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NFL · Week 5 · October 10, 2021 · 12 min read

Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Chargers: 2021 Week 5 Recap

Chargers defeat Browns 47–42 in Week 5

Justin Herbert led Fantasy Impact as Chargers prevailed in a 42–47 Week 5 finish.

Cleveland Browns 42 3–2
Final 42–47
Los Angeles Chargers 47 4–1 Winner
Winner
Los Angeles Chargers
Final score
42–47
Halftime
Cleveland Browns 20–13 Los Angeles Chargers
Top passer
Justin Herbert
FantasyHQ MVP
Justin Herbert
Game date
October 10, 2021

Top fantasy performers · Browns

  • Baker Mayfield
    Baker Mayfield 23/37 · 311 YDS · 2 TD +11.3 Fantasy Impact
  • David Njoku
    David Njoku 7 REC · 149 YDS · 1 TD +10.2 Fantasy Impact
  • Nick Chubb
    Nick Chubb 21 CAR · 161 YDS · 1 TD +5.2 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

  • Justin Herbert
    Justin Herbert 26/53 · 413 YDS · 5 TD +23.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Mykel Williams
    Mykel Williams 8 REC · 165 YDS · 2 TD +8.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Kyle Allen
    Kyle Allen 6 REC · 75 YDS +5.4 Fantasy Impact
View Browns vs Chargers box score View all 2021 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Cleveland Browns 47–42 in Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-10-10, a matchup that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half. The decisive swing (+29.3% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Cleveland Browns swung the momentum.

In Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-10-10, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Cleveland Browns, pulling away with a 47–42 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 41 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +22.97 total EPA, and -6.0% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +22.97 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+29.3% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Cleveland Browns changed the game: (10:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 85-D.Njoku for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Cleveland Browns317715042
Los Angeles Chargers76826047

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 J. Herbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +22.97 total EPA · 53 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
  2. 2 B. Mayfield · Cleveland Browns · Passing · +11.35 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
  3. 3 D. Njoku · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +10.24 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.46 EPA/play
  4. 4 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +8.43 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
  5. 5 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.39 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
  6. 6 N. Chubb · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +5.21 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
  7. 7 D. Peoples-Jones · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +4.27 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
  8. 8 A. Ekeler · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +3.88 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

J. Herbert — LAC · Passing

J. Herbert posted the highest total EPA (+22.97) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 53 counted snaps, they averaged +0.43 EPA per play.

The signature play (+6.75 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (11:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-M.Garrett].

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Los Angeles Chargers — D. Parham (J. Herbert pass) (Q1 47:52)
  • Cleveland Browns — R. Higgins (B. Mayfield pass) (Q2 42:51)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q2 41:53)
  • Cleveland Browns — K. Hunt (Q2 30:57)
  • Cleveland Browns — N. Chubb (Q3 27:29)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — J. Herbert (Q3 21:32)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 11:30)
  • Cleveland Browns — D. Njoku (B. Mayfield pass) (Q4 10:53)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — A. Ekeler (Q4 7:27)
  • Cleveland Browns — K. Hunt (Q4 4:51)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — A. Ekeler (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 3:23)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — A. Ekeler (Q4 1:38)

Field goals

  • Cleveland Browns — C. McLaughlin (Q1 52:43)
  • Cleveland Browns — C. McLaughlin (Q2 30:04)

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. Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the LAC 17 (Q1 52:43) — (7:43) 3-C.McLaughlin 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CLE 22 (Q1 47:52) — (2:52) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 89-D.Parham for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q1 47:44) — 16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long..

The second quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 17–6. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the LAC 7 (Q2 42:51) — (12:51) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short right to 82-R.Higgins for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q2 42:46) — 3-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CLE 72 (Q2 41:53) — (11:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-M.Garrett].; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the LAC 3 (Q2 30:57) — (:57) 27-K.Hunt up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on LAC-98-L.Joseph, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q2 30:54) — 3-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.; Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the LAC 13 (Q2 30:04) — (:04) 3-C.McLaughlin 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan..

The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 8–7. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the LAC 52 (Q3 27:29) — (12:29) 24-N.Chubb right tackle for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 27:18) — 3-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CLE 9 (Q3 21:32) — (6:32) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert scrambles left end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers registered a safety from the CLE 2 (Q3 21:25) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 10-J.Herbert pass to 89-D.Parham is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..

The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 26–15. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CLE 42 (Q4 11:30) — (11:30) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep left to 81-M.Williams for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q4 11:22) — 16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the LAC 71 (Q4 10:53) — (10:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 85-D.Njoku for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns registered a safety from the LAC 2 (Q4 10:40) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 6-B.Mayfield pass to 81-A.Hooper is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CLE 4 (Q4 7:27) — (7:27) (Shotgun) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q4 7:24) — 16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the LAC 8 (Q4 4:51) — (4:51) 27-K.Hunt right end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 4:45) — 3-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CLE 19 (Q4 3:23) — (3:23) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 30-A.Ekeler for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CLE 3 (Q4 1:38) — (1:38) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Cleveland Browns (Q4 10:53) — (10:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 85-D.Njoku for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +29.3% · EPA +5.59]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 11:30) — (11:30) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep left to 81-M.Williams for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +24.9% · EPA +3.71]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 41:53) — (11:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-M.Garrett]. [WPA +22.6% · EPA +6.75]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q4 2:11) — (2:11) 7-J.Gillan punts 42 yards to LAC 40, Center-47-C.Hughlett. 84-K.Hill to CLE 48 for 12 yards (25-D.Felton). [WPA -21.0% · EPA -1.57]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 3:23) — (3:23) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 30-A.Ekeler for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +19.7% · EPA +3.59]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 41:53) — (11:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-M.Garrett]. [WPA +22.6% · EPA +6.75]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q4 10:53) — (10:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 85-D.Njoku for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +29.3% · EPA +5.59]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 9:10) — (9:10) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass incomplete deep right to 81-M.Williams. PENALTY on CLE-38-A.Green, Defensive Pass Interference, 33 yards, enforced at LAC 41 - No Play. [WPA +16.6% · EPA +4.59]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q3 27:29) — (12:29) 24-N.Chubb right tackle for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.5% · EPA +4.53]

