Game story
In Week 13 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-12-01, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Denver Broncos, pulling away with a 30–27 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 31 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +1.65 total EPA.
On the individual side, C. Portis (Denver Broncos) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.63 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-36.5% win probability) landed in overtime when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (10:41) 8-S.Christie 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (93-T.Pryce), Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett, RECOVERED by DEN-24-D.O'Neal at DEN 24. 24-D.O'Neal, dead ball declared at DEN 27 for 3 yards.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 10 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 24 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 30 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Portis · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +9.63 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 2 E. McCaffrey · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +8.27 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play
- 3 R. Caldwell · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.94 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 4 C. Portis · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.49 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 5 R. Droughns · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.16 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play
- 6 L. Tomlinson · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +2.09 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 7 E. Parker · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.08 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 8 D. Brees · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +1.65 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.04 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Portis — DEN · Rushing
C. Portis posted the highest total EPA (+9.63) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Denver Broncos's efficiency. Across 23 counted snaps, they averaged +0.42 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.56 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (:14) 21-L.Tomlinson left end to DEN 6 for 76 yards (37-T.Poole). PENALTY on DEN-37-T.Poole, 3 yards, enforced at DEN 6.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — C. Portis
- Los Angeles Chargers — L. Tomlinson
- Los Angeles Chargers — L. Tomlinson
- Los Angeles Chargers — L. Tomlinson
- Denver Broncos — C. Portis
- Denver Broncos — R. Droughns (S. Beuerlein pass)
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- Los Angeles Chargers — S. Christie
- Los Angeles Chargers — S. Christie
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- Los Angeles Chargers — S. Christie
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 10–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 36 (Q1 52:30) — (7:30) 1-J.Elam 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 43 (Q1 45:28) — (:28) 26-C.Portis right tackle for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q1 45:20) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 24–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 3 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 21-L.Tomlinson left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 44:56) — 8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q2 39:30) — (9:30) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 39:26) — 8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 5 (Q2 34:43) — (4:43) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 34:38) — 8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 8 (Q2 33:13) — (3:13) 26-C.Portis left guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 33:08) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 2 (Q2 30:10) — (:10) 8-S.Christie 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett..
The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 22 (Q3 24:46) — (9:46) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 34-R.Droughns for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 24:39) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 22 (Q4 13:17) — (13:17) 8-S.Christie 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 7 (Q4 1:42) — (1:42) 1-J.Elam 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein..
Overtime: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 9 (OT 3:04) — (3:04) 8-S.Christie 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (OT 10:41) — (10:41) 8-S.Christie 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (93-T.Pryce), Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett, RECOVERED by DEN-24-D.O'Neal at DEN 24. 24-D.O'Neal, dead ball declared at DEN 27 for 3 yards.
- Denver Broncos (OT 9:40) — (9:40) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 87-E.McCaffrey to LAC 38 for 16 yards (23-Q.Jammer, 37-R.Harrison).
- Los Angeles Chargers (OT 5:25) — (5:25) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 81-S.Alexander ran ob at DEN 21 for 20 yards (51-J.Mobley).
- Denver Broncos (Q4 3:37) — (3:37) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 87-E.McCaffrey to LAC 26 for 15 yards (59-D.Edwards).
- Denver Broncos (Q4 11:49) — (11:49) 11-S.Beuerlein pass intended for 86-P.Hape INTERCEPTED by 59-D.Edwards at DEN 46. 59-D.Edwards to DEN 30 for 16 yards (80-R.Smith).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 45:14) — (:14) 21-L.Tomlinson left end to DEN 6 for 76 yards (37-T.Poole). PENALTY on DEN-37-T.Poole, 3 yards, enforced at DEN 6.
- Denver Broncos (Q4 11:49) — (11:49) 11-S.Beuerlein pass intended for 86-P.Hape INTERCEPTED by 59-D.Edwards at DEN 46. 59-D.Edwards to DEN 30 for 16 yards (80-R.Smith).
- Denver Broncos (Q1 45:28) — (:28) 26-C.Portis right tackle for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 11-S.Beuerlein pass intended for 80-R.Smith INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Molden at DEN 38. 25-A.Molden to DEN 30 for 8 yards (80-R.Smith).
Quarterback report card
D.Brees led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) · 44 dropbacks · 61.4% completion · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.65 total EPA
- S.Beuerlein (Denver Broncos) · 44 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -0.20 EPA/play · -8.96 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Denver Broncos | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.035 | -0.029 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.8% | 46.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.204 | +0.037 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.250 | -0.013 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.029 | +0.035 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.8% | 58.2% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Denver Broncos -0.04, Los Angeles Chargers -0.03) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Denver Broncos: 16 drives, -3.21 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 15 drives, -3.11 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.
- C. Portis (Denver Broncos) 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.
- Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q1 52:30 · LAC 36 · Score 3-0
(7:30) 1-J.Elam 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 45:28 · LAC 43 · Score 9-0
(:28) 26-C.Portis right tackle for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 45:20 · LAC 2 · Score 10-0
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 45:00 · DEN 3 · Score 10-6
(15:00) 21-L.Tomlinson left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 44:56 · DEN 2 · Score 10-7
8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 39:30 · DEN 1 · Score 10-13
(9:30) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 39:26 · DEN 2 · Score 10-14
8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 34:43 · DEN 5 · Score 10-20
(4:43) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 34:38 · DEN 2 · Score 10-21
8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 33:13 · LAC 8 · Score 16-21
(3:13) 26-C.Portis left guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 33:08 · LAC 2 · Score 17-21
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:10 · DEN 2 · Score 17-24
(:10) 8-S.Christie 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 24:46 · LAC 22 · Score 23-24
(9:46) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 34-R.Droughns for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 24:39 · LAC 2 · Score 24-24
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 13:17 · DEN 22 · Score 24-27
(13:17) 8-S.Christie 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 1:42 · LAC 7 · Score 27-27
(1:42) 1-J.Elam 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — OT 3:04 · DEN 9 · Score 27-30
(3:04) 8-S.Christie 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Denver Broncos 30-27 in Week 13, 2002 on 2002-12-01.
What was the final score of Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Denver Broncos 27, Los Angeles Chargers 30 (DEN 27-30 LAC) in Week 13, 2002 on 2002-12-01.
What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Denver Broncos 10, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q2: Denver Broncos 7, Los Angeles Chargers 24; Q3: Denver Broncos 7, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q4: Denver Broncos 3, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q5: Denver Broncos 0, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Final: Denver Broncos 27, Los Angeles Chargers 30.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Portis (Q1 45:28) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Tomlinson (Q2 45:00) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Tomlinson (Q2 39:30) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Tomlinson (Q2 34:43) Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Portis (Q2 33:13) Denver Broncos touchdown — R. Droughns (S. Beuerlein pass) (Q3 24:46) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q1 52:30, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — S. Christie (Q2 30:10, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — S. Christie (Q4 13:17, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q4 1:42, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — S. Christie (OT 3:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers), 61.4% completion, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +1.65 total passing EPA. S. Beuerlein (Denver Broncos), 50.0% completion, -0.20 EPA per dropback, -8.96 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
C. Portis (Denver Broncos) led the game in total EPA with +9.63 on rushing plays. across 23 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.56 EPA): (:14) 21-L.Tomlinson left end to DEN 6 for 76 yards (37-T.Poole). PENALTY on DEN-37-T.Poole, 3 yards, enforced at DEN 6.. The biggest win-probability swing was -36.5%.
Was Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 30-27 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Denver Broncos
Entered 7-4 Now 7-5 L
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 7-4 Now 8-4 W
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