Game story
In Week 14 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-12-09, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 26–21 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 19 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals) paced the passing game, with +6.95 total EPA, and +4.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.95 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-11.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Cincinnati Bengals changed the game: (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 6-J.Driskel is sacked. ATTEMPT FAILS.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 3 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 21 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 26 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Driskel · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +6.95 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 2 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +4.46 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
- 3 T. Boyd · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.34 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 4 C. Uzomah · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.26 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
- 5 A. Ekeler · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +2.19 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
- 6 C. Core · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.17 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 7 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.50 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 8 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.39 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Driskel — CIN · Passing
J. Driskel posted the highest total EPA (+6.95) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Cincinnati Bengals's efficiency. Across 37 counted snaps, they averaged +0.19 EPA per play.
The signature play (-3.38 EPA) came from Cincinnati Bengals: (12:51) 28-J.Mixon up the middle to CIN 35 for no gain (43-M.Davis, 37-J.Addae).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — K. Allen (P. Rivers pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Ekeler
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Ross (J. Driskel pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Mixon
Field goals
- Cincinnati Bengals — R. Bullock
- Cincinnati Bengals — R. Bullock
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley
- Cincinnati Bengals — R. Bullock
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley
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 7–3. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CIN 14 (Q1 56:46) — (11:46) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 13-K.Allen for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q1 56:39) — (Kick formation) 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 29 (Q1 51:28) — (6:28) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–9. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CIN 5 (Q2 44:56) — (14:56) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q2 44:51) — (Kick formation) 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 5 (Q2 35:05) — (5:05) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the LAC 6 (Q2 30:25) — (:25) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass short middle to 15-J.Ross for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 41 (Q2 30:00) — (:00) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 13 (Q3 22:42) — (7:42) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones..
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 9–6. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 28 (Q4 12:17) — (12:17) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 14 (Q4 7:50) — (7:50) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q4 1:54) — (1:54) 66-T.Hopkins and 94-S.Hubbard reported in as eligible. 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 27 (Q4 0:54) — (:54) 4-M.Badgley 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 1:50) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 6-J.Driskel is sacked. ATTEMPT FAILS.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 30:25) — (:25) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass short middle to 15-J.Ross for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:54) — (:54) 4-M.Badgley 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 27:51) — (12:51) 28-J.Mixon up the middle to CIN 35 for no gain (43-M.Davis, 37-J.Addae).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 31:51) — (1:51) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers sacked at LAC 6 for -10 yards (96-C.Dunlap).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 27:51) — (12:51) 28-J.Mixon up the middle to CIN 35 for no gain (43-M.Davis, 37-J.Addae).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 37:59) — (7:59) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass deep middle to 83-T.Boyd to LAC 17 for 19 yards (43-M.Davis).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 9:54) — (9:54) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams to CIN 21 for 17 yards (20-K.Russell; 30-J.Bates).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 30:25) — (:25) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass short middle to 15-J.Ross for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
J.Driskel led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals) · 37 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · +4.9% CPOE · +0.19 EPA/play · +6.95 total EPA
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 33 dropbacks · 57.6% completion · -0.7% CPOE · +0.14 EPA/play · +4.46 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Cincinnati Bengals | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.036 | +0.092 |
| Offensive success rate | 45.2% | 48.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.188 | +0.135 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.106 | +0.003 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.092 | -0.036 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.0% | 54.8% |
By the numbers
Los Angeles Chargers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.09 vs +0.04), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 10 drives, +3.03 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 10 drives, +6.88 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Los Angeles Chargers 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.
- J. Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Driskel (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.
- Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 56:46 · CIN 14 · Score 0-6
(11:46) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 13-K.Allen for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 56:39 · CIN 15 · Score 0-7
(Kick formation) 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q1 51:28 · LAC 29 · Score 3-7
(6:28) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 44:56 · CIN 5 · Score 3-13
(14:56) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 44:51 · CIN 15 · Score 3-14
(Kick formation) 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 35:05 · LAC 5 · Score 6-14
(5:05) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 30:25 · LAC 6 · Score 12-14
(:25) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass short middle to 15-J.Ross for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:00 · CIN 41 · Score 12-17
(:00) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 22:42 · CIN 13 · Score 12-20
(7:42) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 12:17 · LAC 28 · Score 15-20
(12:17) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 7:50 · CIN 14 · Score 15-23
(7:50) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 1:54 · LAC 1 · Score 21-23
(1:54) 66-T.Hopkins and 94-S.Hubbard reported in as eligible. 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 0:54 · CIN 27 · Score 21-26
(:54) 4-M.Badgley 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21 in Week 14, 2018 on 2018-12-09.
What was the final score of Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Cincinnati Bengals 21, Los Angeles Chargers 26 (CIN 21-26 LAC) in Week 14, 2018 on 2018-12-09.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 3, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 9, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 9, Los Angeles Chargers 6; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Los Angeles Chargers 26.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — K. Allen (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 56:46) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (Q2 44:56) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Ross (J. Driskel pass) (Q2 30:25) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Mixon (Q4 1:54) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q1 51:28, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q2 35:05, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q2 30:00, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q3 22:42, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q4 12:17, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q4 7:50, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q4 0:54, 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?
J. Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals), 48.6% completion, +4.9% CPOE, +0.19 EPA per dropback, +6.95 total passing EPA. P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 57.6% completion, -0.7% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +4.46 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
J. Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals) led the game in total EPA with +6.95 on passing plays. across 37 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-3.38 EPA): (12:51) 28-J.Mixon up the middle to CIN 35 for no gain (43-M.Davis, 37-J.Addae).. The biggest win-probability swing was -11.6%.
Was Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 5 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 26-21 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 5-7 Now 5-8 L
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 9-3 Now 10-3 W
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