Quarterback report card

J.Herbert led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • J.Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) · 53 dropbacks · 49.1% completion · -6.0% CPOE · +0.43 EPA/play · +22.97 total EPA
  • B.Mayfield (Cleveland Browns) · 37 dropbacks · 62.2% completion · +9.5% CPOE · +0.31 EPA/play · +11.35 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatCleveland BrownsLos Angeles Chargers
Offensive EPA/play+0.186+0.231
Offensive success rate47.3%41.3%
Pass EPA/play+0.307+0.433
Rush EPA/play+0.266+0.178
Defensive EPA/play-0.231-0.186
Defensive success rate58.7%52.7%

By the numbers

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Cleveland Browns +0.19, Los Angeles Chargers +0.23) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

  • Cleveland Browns: 12 drives, +16.93 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
  • Los Angeles Chargers: 12 drives, +21.24 total EPA, 7 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. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • J. Herbert (LAC) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
  • B. Mayfield (CLE) 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.

  1. Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q1 52:43 · LAC 17 · Score 3-0
    (7:43) 3-C.McLaughlin 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.
  2. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 47:52 · CLE 22 · Score 3-6
    (2:52) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 89-D.Parham for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 47:44 · CLE 15 · Score 3-7
    16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
  4. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 42:51 · LAC 7 · Score 9-7
    (12:51) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short right to 82-R.Higgins for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q2 42:46 · LAC 15 · Score 10-7
    3-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.
  6. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 41:53 · CLE 72 · Score 10-13
    (11:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-M.Garrett].
  7. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 30:57 · LAC 3 · Score 16-13
    (:57) 27-K.Hunt up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on LAC-98-L.Joseph, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.
  8. Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q2 30:54 · LAC 15 · Score 17-13
    3-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.
  9. Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · LAC 13 · Score 20-13
    (:04) 3-C.McLaughlin 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.
  10. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q3 27:29 · LAC 52 · Score 26-13
    (12:29) 24-N.Chubb right tackle for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q3 27:18 · LAC 15 · Score 27-13
    3-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.
  12. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 21:32 · CLE 9 · Score 27-19
    (6:32) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert scrambles left end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Los Angeles Chargers Safety (+2) — Q3 21:25 · CLE 2 · Score 27-21
    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 10-J.Herbert pass to 89-D.Parham is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  14. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 11:30 · CLE 42 · Score 27-27
    (11:30) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep left to 81-M.Williams for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 11:22 · CLE 15 · Score 27-28
    16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
  16. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 10:53 · LAC 71 · Score 33-28
    (10:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 85-D.Njoku for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  17. Cleveland Browns Safety (+2) — Q4 10:40 · LAC 2 · Score 35-28
    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 6-B.Mayfield pass to 81-A.Hooper is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  18. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 7:27 · CLE 4 · Score 35-34
    (7:27) (Shotgun) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  19. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 7:24 · CLE 15 · Score 35-35
    16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
  20. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 4:51 · LAC 8 · Score 41-35
    (4:51) 27-K.Hunt right end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  21. Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q4 4:45 · LAC 15 · Score 42-35
    3-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.
  22. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 3:23 · CLE 19 · Score 42-41
    (3:23) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 30-A.Ekeler for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  23. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 1:38 · CLE 3 · Score 42-47
    (1:38) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Chargers?

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Cleveland Browns 47-42 in Week 5, 2021 on 2021-10-10.

What was the final score of Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Chargers?

The final score was Cleveland Browns 42, Los Angeles Chargers 47 (CLE 42-47 LAC) in Week 5, 2021 on 2021-10-10.

What was the score by quarter in Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Q1: Cleveland Browns 3, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: Cleveland Browns 17, Los Angeles Chargers 6; Q3: Cleveland Browns 7, Los Angeles Chargers 8; Q4: Cleveland Browns 15, Los Angeles Chargers 26; Final: Cleveland Browns 42, Los Angeles Chargers 47.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — D. Parham (J. Herbert pass) (Q1 47:52) Cleveland Browns touchdown — R. Higgins (B. Mayfield pass) (Q2 42:51) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q2 41:53) Cleveland Browns touchdown — K. Hunt (Q2 30:57) Cleveland Browns touchdown — N. Chubb (Q3 27:29) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — J. Herbert (Q3 21:32) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 11:30) Cleveland Browns touchdown — D. Njoku (B. Mayfield pass) (Q4 10:53) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (Q4 7:27) Cleveland Browns touchdown — K. Hunt (Q4 4:51) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 3:23) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (Q4 1:38) Cleveland Browns field goal — C. McLaughlin (Q1 52:43, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — C. McLaughlin (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Chargers?

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), 49.1% completion, -6.0% CPOE, +0.43 EPA per dropback, +22.97 total passing EPA. B. Mayfield (Cleveland Browns), 62.2% completion, +9.5% CPOE, +0.31 EPA per dropback, +11.35 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Chargers?

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +22.97 on passing plays. across 53 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.75 EPA): (11:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-M.Garrett].. The biggest win-probability swing was +29.3%.

Was Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?

Yes — the margin was 5 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 47-42 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

Season records after this game

Cleveland Browns

Entered 3-1 Now 3-2 L

Los Angeles Chargers

Entered 3-1 Now 4-1 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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