Game story
In Week 18 of the 2023 NFL season on 2024-01-07, the Kansas City Chiefs took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 13–12 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 9 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
E. Stick (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with -6.36 total EPA, and -9.7% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, D. Parham (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.64 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-31.3% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (5:14) (Shotgun) 2-E.Stick sacked at KC 8 for -3 yards (90-C.Omenihu). FUMBLES (90-C.Omenihu) [90-C.Omenihu], touched at KC 7, RECOVERED by KC-21-M.Edwards at KC 3. 21-M.Edwards for 97 yards, TOUCHDOW
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | 7 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 13 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 D. Parham · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +8.64 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.44 EPA/play
- 2 M. Hardman · Kansas City Chiefs · Receiving · +2.43 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 3 E. Stick · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +0.74 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 4 J. Ross · Kansas City Chiefs · Receiving · +0.47 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 5 L. Perine · Kansas City Chiefs · Receiving · +0.34 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.09 EPA/play
- 6 J. Palmer · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +0.29 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.03 EPA/play
- 7 J. Palmer · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +0.23 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 8 Q. Johnston · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +0.20 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
D. Parham — LAC · Receiving
D. Parham posted the highest total EPA (+8.64) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 6 counted snaps, they averaged +1.44 EPA per play.
The signature play (-11.64 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (5:14) (Shotgun) 2-E.Stick sacked at KC 8 for -3 yards (90-C.Omenihu). FUMBLES (90-C.Omenihu) [90-C.Omenihu], touched at KC 7, RECOVERED by KC-21-M.Edwards at KC 3. 21-M.Edwards for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Kansas City Chiefs — M. Edwards
Field goals
- Kansas City Chiefs — H. Butker
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Dicker
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Dicker
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Dicker
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Dicker
- Kansas City Chiefs — H. Butker
- Kansas City Chiefs — H. Butker
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Kansas City Chiefs won the period 7–0. Kansas City Chiefs found the end zone from the KC 5 (Q1 50:14); Kansas City Chiefs added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 49:56) — 7-H.Butker extra point is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-5-T.Townsend..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 6–3. Kansas City Chiefs connected on a field goal from the LAC 4 (Q2 34:07) — (4:07) 7-H.Butker 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-5-T.Townsend.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the KC 31 (Q2 32:48) — (2:48) 11-C.Dicker 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the KC 22 (Q2 30:04) — (:04) 11-C.Dicker 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the KC 25 (Q3 19:15) — (4:15) 11-C.Dicker 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott..
The fourth quarter: Kansas City Chiefs won the period 6–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the KC 2 (Q4 4:09) — (4:09) 11-C.Dicker 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott.; Kansas City Chiefs connected on a field goal from the LAC 24 (Q4 0:54) — (:54) 7-H.Butker 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-5-T.Townsend.; Kansas City Chiefs connected on a field goal from the KC 35 (Q4 0:49) — 7-H.Butker kicks 65 yards from KC 35 to end zone, Touchback..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 50:14) — (5:14) (Shotgun) 2-E.Stick sacked at KC 8 for -3 yards (90-C.Omenihu). FUMBLES (90-C.Omenihu) [90-C.Omenihu], touched at KC 7, RECOVERED by KC-21-M.Edwards at KC 3. 21-M.Edwards for 97 yards, TOUCHDOW
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:19) — (:19) (Shotgun) 2-E.Stick pass incomplete short left to 1-Q.Johnston.
- Kansas City Chiefs (Q4 3:26) — (3:26) (Shotgun) 9-B.Gabbert scrambles up the middle to LAC 47 for 25 yards (0-D.Henley).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 21:46) — (6:46) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 2-E.Stick pass short left to 89-D.Parham pushed ob at KC 18 for 24 yards (35-Ja.Watson).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 7:52) — (7:52) (Shotgun) 2-E.Stick pass short left to 89-D.Parham to KC 27 for 11 yards (27-C.Conner) [31-N.Jones].
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 50:14) — (5:14) (Shotgun) 2-E.Stick sacked at KC 8 for -3 yards (90-C.Omenihu). FUMBLES (90-C.Omenihu) [90-C.Omenihu], touched at KC 7, RECOVERED by KC-21-M.Edwards at KC 3. 21-M.Edwards for 97 yards, TOUCHDOW
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 7:52) — (7:52) (Shotgun) 2-E.Stick pass short left to 89-D.Parham to KC 27 for 11 yards (27-C.Conner) [31-N.Jones].
