Game story
In Week 16 of the 2020 NFL season on 2020-12-27, the Carolina Panthers took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 20–13 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Bridgewater (Carolina Panthers) paced the passing game, with -3.23 total EPA, and +1.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Samuel (Carolina Panthers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.55 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+22.3% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Carolina Panthers changed the game: (1:53) 3-J.Charlton punts 43 yards to WAS 13, Center-44-J.Jansen. 15-S.Sims MUFFS catch, touched at WAS 13, RECOVERED by CAR-16-B.Zylstra at WAS -8. TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 6 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Washington Commanders | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Samuel · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +9.55 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.91 EPA/play
- 2 T. Heinicke · Washington Commanders · Passing · +5.29 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 3 S. Sims · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.99 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 4 J. McKissic · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.58 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 5 C. Sims · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.26 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 6 R. Foster · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.26 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.13 EPA/play
- 7 A. Gibson · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +1.18 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 8 J. McKissic · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +0.90 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Samuel — CAR · Receiving
C. Samuel posted the highest total EPA (+9.55) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Carolina Panthers's efficiency. Across 5 counted snaps, they averaged +1.91 EPA per play.
The signature play (+7.75 EPA) came from Carolina Panthers: (1:53) 3-J.Charlton punts 43 yards to WAS 13, Center-44-J.Jansen. 15-S.Sims MUFFS catch, touched at WAS 13, RECOVERED by CAR-16-B.Zylstra at WAS -8. TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Carolina Panthers — J. Charlton
- Carolina Panthers — M. Davis
- Carolina Panthers — R. Anderson (T. Bridgewater pass)
- Washington Commanders — J. McKissic (T. Heinicke pass)
Field goals
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 6–0. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the WAS 56 (Q1 46:53).
The second quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 14–3. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the WAS 1 (Q2 38:39) — (8:39) 28-M.Davis left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 38:37) — 4-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the WAS 14 (Q2 33:12) — (3:12) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle to 11-R.Anderson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 33:06); Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the CAR 30 (Q2 31:24) — (1:24) 3-D.Hopkins 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 3–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the CAR 8 (Q3 19:04) — (4:04) 3-D.Hopkins 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the CAR 29 (Q4 2:00); Washington Commanders added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q4 1:50) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 46:53) — (1:53) 3-J.Charlton punts 43 yards to WAS 13, Center-44-J.Jansen. 15-S.Sims MUFFS catch, touched at WAS 13, RECOVERED by CAR-16-B.Zylstra at WAS -8. TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 53:03) — (8:03) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins sacked at CAR 40 for -10 yards (98-M.Haynes). FUMBLES (98-M.Haynes) [94-E.Obada], RECOVERED by CAR-56-J.Carter at CAR 28. 56-J.Carter pushed ob at CAR 47 for 19
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 55:21) — (10:21) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater sacked at WAS 43 for -9 yards (94-D.Payne).
- Washington Commanders (Q2 36:48) — (6:48) 7-D.Haskins pass short right intended for 82-L.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 52-T.Whitehead at CAR 45. 52-T.Whitehead to CAR 45 for no gain (82-L.Thomas).
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 41:43) — (11:43) 10-C.Samuel right end to WAS 6 for 45 yards (39-J.Reaves).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 46:53) — (1:53) 3-J.Charlton punts 43 yards to WAS 13, Center-44-J.Jansen. 15-S.Sims MUFFS catch, touched at WAS 13, RECOVERED by CAR-16-B.Zylstra at WAS -8. TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 53:03) — (8:03) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-D.Haskins sacked at CAR 40 for -10 yards (98-M.Haynes). FUMBLES (98-M.Haynes) [94-E.Obada], RECOVERED by CAR-56-J.Carter at CAR 28. 56-J.Carter pushed ob at CAR 47 for 19
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 22:03) — (7:03) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater sacked at WAS 26 for -7 yards (99-C.Young). FUMBLES (99-C.Young), RECOVERED by WAS-99-C.Young at WAS 26.
