% · EPA -7.50]
Atlanta Falcons (Q1 8:10) — (8:10) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right intended for 8-K.Pitts INTERCEPTED by 96-C.Granderson at NO 14. 96-C.Granderson to NO 14 for no gain (8-K.Pitts). [WPA -14.8% · EPA -5.61]
New Orleans Saints (Q1 12:50) — (12:50) 6-T.Shough pass short right to 83-J.Johnson to NO 38 for 19 yards (24-A.Terrell). FUMBLES (24-A.Terrell), RECOVERED by ATL-31-X.Watts at NO 44. 31-X.Watts to NO 39 for 5 yards (7-T.Hill). [WPA -9.8% · EPA -4.32]
New Orleans Saints (Q3 6:33) — (6:33) (Shotgun) 6-T.Shough pass short left to 83-J.Johnson pushed ob at ATL 29 for 14 yards (20-D.Alford). [WPA +11.5% · EPA +4.08]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 3:09 · NO 15 · Score 0-6
(3:09) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 5-D.London for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 3:02 · NO 15 · Score 0-7
45-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 10:23 · NO 22 · Score 0-10
(10:23) 45-Z.Gonzalez 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 4:38 · ATL 1 · Score 6-10
(4:38) 66-W.Sherman reported in as eligible. 6-T.Shough scrambles right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 4:31 · ATL 15 · Score 7-10
39-C.Smyth extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-32-K.Kroeger.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 8:55 · NO 33 · Score 7-13
(8:55) 45-Z.Gonzalez 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion. Penalty on NO-21-J.Reid, Defensive Offside, declined.
New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q3 2:19 · ATL 11 · Score 10-13
(2:19) 39-C.Smyth 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-32-K.Kroeger.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 10:47 · NO 19 · Score 10-16
(10:47) 45-Z.Gonzalez 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 2:57 · NO 20 · Score 10-19
(2:57) 45-Z.Gonzalez 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 2:52 · ATL 35 · Score 10-19
45-Z.Gonzalez kicks 65 yards from ATL 35 to end zone, Touchback to the NO 35.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 1:16 · ATL 16 · Score 16-19
(1:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-T.Shough pass deep left to 85-R.Bell for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 1:11 · ATL 15 · Score 17-19
39-C.Smyth extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-32-K.Kroeger.

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.
Drake London (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 New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons on 2026-01-04?

The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 19-17 in Week 18, 2025.

What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

Q1: New Orleans Saints 0, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q2: New Orleans Saints 7, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q3: New Orleans Saints 3, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q4: New Orleans Saints 7, Atlanta Falcons 9; Final: New Orleans Saints 17, Atlanta Falcons 19.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. London (K. Cousins pass) (Q1 3:09) New Orleans Saints touchdown — W. Sherman (Q2 4:38) New Orleans Saints touchdown — R. Bell (T. Shough pass) (Q4 1:16) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q2 10:23, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q3 8:55, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — C. Smyth (Q3 2:19, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q4 10:47, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q4 2:57, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q4 2:52, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

Tyler Shough (New Orleans Saints), 51.1% completion, -1.7% CPOE, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -5.46 total passing EPA. Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons), 48.6% completion, -6.6% CPOE, -0.13 EPA per dropback, -4.76 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?

Drake London (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +4.49 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 8 snaps. Their top snap (+2.76 EPA): (3:09) (Shotgun) 18-K.Cousins pass short right to 5-D.London for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Was New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?

Yes — the margin was 2 points. Atlanta Falcons won 19-17 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

New Orleans Saints

Entered 6-10 Now 6-11 L

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 7-9 Now 8-9 W

New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons: 2025 Week 18 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Saints

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

Quick answer

Game summary