Game story
In Week 16 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-12-22, the Las Vegas Raiders took care of business against the Denver Broncos, pulling away with a 28–16 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
S. Beuerlein (Denver Broncos) paced the passing game, with +0.02 total EPA.
On the individual side, C. Garner (Las Vegas Raiders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.92 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-12.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Las Vegas Raiders changed the game: (11:32) 12-R.Gannon sacked at DEN 40 for -4 yards (52-I.Gold). FUMBLES (52-I.Gold), RECOVERED by DEN-92-B.Berry at DEN 39. 92-B.Berry to DEN 39 for no gain (65-B.Sims).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 0 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 16 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 20 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Garner · Las Vegas Raiders · Receiving · +9.92 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.10 EPA/play
- 2 R. Gannon · Las Vegas Raiders · Passing · +6.56 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 3 T. Brown · Las Vegas Raiders · Receiving · +6.18 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
- 4 A. Lelie · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.59 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 5 C. Garner · Las Vegas Raiders · Rushing · +3.03 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
- 6 C. Portis · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +2.76 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 7 Z. Crockett · Las Vegas Raiders · Rushing · +1.79 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 8 M. Anderson · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +1.48 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Garner — LV · Receiving
C. Garner posted the highest total EPA (+9.92) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Las Vegas Raiders's efficiency. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +1.10 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.23 EPA) came from Denver Broncos: (:09) 14-B.Griese pass intended for 84-S.Sharpe INTERCEPTED by 26-R.Woodson at DEN 41. 26-R.Woodson to DEN 25 for 16 yards (50-B.Hamilton).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Las Vegas Raiders — Z. Crockett
- Las Vegas Raiders — R. Gannon
- Las Vegas Raiders — C. Garner (R. Gannon pass)
- Denver Broncos — S. Beuerlein
- Denver Broncos — C. Portis
- Las Vegas Raiders — Z. Crockett
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Las Vegas Raiders won the period 20–0. Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q1 56:34) — (11:34) 32-Z.Crockett up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the DEN 2 (Q1 56:27) — 11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-62-A.Treu, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the DEN 3 (Q1 49:22) — (4:22) 12-R.Gannon scrambles up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q1 49:14) — 11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-62-A.Treu, Holder-9-S.Lechler..
The second quarter: Las Vegas Raiders won the period 7–3. Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the DEN 8 (Q2 42:55) — (12:55) 12-R.Gannon pass to 25-C.Garner for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 42:49) — 11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-62-A.Treu, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LV 7 (Q2 30:06) — (:06) 1-J.Elam 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein..
The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LV 1 (Q3 20:24) — (5:24) 11-S.Beuerlein scrambles right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LV 2 (Q3 20:17) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein..
The fourth quarter: Las Vegas Raiders won the period 7–6. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LV 2 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 26-C.Portis right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q4 7:01) — (7:01) 32-Z.Crockett up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q4 6:58) — 11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-62-A.Treu, Holder-9-S.Lechler..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Las Vegas Raiders (Q4 11:32) — (11:32) 12-R.Gannon sacked at DEN 40 for -4 yards (52-I.Gold). FUMBLES (52-I.Gold), RECOVERED by DEN-92-B.Berry at DEN 39. 92-B.Berry to DEN 39 for no gain (65-B.Sims).
- Las Vegas Raiders (Q3 20:17) — 4-M.Knorr kicks 66 yards from DEN 30 to LV 4. 83-M.Knight to LV 26 for 22 yards (59-D.Spragan). FUMBLES (59-D.Spragan), RECOVERED by DEN-34-R.Droughns at LV 30. 34-R.Droughns to LV 30 for no gain (39-
- Denver Broncos (Q3 15:32) — (:32) 11-S.Beuerlein pass to 84-S.Sharpe to LV 2 for 30 yards (33-A.Dorsett).
- Las Vegas Raiders (Q3 15:53) — (:53) 9-S.Lechler punts 43 yards to DEN 24, Center-62-A.Treu. 24-D.O'Neal to LV 32 for 44 yards (9-S.Lechler).
- Denver Broncos (Q1 53:33) — (8:33) (Shotgun) 14-B.Griese pass INTERCEPTED by 93-T.Armstrong (36-D.Gibson) at DEN 38. 93-T.Armstrong to DEN 38 for no gain (78-M.Lepsis).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Denver Broncos (Q1 45:09) — (:09) 14-B.Griese pass intended for 84-S.Sharpe INTERCEPTED by 26-R.Woodson at DEN 41. 26-R.Woodson to DEN 25 for 16 yards (50-B.Hamilton).