- Kansas City Chiefs (Q2 36:57) — (6:57) (Punt formation) Direct snap to 29-L.Perine. 29-L.Perine right end to LAC 41 for 9 yards (31-N.Niemann).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 21:46) — (6:46) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 2-E.Stick pass short left to 89-D.Parham pushed ob at KC 18 for 24 yards (35-Ja.Watson).
Quarterback report card
E.Stick led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- E.Stick (Los Angeles Chargers) · 59 dropbacks · 47.5% completion · -9.7% CPOE · -0.11 EPA/play · -6.36 total EPA
- B.Gabbert (Kansas City Chiefs) · 35 dropbacks · 42.9% completion · -17.8% CPOE · -0.17 EPA/play · -5.84 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Kansas City Chiefs | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.173 | -0.146 |
| Offensive success rate | 33.3% | 44.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.167 | -0.108 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.108 | -0.391 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.146 | +0.173 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.1% | 66.7% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Kansas City Chiefs -0.17, Los Angeles Chargers -0.15) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Kansas City Chiefs: 11 drives, -12.47 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, -14.32 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Kansas City Chiefs 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.
- D. Parham (Los Angeles Chargers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- E. Stick (LAC) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- B. Gabbert (KC) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Kansas City Chiefs TD (+6) — Q1 50:14 · KC 5 · Score 6-0
(5:14) (Shotgun) 2-E.Stick sacked at KC 8 for -3 yards (90-C.Omenihu). FUMBLES (90-C.Omenihu) [90-C.Omenihu], touched at KC 7, RECOVERED by KC-21-M.Edwards at K - Kansas City Chiefs XP (+1) — Q1 49:56 · LAC 15 · Score 7-0
7-H.Butker extra point is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-5-T.Townsend. - Kansas City Chiefs FG (+3) — Q2 34:07 · LAC 4 · Score 10-0
(4:07) 7-H.Butker 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-5-T.Townsend. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 32:48 · KC 31 · Score 10-3
(2:48) 11-C.Dicker 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · KC 22 · Score 10-6
(:04) 11-C.Dicker 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 19:15 · KC 25 · Score 10-9
(4:15) 11-C.Dicker 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 4:09 · KC 2 · Score 10-12
(4:09) 11-C.Dicker 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Kansas City Chiefs FG (+3) — Q4 0:54 · LAC 24 · Score 13-12
(:54) 7-H.Butker 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-5-T.Townsend. - Kansas City Chiefs FG (+3) — Q4 0:49 · KC 35 · Score 13-12
7-H.Butker kicks 65 yards from KC 35 to end zone, Touchback.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 in Week 18, 2023 on 2024-01-07.
What was the final score of Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Kansas City Chiefs 13, Los Angeles Chargers 12 (KC 13-12 LAC) in Week 18, 2023 on 2024-01-07.
What was the score by quarter in Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Kansas City Chiefs 7, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q2: Kansas City Chiefs 3, Los Angeles Chargers 6; Q3: Kansas City Chiefs 0, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q4: Kansas City Chiefs 6, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Final: Kansas City Chiefs 13, Los Angeles Chargers 12.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Kansas City Chiefs touchdown — M. Edwards (Q1 50:14) Kansas City Chiefs field goal — H. Butker (Q2 34:07, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Dicker (Q2 32:48, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Dicker (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Dicker (Q3 19:15, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Dicker (Q4 4:09, 3 pts) Kansas City Chiefs field goal — H. Butker (Q4 0:54, 3 pts) Kansas City Chiefs field goal — H. Butker (Q4 0:49, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers?
E. Stick (Los Angeles Chargers), 47.5% completion, -9.7% CPOE, -0.11 EPA per dropback, -6.36 total passing EPA. B. Gabbert (Kansas City Chiefs), 42.9% completion, -17.8% CPOE, -0.17 EPA per dropback, -5.84 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers?
D. Parham (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +8.64 on receiving plays. across 6 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-11.64 EPA): (5:14) (Shotgun) 2-E.Stick sacked at KC 8 for -3 yards (90-C.Omenihu). FUMBLES (90-C.Omenihu) [90-C.Omenihu], touched at KC 7, RECOVERED by KC-21-M.Edwards at KC 3. 21-M.Edwards fo. The biggest win-probability swing was -31.3%.
Was Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Kansas City Chiefs won 13-12 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Kansas City Chiefs
Entered 10-6 Now 11-6 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 5-11 Now 5-12 L
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