Game story
In Week 17 of the 2005 NFL season on 2005-12-31, the Denver Broncos took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 23–7 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with -8.73 total EPA.
On the individual side, E. Parker (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.68 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-13.6% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (3:37) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at LAC 1 for -8 yards (47-J.Lynch). FUMBLES (47-J.Lynch), RECOVERED by DEN-42-S.Brandon at LAC 1. 42-S.Brandon to LAC 1 for no gain (79-M.Goff).LAC-9-D.Brees was inju
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 14 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 E. Parker · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.68 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 2 L. Tomlinson · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +4.29 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 3 K. McCardell · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.61 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 4 W. Duke · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.38 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.38 EPA/play
- 5 K. Johnson · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.14 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.07 EPA/play
- 6 S. Alexander · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.35 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.35 EPA/play
- 7 B.Van Pelt · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +0.76 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 8 A. Lelie · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +0.72 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
E. Parker — LAC · Receiving
E. Parker posted the highest total EPA (+5.68) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +0.71 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.24 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (3:37) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at LAC 1 for -8 yards (47-J.Lynch). FUMBLES (47-J.Lynch), RECOVERED by DEN-42-S.Brandon at LAC 1. 42-S.Brandon to LAC 1 for no gain (79-M.Goff).LAC-9-D.Brees was injured during the play.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — T. Bell
- Denver Broncos — T. Bell
- Los Angeles Chargers — L. Tomlinson
- Denver Broncos — T. Bell
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–7. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 6 (Q2 41:54) — (11:54) 26-T.Bell up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 41:48) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q2 33:27) — (3:27) 26-T.Bell right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 33:24) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 6 (Q2 30:43) — (:43) 21-L.Tomlinson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 30:38) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 2–0. Denver Broncos registered a safety from the DEN 96 (Q3 20:37).
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 19 (Q4 4:38) — (4:38) 26-T.Bell up the middle for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 7 (Q4 4:32) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 33:37) — (3:37) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at LAC 1 for -8 yards (47-J.Lynch). FUMBLES (47-J.Lynch), RECOVERED by DEN-42-S.Brandon at LAC 1. 42-S.Brandon to LAC 1 for no gain (79-M.Goff).LAC-9-D.Brees was inju
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 20:37) — (5:37) 17-P.Rivers sacked at LAC 0 for -4 yards (47-J.Lynch). FUMBLES (47-J.Lynch), recovered by LAC-70-S.Olivea at LAC 0. 70-S.Olivea tackled in End Zone, SAFETY (97-D.Veal).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:43) — (:43) 21-L.Tomlinson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 43:49) — (13:49) 16-J.Plummer pass to 84-W.Duke to LAC 19 for 21 yards (24-J.Wilson).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 50:56) — (5:56) 21-L.Tomlinson left guard to DEN 34 for 1 yard (52-I.Gold, 25-N.Ferguson). PENALTY on DEN-96-M.Myers, Defensive Holding, 6 yards, enforced at DEN 35 - No Play.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 33:37) — (3:37) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at LAC 1 for -8 yards (47-J.Lynch). FUMBLES (47-J.Lynch), RECOVERED by DEN-42-S.Brandon at LAC 1. 42-S.Brandon to LAC 1 for no gain (79-M.Goff).LAC-9-D.Brees was inju
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 5:01) — (5:01) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass intended for 85-A.Gates INTERCEPTED by 40-C.Cox (42-S.Brandon) at DEN 18. 40-C.Cox to LAC 34 for 48 yards (17-P.Rivers). PENALTY on LAC-17-P.Rivers, Face Mask (15 Yar
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:43) — (:43) 21-L.Tomlinson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q4 12:57) — (12:57) 1-J.Elam 28 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
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) · 25 dropbacks · 48.0% completion · -0.35 EPA/play · -8.73 total EPA
- D.Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) · 17 dropbacks · 47.1% completion · -0.72 EPA/play · -12.27 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Denver Broncos | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.009 | -0.226 |
| Offensive success rate | 39.0% | 35.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.027 | -0.500 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.022 | +0.135 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.226 | -0.009 |
| Defensive success rate | 64.6% | 61.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Denver Broncos generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.01 vs -0.23), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Denver Broncos: 13 drives, +0.72 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 12 drives, -17.89 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Denver Broncos leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- E. Parker (Los Angeles Chargers) 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 TD (+6) — Q2 41:54 · LAC 6 · Score 6-0
(11:54) 26-T.Bell up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 41:48 · LAC 2 · Score 7-0
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 33:27 · LAC 1 · Score 13-0
(3:27) 26-T.Bell right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 33:24 · LAC 2 · Score 14-0
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 30:43 · DEN 6 · Score 14-6
(:43) 21-L.Tomlinson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 30:38 · DEN 2 · Score 14-7
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Denver Broncos Safety (+2) — Q3 20:37 · DEN 96 · Score 16-7
(5:37) 17-P.Rivers sacked at LAC 0 for -4 yards (47-J.Lynch). FUMBLES (47-J.Lynch), recovered by LAC-70-S.Olivea at LAC 0. 70-S.Olivea tackled in End Zone, SAFE - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 4:38 · LAC 19 · Score 22-7
(4:38) 26-T.Bell up the middle for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 4:32 · LAC 7 · Score 23-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 23-7 in Week 17, 2005 on 2005-12-31.
What was the final score of Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Denver Broncos 23, Los Angeles Chargers 7 (DEN 23-7 LAC) in Week 17, 2005 on 2005-12-31.
What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q2: Denver Broncos 14, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q3: Denver Broncos 2, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q4: Denver Broncos 7, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Final: Denver Broncos 23, Los Angeles Chargers 7.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Bell (Q2 41:54) Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Bell (Q2 33:27) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Tomlinson (Q2 30:43) Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Bell (Q4 4:38) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 48.0% completion, -0.35 EPA per dropback, -8.73 total passing EPA. D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers), 47.1% completion, -0.72 EPA per dropback, -12.27 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
E. Parker (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +5.68 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.24 EPA): (3:37) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at LAC 1 for -8 yards (47-J.Lynch). FUMBLES (47-J.Lynch), RECOVERED by DEN-42-S.Brandon at LAC 1. 42-S.Brandon to LAC 1 for no gain (79-M.Goff).LA. The biggest win-probability swing was -13.6%.
Season records after this game
Denver Broncos
Entered 12-3 Now 13-3 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 9-6 Now 9-7 L
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