- Las Vegas Raiders (Q3 20:17) — 4-M.Knorr kicks 66 yards from DEN 30 to LV 4. 83-M.Knight to LV 26 for 22 yards (59-D.Spragan). FUMBLES (59-D.Spragan), RECOVERED by DEN-34-R.Droughns at LV 30. 34-R.Droughns to LV 30 for no gain (39-
- Las Vegas Raiders (Q4 11:32) — (11:32) 12-R.Gannon sacked at DEN 40 for -4 yards (52-I.Gold). FUMBLES (52-I.Gold), RECOVERED by DEN-92-B.Berry at DEN 39. 92-B.Berry to DEN 39 for no gain (65-B.Sims).
- Denver Broncos (Q1 53:33) — (8:33) (Shotgun) 14-B.Griese pass INTERCEPTED by 93-T.Armstrong (36-D.Gibson) at DEN 38. 93-T.Armstrong to DEN 38 for no gain (78-M.Lepsis).
Quarterback report card
S.Beuerlein led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- S.Beuerlein (Denver Broncos) · 39 dropbacks · 33.3% completion · +0.00 EPA/play · +0.02 total EPA
- R.Gannon (Las Vegas Raiders) · 34 dropbacks · 52.9% completion · +0.19 EPA/play · +6.56 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Denver Broncos | Las Vegas Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.149 | -0.033 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.8% | 46.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.283 | +0.193 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.218 | +0.014 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.033 | +0.149 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.6% | 56.2% |
By the numbers
Las Vegas Raiders held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.03 vs -0.15), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Denver Broncos: 13 drives, -13.29 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Las Vegas Raiders: 14 drives, -2.76 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Las Vegas Raiders leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- C. Garner (Las Vegas Raiders) 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.
- Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q1 56:34 · DEN 1 · Score 0-6
(11:34) 32-Z.Crockett up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Las Vegas Raiders TD (+7) — Q1 56:27 · DEN 2 · Score 0-7
11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-62-A.Treu, Holder-9-S.Lechler. - Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q1 49:22 · DEN 3 · Score 0-13
(4:22) 12-R.Gannon scrambles up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q1 49:14 · DEN 2 · Score 0-14
11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-62-A.Treu, Holder-9-S.Lechler. - Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q2 42:55 · DEN 8 · Score 0-20
(12:55) 12-R.Gannon pass to 25-C.Garner for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q2 42:49 · DEN 2 · Score 0-21
11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-62-A.Treu, Holder-9-S.Lechler. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 30:06 · LV 7 · Score 3-21
(:06) 1-J.Elam 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 20:24 · LV 1 · Score 9-21
(5:24) 11-S.Beuerlein scrambles right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 20:17 · LV 2 · Score 10-21
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Leach, Holder-11-S.Beuerlein. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · LV 2 · Score 16-21
(15:00) 26-C.Portis right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q4 7:01 · DEN 1 · Score 16-27
(7:01) 32-Z.Crockett up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q4 6:58 · DEN 2 · Score 16-28
11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-62-A.Treu, Holder-9-S.Lechler.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders?
The Las Vegas Raiders beat the Denver Broncos 28-16 in Week 16, 2002 on 2002-12-22.
What was the final score of Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders?
The final score was Denver Broncos 16, Las Vegas Raiders 28 (DEN 16-28 LV) in Week 16, 2002 on 2002-12-22.
What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders?
Q1: Denver Broncos 0, Las Vegas Raiders 20; Q2: Denver Broncos 3, Las Vegas Raiders 7; Q3: Denver Broncos 7, Las Vegas Raiders 0; Q4: Denver Broncos 6, Las Vegas Raiders 7; Final: Denver Broncos 16, Las Vegas Raiders 28.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders?
Las Vegas Raiders touchdown — Z. Crockett (Q1 56:34) Las Vegas Raiders touchdown — R. Gannon (Q1 49:22) Las Vegas Raiders touchdown — C. Garner (R. Gannon pass) (Q2 42:55) Denver Broncos touchdown — S. Beuerlein (Q3 20:24) Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Portis (Q4 15:00) Las Vegas Raiders touchdown — Z. Crockett (Q4 7:01) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 30:06, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders?
S. Beuerlein (Denver Broncos), 33.3% completion, +0.00 EPA per dropback, +0.02 total passing EPA. R. Gannon (Las Vegas Raiders), 52.9% completion, +0.19 EPA per dropback, +6.56 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders?
C. Garner (Las Vegas Raiders) led the game in total EPA with +9.92 on receiving plays. across 9 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.23 EPA): (:09) 14-B.Griese pass intended for 84-S.Sharpe INTERCEPTED by 26-R.Woodson at DEN 41. 26-R.Woodson to DEN 25 for 16 yards (50-B.Hamilton).. The biggest win-probability swing was -12.6%.
Season records after this game
Denver Broncos
Entered 8-6 Now 8-7 L
Las Vegas Raiders
Entered 9-5 Now 10-5 W
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
