Game story
In Week 13 of the 2008 NFL season on 2008-11-30, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 22–16 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 13 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with -4.83 total EPA, and -3.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.51 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-30.7% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (12:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 86-B.Finneran to LAC 16 for 7 yards (23-Q.Jammer). FUMBLES (23-Q.Jammer), RECOVERED by LAC-32-E.Weddle at LAC 14. 32-E.Weddle for 86 yards, TOUCHDOWN. At
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | 6 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 22 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +10.51 total EPA · 25 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 2 R. White · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +10.47 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.74 EPA/play
- 3 L. Tomlinson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.11 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
- 4 J. Peelle · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.10 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.37 EPA/play
- 5 M. Floyd · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.65 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
- 6 M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.46 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.46 EPA/play
- 7 H. Douglas · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.95 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
- 8 J. Hester · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +1.75 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.75 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Ryan — ATL · Passing
M. Ryan posted the highest total EPA (+10.51) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Atlanta Falcons's efficiency. Across 25 counted snaps, they averaged +0.42 EPA per play.
The signature play (-10.30 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (12:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 86-B.Finneran to LAC 16 for 7 yards (23-Q.Jammer). FUMBLES (23-Q.Jammer), RECOVERED by LAC-32-E.Weddle at LAC 14. 32-E.Weddle for 86 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Atlanta challenged the
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — L. Tomlinson
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Peelle (M. Ryan pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — B. Finneran (M. Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — H. Douglas (M. Ryan pass)
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–6. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the LAC 17 (Q1 50:59) — (5:59) 1-J.Elam 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the ATL 3 (Q1 46:45) — (1:45) 21-L.Tomlinson right tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 46:41) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the LAC 22 (Q1 45:01) — (:01) 1-J.Elam 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 9–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the LAC 18 (Q2 39:32) — (9:32) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 87-J.Peelle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 39:24) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons registered a safety from the ATL 95 (Q2 38:00).
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 6–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the LAC 23 (Q3 27:24).
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the LAC 5 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 83-H.Douglas for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q4 14:56) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the ATL 10 (Q4 5:17) — (5:17) 10-N.Kaeding 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 27:24) — (12:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 86-B.Finneran to LAC 16 for 7 yards (23-Q.Jammer). FUMBLES (23-Q.Jammer), RECOVERED by LAC-32-E.Weddle at LAC 14. 32-E.Weddle for 86 yards, TOUCHDOWN. At
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 48:22) — (3:22) 5-M.Scifres punts 49 yards to ATL 18, Center-50-D.Binn. 83-H.Douglas MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by LAC-53-A.Waters at ATL 20. 53-A.Waters to ATL 20 for no gain (71-K.Biermann).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 46:34) — (1:34) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 84-R.White to LAC 26 for 38 yards (23-Q.Jammer). LAC-23-Q.Jammer was injured during the play.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 6:53) — (6:53) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 80-M.Floyd to ATL 12 for 18 yards (24-D.Foxworth).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 83-H.Douglas for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 27:24) — (12:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 86-B.Finneran to LAC 16 for 7 yards (23-Q.Jammer). FUMBLES (23-Q.Jammer), RECOVERED by LAC-32-E.Weddle at LAC 14. 32-E.Weddle for 86 yards, TOUCHDOWN. At
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 48:22) — (3:22) 5-M.Scifres punts 49 yards to ATL 18, Center-50-D.Binn. 83-H.Douglas MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by LAC-53-A.Waters at ATL 20. 53-A.Waters to ATL 20 for no gain (71-K.Biermann).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 9:22) — (9:22) 33-M.Turner right end to ATL 45 for 1 yard (23-Q.Jammer). FUMBLES (23-Q.Jammer), RECOVERED by LAC-23-Q.Jammer at ATL 45. 23-Q.Jammer to ATL 45 for no gain (63-J.Blalock). Atlanta challenged the
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 29:23) — (14:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass incomplete deep middle to 84-R.White. PENALTY on LAC-32-E.Weddle, Defensive Pass Interference, 40 yards, enforced at ATL 24 - No Play.
Quarterback report card
P.Rivers led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 35 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · -3.3% CPOE · -0.14 EPA/play · -4.83 total EPA
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 25 dropbacks · 68.0% completion · +21.6% CPOE · +0.42 EPA/play · +10.51 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.021 | -0.102 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.6% | 38.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.420 | -0.138 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.284 | -0.172 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.102 | -0.021 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.4% | 52.4% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.10), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, +1.75 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, -7.12 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Atlanta Falcons leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- P. Rivers (LAC) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- M. Ryan (ATL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 50:59 · LAC 17 · Score 3-0
(5:59) 1-J.Elam 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 46:45 · ATL 3 · Score 3-6
(1:45) 21-L.Tomlinson right tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 46:41 · ATL 2 · Score 3-7
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 45:01 · LAC 22 · Score 6-7
(:01) 1-J.Elam 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 39:32 · LAC 18 · Score 12-7
(9:32) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 87-J.Peelle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 39:24 · LAC 2 · Score 13-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons Safety (+2) — Q2 38:00 · ATL 95 · Score 15-7
(8:00) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass incomplete short middle. PENALTY on LAC-17-P.Rivers, Intentional Grounding, 5 yards, enforced in End Zone, SAFETY. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 27:24 · LAC 23 · Score 15-13
(12:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 86-B.Finneran to LAC 16 for 7 yards (23-Q.Jammer). FUMBLES (23-Q.Jammer), RECOVERED by LAC-32-E.Weddle at LAC 14. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · LAC 5 · Score 21-13
(15:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 83-H.Douglas for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 14:56 · LAC 2 · Score 22-13
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 5:17 · ATL 10 · Score 22-16
(5:17) 10-N.Kaeding 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Los Angeles Chargers 22-16 in Week 13, 2008 on 2008-11-30.
What was the final score of Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Atlanta Falcons 22, Los Angeles Chargers 16 (ATL 22-16 LAC) in Week 13, 2008 on 2008-11-30.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 6, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 9, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 0, Los Angeles Chargers 6; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Final: Atlanta Falcons 22, Los Angeles Chargers 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Tomlinson (Q1 46:45) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Peelle (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 39:32) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — B. Finneran (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 27:24) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — H. Douglas (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 15:00) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q1 50:59, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q1 45:01, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q4 5:17, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 48.6% completion, -3.3% CPOE, -0.14 EPA per dropback, -4.83 total passing EPA. M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 68.0% completion, +21.6% CPOE, +0.42 EPA per dropback, +10.51 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Chargers?
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) led the game in total EPA with +10.51 on passing plays. across 25 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-10.30 EPA): (12:24) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 86-B.Finneran to LAC 16 for 7 yards (23-Q.Jammer). FUMBLES (23-Q.Jammer), RECOVERED by LAC-32-E.Weddle at LAC 14. 32-E.Weddle for 86 . The biggest win-probability swing was -30.7%.
Was Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. Atlanta Falcons won 22-16 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 7-4 Now 8-4 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 4-7 Now 4-8 L
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