- Washington Commanders (Q2 36:48) — (6:48) 7-D.Haskins pass short right intended for 82-L.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 52-T.Whitehead at CAR 45. 52-T.Whitehead to CAR 45 for no gain (82-L.Thomas).
Quarterback report card
T.Bridgewater led all passers in efficiency for Carolina Panthers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Bridgewater (Carolina Panthers) · 34 dropbacks · 55.9% completion · +1.6% CPOE · -0.09 EPA/play · -3.23 total EPA
- D.Haskins (Washington Commanders) · 31 dropbacks · 45.2% completion · -17.3% CPOE · -0.49 EPA/play · -15.20 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.027 | -0.088 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.5% | 42.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.095 | -0.180 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.132 | +0.079 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.088 | -0.027 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.3% | 58.5% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Carolina Panthers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.03 vs -0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Carolina Panthers: 12 drives, +2.25 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 11 drives, -7.24 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Carolina Panthers 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.
- C. Samuel (Carolina Panthers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- D. Haskins (WAS) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 46:53 · WAS 56 · Score 6-0
(1:53) 3-J.Charlton punts 43 yards to WAS 13, Center-44-J.Jansen. 15-S.Sims MUFFS catch, touched at WAS 13, RECOVERED by CAR-16-B.Zylstra at WAS -8. TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 38:39 · WAS 1 · Score 12-0
(8:39) 28-M.Davis left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 38:37 · WAS 15 · Score 13-0
4-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 33:12 · WAS 14 · Score 19-0
(3:12) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle to 11-R.Anderson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 33:06 · WAS 15 · Score 20-0
4-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton. PENALTY on WAS-20-J.Moreland, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 31:24 · CAR 30 · Score 20-3
(1:24) 3-D.Hopkins 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 19:04 · CAR 8 · Score 20-6
(4:04) 3-D.Hopkins 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 2:00 · CAR 29 · Score 20-12
(2:00) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 41-J.McKissic for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-Y.Gross-Matos]. Penalty on CAR-21-J.Chinn, Defensive Pass Interference - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 1:50 · CAR 15 · Score 20-13
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Washington Commanders?
The Carolina Panthers beat the Washington Commanders 20-13 in Week 16, 2020 on 2020-12-27.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Washington Commanders?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 20, Washington Commanders 13 (CAR 20-13 WAS) in Week 16, 2020 on 2020-12-27.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Washington Commanders?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 6, Washington Commanders 0; Q2: Carolina Panthers 14, Washington Commanders 3; Q3: Carolina Panthers 0, Washington Commanders 3; Q4: Carolina Panthers 0, Washington Commanders 7; Final: Carolina Panthers 20, Washington Commanders 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Washington Commanders?
Carolina Panthers touchdown — J. Charlton (Q1 46:53) Carolina Panthers touchdown — M. Davis (Q2 38:39) Carolina Panthers touchdown — R. Anderson (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q2 33:12) Washington Commanders touchdown — J. McKissic (T. Heinicke pass) (Q4 2:00) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 31:24, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q3 19:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Washington Commanders?
T. Bridgewater (Carolina Panthers), 55.9% completion, +1.6% CPOE, -0.09 EPA per dropback, -3.23 total passing EPA. D. Haskins (Washington Commanders), 45.2% completion, -17.3% CPOE, -0.49 EPA per dropback, -15.20 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Washington Commanders?
C. Samuel (Carolina Panthers) led the game in total EPA with +9.55 on receiving plays. across 5 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+7.75 EPA): (1:53) 3-J.Charlton punts 43 yards to WAS 13, Center-44-J.Jansen. 15-S.Sims MUFFS catch, touched at WAS 13, RECOVERED by CAR-16-B.Zylstra at WAS -8. TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +22.3%.
Was Carolina Panthers vs Washington Commanders a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Carolina Panthers won 20-13 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 4-10 Now 5-10 W
Washington Commanders
Entered 6-8 Now 6-9 L
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