Game story
In Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-10-16, the Dallas Cowboys took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 20–17 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 23 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with -0.90 total EPA, and -6.1% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.82 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+22.7% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (7:15) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 7-G.Everett for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 7 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 20 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 0 | 3 | 13 | 0 | 17 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Lamb · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +10.82 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.55 EPA/play
- 2 D. Prescott · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +9.85 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play
- 3 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.42 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
- 4 T. Pollard · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.47 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 5 B. Cooks · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.22 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
- 6 J. Herbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.78 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.78 EPA/play
- 7 J. Ferguson · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.66 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.66 EPA/play
- 8 B. Cooks · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +0.71 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Lamb — DAL · Receiving
C. Lamb posted the highest total EPA (+10.82) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Dallas Cowboys's efficiency. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +1.55 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.68 EPA) came from Dallas Cowboys: (15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle to 20-T.Pollard to LAC 16 for 60 yards (26-A.Samuel).
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 (J. Herbert pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — D. Prescott
- Dallas Cowboys — B. Cooks (D. Prescott pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — G. Everett (J. Herbert pass)
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — B. Aubrey
- Dallas Cowboys — unlisted player
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Dicker
- Dallas Cowboys — B. Aubrey
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q1 55:34) — (10:34) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 13-K.Allen for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q1 55:31) — 11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LAC 18 (Q1 51:26) — (6:26) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott right tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 51:21) — 17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger..
The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 6–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LAC 14 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 17-B.Aubrey 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal (Q2 30:00) — END QUARTER 2.
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DAL 6 (Q3 16:11) — (1:11) 11-C.Dicker 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 13–10. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LAC 2 (Q4 11:26) — (11:26) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 3-B.Cooks for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 11:19) — 17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q4 7:15) — (7:15) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 7-G.Everett for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DAL 15 (Q4 7:11) — 11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LAC 21 (Q4 2:23) — (2:23) 17-B.Aubrey 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 7:15) — (7:15) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 7-G.Everett for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 8:55) — (8:55) 16-J.Scott punts 49 yards to DAL 21, Center-47-J.Harris, downed by LAC-47-J.Harris. Los Angeles Chargers challenged the kick downed ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 16-J.Scott punts 49 yards
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle to 20-T.Pollard to LAC 16 for 60 yards (26-A.Samuel).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 1:29) — (1:29) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right intended for 1-Q.Johnston INTERCEPTED by 21-S.Gilmore [33-D.Clark] at LAC 33. 21-S.Gilmore to LAC 33 for no gain (1-Q.Johnston).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 11:26) — (11:26) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 3-B.Cooks for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle to 20-T.Pollard to LAC 16 for 60 yards (26-A.Samuel).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 8:55) — (8:55) 16-J.Scott punts 49 yards to DAL 21, Center-47-J.Harris, downed by LAC-47-J.Harris. Los Angeles Chargers challenged the kick downed ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 16-J.Scott punts 49 yards
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 32:29) — (2:29) 4-D.Prescott up the middle to LAC 13 for no gain (20-D.Marlowe, 52-K.Mack).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 22:47) — (7:47) 10-J.Herbert pass incomplete short right to 5-J.Palmer (26-D.Bland).
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 · 41.5% completion · -6.1% CPOE · -0.02 EPA/play · -0.90 total EPA
- D.Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) · 41 dropbacks · 51.2% completion · +1.7% CPOE · +0.24 EPA/play · +9.85 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.000 | -0.059 |
| Offensive success rate | 39.2% | 36.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.240 | -0.017 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.263 | -0.407 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.059 | -0.000 |
| Defensive success rate | 64.0% | 60.8% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Dallas Cowboys generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.00 vs -0.06), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Dallas Cowboys: 10 drives, +0.01 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 10 drives, -5.11 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Dallas Cowboys 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. Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) 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.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 55:34 · DAL 1 · Score 0-6
(10:34) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 13-K.Allen for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 55:31 · DAL 15 · Score 0-7
11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 51:26 · LAC 18 · Score 6-7
(6:26) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott right tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 51:21 · LAC 15 · Score 7-7
17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · LAC 14 · Score 10-7
(:03) 17-B.Aubrey 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 30:00 · Score 10-7
END QUARTER 2 - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 16:11 · DAL 6 · Score 10-10
(1:11) 11-C.Dicker 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 11:26 · LAC 2 · Score 16-10
(11:26) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 3-B.Cooks for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 11:19 · LAC 15 · Score 17-10
17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 7:15 · DAL 1 · Score 17-16
(7:15) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 7-G.Everett for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+7) — Q4 7:11 · DAL 15 · Score 17-17
11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 2:23 · LAC 21 · Score 20-17
(2:23) 17-B.Aubrey 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-17 in Week 6, 2023 on 2023-10-16.
What was the final score of Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Dallas Cowboys 20, Los Angeles Chargers 17 (DAL 20-17 LAC) in Week 6, 2023 on 2023-10-16.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Dallas Cowboys 7, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 6, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 0, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 10, Los Angeles Chargers 13; Final: Dallas Cowboys 20, Los Angeles Chargers 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — K. Allen (J. Herbert pass) (Q1 55:34) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — D. Prescott (Q1 51:26) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — B. Cooks (D. Prescott pass) (Q4 11:26) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — G. Everett (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 7:15) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — unlisted player (Q2 30:00, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Dicker (Q3 16:11, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q4 2:23, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), 41.5% completion, -6.1% CPOE, -0.02 EPA per dropback, -0.90 total passing EPA. D. Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), 51.2% completion, +1.7% CPOE, +0.24 EPA per dropback, +9.85 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
C. Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) led the game in total EPA with +10.82 on receiving plays. across 7 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.68 EPA): (15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle to 20-T.Pollard to LAC 16 for 60 yards (26-A.Samuel).. The biggest win-probability swing was +22.7%.
Was Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Dallas Cowboys won 20-17 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 3-2 Now 4-2 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 2-2 Now 2-3 L
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