Game story
In Week 16 of the 2003 NFL season on 2003-12-21, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 27–10 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Bulger (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with +6.36 total EPA.
On the individual side, T. Holt (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.76 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+12.7% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (:54) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Upheld.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 7 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 27 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Holt · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +9.76 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play
- 2 C. Johnson · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +7.74 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 3 M. Bulger · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +6.36 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 4 M. Furrey · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +4.21 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.40 EPA/play
- 5 K. Washington · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +3.34 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 6 M. Faulk · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +3.13 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play
- 7 B. Bennett · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +3.08 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 8 M. Faulk · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +2.58 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Holt — LA · Receiving
T. Holt posted the highest total EPA (+9.76) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Rams's efficiency. Across 10 counted snaps, they averaged +0.98 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.79 EPA) came from Cincinnati Bengals: (8:34) 3-J.Kitna pass intended for 87-K.Washington INTERCEPTED by 23-J.Butler at LA -5. 23-J.Butler to LA 8 for 13 yards (63-M.Goff).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Rams — M. Faulk
- Cincinnati Bengals — K. Washington (J. Kitna pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — T. Holt (M. Bulger pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — M. Faulk (M. Bulger pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
- Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q1 47:02) — (2:02) 28-M.Faulk left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q1 46:59) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the LA 2 (Q2 38:43) — (8:43) 3-J.Kitna pass to 87-K.Washington for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q2 38:40) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Richardson.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the CIN 8 (Q2 34:43) — (4:43) 14-J.Wilkins 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the CIN 28 (Q2 30:54) — (:54) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Upheld.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q2 30:47) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LA 30 (Q2 30:04) — (:04) 17-S.Graham 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Richardson..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the CIN 32 (Q3 18:30) — (3:30) 14-J.Wilkins 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the CIN 9 (Q4 14:17) — (14:17) 10-M.Bulger pass to 28-M.Faulk for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q4 14:08).
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 30:54) — (:54) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Upheld.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 38:43) — (8:43) 3-J.Kitna pass to 87-K.Washington for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 52:00) — (7:00) 3-J.Kitna pass intended for 85-C.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 52-T.Polley at LA 43. 52-T.Polley to LA 49 for 6 yards (85-C.Johnson).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q1 57:25) — (12:25) 10-M.Bulger pass intended for 82-M.Furrey INTERCEPTED by 26-T.James at CIN 17. 26-T.James to CIN 17 for no gain (82-M.Furrey).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 37:13) — (7:13) 28-M.Faulk right guard to CIN 28 for 26 yards (56-B.Simmons).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 8:34) — (8:34) 3-J.Kitna pass intended for 87-K.Washington INTERCEPTED by 23-J.Butler at LA -5. 23-J.Butler to LA 8 for 13 yards (63-M.Goff).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 14:08) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. PENALTY on CIN-27-A.Hawkins, Running Into the Kicker, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 30:54) — (:54) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Upheld.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 27:56) — (12:56) (Shotgun) 3-J.Kitna pass intended for 36-B.Bennett INTERCEPTED by 31-A.Archuleta at LA 28. 31-A.Archuleta to 50 for 22 yards (3-J.Kitna).
Quarterback report card
M.Bulger led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Bulger (Los Angeles Rams) · 39 dropbacks · 61.5% completion · +0.16 EPA/play · +6.36 total EPA
- J.Kitna (Cincinnati Bengals) · 32 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -0.25 EPA/play · -7.86 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Cincinnati Bengals | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.142 | +0.020 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.3% | 45.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.246 | +0.163 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.104 | +0.099 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.020 | +0.142 |
| Defensive success rate | 54.1% | 57.7% |
By the numbers
Los Angeles Rams held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.14), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 10 drives, -10.07 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Rams: 10 drives, +1.66 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Los Angeles Rams leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- T. Holt (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 47:02 · CIN 1 · Score 0-6
(2:02) 28-M.Faulk left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 46:59 · CIN 2 · Score 0-7
14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 38:43 · LA 2 · Score 6-7
(8:43) 3-J.Kitna pass to 87-K.Washington for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 38:40 · LA 2 · Score 7-7
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Richardson. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 34:43 · CIN 8 · Score 7-10
(4:43) 14-J.Wilkins 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 30:54 · CIN 28 · Score 7-16
(:54) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Upheld. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 30:47 · CIN 2 · Score 7-17
14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · LA 30 · Score 10-17
(:04) 17-S.Graham 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Richardson. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q3 18:30 · CIN 32 · Score 10-20
(3:30) 14-J.Wilkins 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 14:17 · CIN 9 · Score 10-26
(14:17) 10-M.Bulger pass to 28-M.Faulk for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q4 14:08 · CIN 2 · Score 10-27
14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. PENALTY on CIN-27-A.Hawkins, Running Into the Kicker, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams?
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 27-10 in Week 16, 2003 on 2003-12-21.
What was the final score of Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams?
The final score was Cincinnati Bengals 10, Los Angeles Rams 27 (CIN 10-27 LA) in Week 16, 2003 on 2003-12-21.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Los Angeles Rams 7; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 10, Los Angeles Rams 10; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Los Angeles Rams 3; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Los Angeles Rams 7; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 10, Los Angeles Rams 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams?
Los Angeles Rams touchdown — M. Faulk (Q1 47:02) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — K. Washington (J. Kitna pass) (Q2 38:43) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — T. Holt (M. Bulger pass) (Q2 30:54) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — M. Faulk (M. Bulger pass) (Q4 14:17) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q2 34:43, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q3 18:30, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams?
M. Bulger (Los Angeles Rams), 61.5% completion, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +6.36 total passing EPA. J. Kitna (Cincinnati Bengals), 50.0% completion, -0.25 EPA per dropback, -7.86 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams?
T. Holt (Los Angeles Rams) led the game in total EPA with +9.76 on receiving plays. across 10 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.79 EPA): (8:34) 3-J.Kitna pass intended for 87-K.Washington INTERCEPTED by 23-J.Butler at LA -5. 23-J.Butler to LA 8 for 13 yards (63-M.Goff).. The biggest win-probability swing was +12.7%.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 8-6 Now 8-7 L
Los Angeles Rams
Entered 11-3 Now 12-3 W
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
