Game story
In Week 12 of the 2008 NFL season on 2008-11-23, the Indianapolis Colts took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 23–20 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) paced the passing game, with +14.76 total EPA, and +8.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +14.76 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+28.8% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Indianapolis Colts changed the game: (:02) 4-A.Vinatieri 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts | 3 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 23 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 P. Manning · Indianapolis Colts · Passing · +14.76 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 2 A. Gonzalez · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +11.71 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.95 EPA/play
- 3 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +10.05 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 4 M. Floyd · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.07 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.54 EPA/play
- 5 V. Jackson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.92 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.46 EPA/play
- 6 D. Rhodes · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +3.33 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.67 EPA/play
- 7 C. Chambers · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.30 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
- 8 R. Wayne · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +1.92 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
P. Manning — IND · Passing
P. Manning posted the highest total EPA (+14.76) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Indianapolis Colts's efficiency. Across 46 counted snaps, they averaged +0.32 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.56 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (11:08) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers sacked at IND 24 for -10 yards (98-R.Mathis). FUMBLES (98-R.Mathis) [98-R.Mathis], RECOVERED by IND-79-R.Brock at IND 25. 79-R.Brock to IND 34 for 9 yards (79-M.Goff).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — V. Jackson (P. Rivers pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — A. Gonzalez (P. Manning pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — D. Rhodes (P. Manning pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — J. Hester (P. Rivers pass)
Field goals
- Indianapolis Colts — A. Vinatieri
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Indianapolis Colts — A. Vinatieri
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Indianapolis Colts — A. Vinatieri
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 3–0. Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the LAC 5 (Q1 46:45) — (1:45) 4-A.Vinatieri 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–7. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the IND 17 (Q2 41:47) — (11:47) 10-N.Kaeding 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the IND 39 (Q2 35:05) — (5:05) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 83-V.Jackson for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q2 34:56) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the LAC 13 (Q2 30:43) — (:43) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 11-A.Gonzalez for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 30:38) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..
The third quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q3 18:54) — (3:54) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 38-D.Rhodes for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 18:51) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–6. Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the LAC 20 (Q4 11:51) — (11:51) 4-A.Vinatieri 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the IND 1 (Q4 5:40) — (5:40) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 22-J.Hester for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q4 5:36) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the IND 29 (Q4 1:35) — (1:35) 10-N.Kaeding 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the LAC 33 (Q4 0:02) — (:02) 4-A.Vinatieri 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 0:02) — (:02) 4-A.Vinatieri 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 0:26) — (:26) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 88-M.Harrison to LAC 34 for 14 yards (23-Q.Jammer).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 18:54) — (3:54) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 38-D.Rhodes for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 23:10) — (8:10) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short right to 11-A.Gonzalez ran ob at LAC 17 for 29 yards (42-C.Hart).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 26:08) — (11:08) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers sacked at IND 24 for -10 yards (98-R.Mathis). FUMBLES (98-R.Mathis) [98-R.Mathis], RECOVERED by IND-79-R.Brock at IND 25. 79-R.Brock to IND 34 for 9 yards (79-M.Goff).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 26:08) — (11:08) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers sacked at IND 24 for -10 yards (98-R.Mathis). FUMBLES (98-R.Mathis) [98-R.Mathis], RECOVERED by IND-79-R.Brock at IND 25. 79-R.Brock to IND 34 for 9 yards (79-M.Goff).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 35:05) — (5:05) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 83-V.Jackson for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 18:54) — (3:54) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 38-D.Rhodes for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 23:10) — (8:10) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short right to 11-A.Gonzalez ran ob at LAC 17 for 29 yards (42-C.Hart).
Quarterback report card
P.Manning led all passers in efficiency for Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- P.Manning (Indianapolis Colts) · 46 dropbacks · 69.6% completion · +8.4% CPOE · +0.32 EPA/play · +14.76 total EPA
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 35 dropbacks · 68.6% completion · +12.6% CPOE · +0.29 EPA/play · +10.05 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Indianapolis Colts | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.188 | +0.155 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.1% | 58.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.321 | +0.287 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.073 | -0.064 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.155 | -0.188 |
| Defensive success rate | 41.1% | 48.9% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Indianapolis Colts +0.19, Los Angeles Chargers +0.15) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Indianapolis Colts: 9 drives, +16.56 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 10 drives, +11.30 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Indianapolis Colts 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.
- P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- P. Manning (IND) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- P. Rivers (LAC) 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.
- Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q1 46:45 · LAC 5 · Score 3-0
(1:45) 4-A.Vinatieri 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 41:47 · IND 17 · Score 3-3
(11:47) 10-N.Kaeding 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 35:05 · IND 39 · Score 3-9
(5:05) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 83-V.Jackson for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 34:56 · IND 2 · Score 3-10
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 30:43 · LAC 13 · Score 9-10
(:43) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 11-A.Gonzalez for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 30:38 · LAC 2 · Score 10-10
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 18:54 · LAC 1 · Score 16-10
(3:54) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 38-D.Rhodes for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 18:51 · LAC 2 · Score 17-10
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 11:51 · LAC 20 · Score 20-10
(11:51) 4-A.Vinatieri 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 5:40 · IND 1 · Score 20-16
(5:40) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 22-J.Hester for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 5:36 · IND 2 · Score 20-17
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 1:35 · IND 29 · Score 20-20
(1:35) 10-N.Kaeding 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 0:02 · LAC 33 · Score 23-20
(:02) 4-A.Vinatieri 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Indianapolis Colts beat the Los Angeles Chargers 23-20 in Week 12, 2008 on 2008-11-23.
What was the final score of Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Indianapolis Colts 23, Los Angeles Chargers 20 (IND 23-20 LAC) in Week 12, 2008 on 2008-11-23.
What was the score by quarter in Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Indianapolis Colts 3, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q2: Indianapolis Colts 7, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Q3: Indianapolis Colts 7, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q4: Indianapolis Colts 6, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Final: Indianapolis Colts 23, Los Angeles Chargers 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — V. Jackson (P. Rivers pass) (Q2 35:05) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — A. Gonzalez (P. Manning pass) (Q2 30:43) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — D. Rhodes (P. Manning pass) (Q3 18:54) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — J. Hester (P. Rivers pass) (Q4 5:40) Indianapolis Colts field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q1 46:45, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q2 41:47, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q4 11:51, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q4 1:35, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q4 0:02, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts), 69.6% completion, +8.4% CPOE, +0.32 EPA per dropback, +14.76 total passing EPA. P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 68.6% completion, +12.6% CPOE, +0.29 EPA per dropback, +10.05 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) led the game in total EPA with +14.76 on passing plays. across 46 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.56 EPA): (11:08) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers sacked at IND 24 for -10 yards (98-R.Mathis). FUMBLES (98-R.Mathis) [98-R.Mathis], RECOVERED by IND-79-R.Brock at IND 25. 79-R.Brock to IND 34 for 9 y. The biggest win-probability swing was +28.8%.
Was Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Indianapolis Colts won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Indianapolis Colts
Entered 6-4 Now 7-4 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 4-6 Now 4-7 L
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