Game story
In Week 13 of the 2012 NFL season on 2012-12-02, the Cincinnati Bengals took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, 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 16 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with -8.41 total EPA, and -6.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, D. Alexander (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.82 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-22.1% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Cincinnati Bengals changed the game: (14:19) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 18-A.Green INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Williams at CIN 31. 58-D.Williams for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke t
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 D. Alexander · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.82 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 2 A. Hawkins · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.51 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
- 3 A. Dalton · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +2.35 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
- 4 R. Whalen · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.25 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.25 EPA/play
- 5 M. Floyd · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.06 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
- 6 A. Gates · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.00 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
- 7 B. Green-Ellis · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +0.99 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.04 EPA/play
- 8 L. McClain · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +0.79 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
D. Alexander — LAC · Receiving
D. Alexander posted the highest total EPA (+4.82) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 10 counted snaps, they averaged +0.48 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.95 EPA) came from Cincinnati Bengals: (14:19) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 18-A.Green INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Williams at CIN 31. 58-D.Williams for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Gresham (A. Dalton pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — D. Williams
- Cincinnati Bengals — A. Dalton
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Novak
- Cincinnati Bengals — M. Nugent
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Novak
- Cincinnati Bengals — M. Nugent
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 7–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the LAC 19 (Q1 52:45) — (7:45) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 84-J.Gresham for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q1 52:39) — 2-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 13–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 2 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 9-N.Novak 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-K.Nelson, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the LAC 77 (Q2 44:19); Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q2 44:09) — 9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-42-K.Nelson, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 1 (Q2 39:41) — (9:41) 2-M.Nugent 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 1 (Q2 30:01) — (:01) 9-N.Novak 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-K.Nelson, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 10–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the LAC 6 (Q4 4:17) — (4:17) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q4 4:11) — 2-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 6 (Q4 2:50) — (2:50) 2-M.Nugent 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 44:19) — (14:19) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 18-A.Green INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Williams at CIN 31. 58-D.Williams for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke t
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 22:42) — (7:42) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right to 84-J.Gresham to LAC 42 for 1 yard (51-T.Spikes, 58-D.Williams). FUMBLES (51-T.Spikes), RECOVERED by LAC-23-Q.Jammer at LAC 39. 23-Q.Jammer to LAC 39 fo
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 26:28) — (11:28) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep middle intended for 82-M.Jones INTERCEPTED by 41-C.Lynch at LAC 12. 41-C.Lynch to LAC 32 for 20 yards (82-M.Jones).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 4:01) — (4:01) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers sacked at LAC 15 for -10 yards (96-C.Dunlap). FUMBLES (96-C.Dunlap), RECOVERED by CIN-96-C.Dunlap at LAC 15. 96-C.Dunlap to LAC 13 for 2 yards (67-R.Hadnot). The Replay As
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 55:41) — (10:41) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right to 16-A.Hawkins to LAC 36 for 17 yards (32-E.Weddle) [38-M.Gilchrist].
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 44:19) — (14:19) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 18-A.Green INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Williams at CIN 31. 58-D.Williams for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke t
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 4:01) — (4:01) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers sacked at LAC 15 for -10 yards (96-C.Dunlap). FUMBLES (96-C.Dunlap), RECOVERED by CIN-96-C.Dunlap at LAC 15. 96-C.Dunlap to LAC 13 for 2 yards (67-R.Hadnot). The Replay As
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 22:42) — (7:42) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right to 84-J.Gresham to LAC 42 for 1 yard (51-T.Spikes, 58-D.Williams). FUMBLES (51-T.Spikes), RECOVERED by LAC-23-Q.Jammer at LAC 39. 23-Q.Jammer to LAC 39 fo
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 26:28) — (11:28) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep middle intended for 82-M.Jones INTERCEPTED by 41-C.Lynch at LAC 12. 41-C.Lynch to LAC 32 for 20 yards (82-M.Jones).
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) · 56 dropbacks · 46.4% completion · -6.3% CPOE · -0.15 EPA/play · -8.41 total EPA
- A.Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals) · 42 dropbacks · 59.5% completion · +4.4% CPOE · -0.15 EPA/play · -6.47 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Cincinnati Bengals | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.052 | -0.167 |
| Offensive success rate | 50.0% | 39.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.154 | -0.150 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.064 | -0.266 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.167 | +0.052 |
| Defensive success rate | 60.5% | 50.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Cincinnati Bengals generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.05 vs -0.17), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 11 drives, -4.62 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, -14.32 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Cincinnati Bengals 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.
- D. Alexander (Los Angeles Chargers) 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.
- A. Dalton (CIN) 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.
- Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 52:45 · LAC 19 · Score 6-0
(7:45) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep right to 84-J.Gresham for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 52:39 · LAC 2 · Score 7-0
2-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 45:00 · CIN 2 · Score 7-3
(15:00) 9-N.Novak 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-K.Nelson, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 44:19 · LAC 77 · Score 7-9
(14:19) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 18-A.Green INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Williams at CIN 31. 58-D.Williams for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 44:09 · CIN 2 · Score 7-10
9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-42-K.Nelson, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 39:41 · LAC 1 · Score 10-10
(9:41) 2-M.Nugent 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:01 · CIN 1 · Score 10-13
(:01) 9-N.Novak 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-K.Nelson, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 4:17 · LAC 6 · Score 16-13
(4:17) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 4:11 · LAC 2 · Score 17-13
2-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 2:50 · LAC 6 · Score 20-13
(2:50) 2-M.Nugent 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-13 in Week 13, 2012 on 2012-12-02.
What was the final score of Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Cincinnati Bengals 20, Los Angeles Chargers 13 (CIN 20-13 LAC) in Week 13, 2012 on 2012-12-02.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 3, Los Angeles Chargers 13; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 10, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 20, Los Angeles Chargers 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Gresham (A. Dalton pass) (Q1 52:45) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — D. Williams (Q2 44:19) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — A. Dalton (Q4 4:17) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Novak (Q2 45:00, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — M. Nugent (Q2 39:41, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Novak (Q2 30:01, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — M. Nugent (Q4 2:50, 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 Chargers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 46.4% completion, -6.3% CPOE, -0.15 EPA per dropback, -8.41 total passing EPA. A. Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals), 59.5% completion, +4.4% CPOE, -0.15 EPA per dropback, -6.47 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
D. Alexander (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +4.82 on receiving plays. across 10 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.95 EPA): (14:19) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 18-A.Green INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Williams at CIN 31. 58-D.Williams for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenge. The biggest win-probability swing was -22.1%.
Was Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Cincinnati Bengals won 20-13 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 6-5 Now 7-5 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 4-7 Now 4-8 L
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