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NFL · Week 1 · September 8, 2019 · 12 min read

Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers: 2019 Week 1 Recap

Rams defeat Panthers 30–27 in Week 1

Christian McCaffrey led Fantasy Impact as Rams prevailed in a 30–27 Week 1 finish.

Los Angeles Rams 30 1–0 Winner
Final 30–27
Carolina Panthers 27 0–1
Winner
Los Angeles Rams
Final score
30–27
Halftime
Los Angeles Rams 13–3 Carolina Panthers
Top passer
Jared Goff
FantasyHQ MVP
Christian McCaffrey
Game date
September 8, 2019

Top fantasy performers · Rams

  • Montaric Brown
    Montaric Brown 11 CAR · 53 YDS · 2 TD +3.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Tyler Higbee
    Tyler Higbee 4 REC · 20 YDS · 1 TD +2.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Cooper Kupp
    Cooper Kupp 7 REC · 46 YDS +1.6 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Panthers

  • Christian McCaffrey
    Christian McCaffrey 20 CAR · 128 YDS · 2 TD +4.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Jacardia Wright
    Jacardia Wright 1 REC · 14 YDS +1.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Curtis Samuel
    Curtis Samuel 3 REC · 32 YDS +0.8 Fantasy Impact
View Rams vs Panthers box score View all 2019 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Carolina Panthers 30–27 in Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season on 2019-09-08, a matchup that came down to the wire. The decisive swing (-14.7% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Rams swung the momentum.

In Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season on 2019-09-08, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Carolina Panthers, pulling away with a 30–27 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with -1.54 total EPA, and -4.6% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, C. McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.60 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-14.7% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (12:09) (No Huddle) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle intended for 17-R.Woods INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Bradberry at CAR 29. 24-J.Bradberry to CAR 29 for no gain (17-R.Woods).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q2Q3Q4——T
Los Angeles Rams131070030
Carolina Panthers310140027

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 C. McCaffrey · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +4.60 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
  2. 2 M. Brown · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +3.84 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
  3. 3 C. McCaffrey · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.55 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
  4. 4 T. Higbee · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +2.52 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
  5. 5 C. Kupp · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.55 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
  6. 6 J. Wright · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.42 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.42 EPA/play
  7. 7 G. Everett · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.27 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.27 EPA/play
  8. 8 C. Samuel · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.83 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

C. McCaffrey — CAR · Rushing

C. McCaffrey posted the highest total EPA (+4.60) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Carolina Panthers's efficiency. Across 20 counted snaps, they averaged +0.23 EPA per play.

The signature play (-5.21 EPA) came from Carolina Panthers: (5:55) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle intended for 88-G.Olsen INTERCEPTED by 58-C.Littleton at CAR 43. 58-C.Littleton to CAR 17 for 26 yards (1-C.Newton). PENALTY on LA-22-M.Peters, Taunting, 15 yards,

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Los Angeles Rams — M. Brown (Q2 42:50)
  • Carolina Panthers — C. McCaffrey (Q3 23:31)
  • Los Angeles Rams — M. Brown (Q3 17:54)
  • Carolina Panthers — C. McCaffrey (Q4 13:15)
  • Los Angeles Rams — T. Higbee (J. Goff pass) (Q4 6:42)
  • Carolina Panthers — A. Armah (Q4 2:00)

Field goals

  • Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q2 43:48)
  • Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q2 31:07)
  • Carolina Panthers — J. Slye (Q2 30:02)
  • Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q3 26:56)
  • Carolina Panthers — J. Slye (Q3 15:16)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The second quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 13–3. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the CAR 31 (Q2 43:48) — (13:48) 4-G.Zuerlein 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the CAR 5 (Q2 42:50) — (12:50) (No Huddle) 34-M.Brown up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 42:44) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the CAR 38 (Q2 31:07) — (1:07) 4-G.Zuerlein 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the LA 28 (Q2 30:02) — (:02) 4-J.Slye 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy..

The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the CAR 9 (Q3 26:56) — (11:56) 4-G.Zuerlein 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the LA 8 (Q3 23:31) — (8:31) (Shotgun) 22-C.McCaffrey up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Direct snap to McCaffrey; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q3 23:28) — 4-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the CAR 1 (Q3 17:54) — (2:54) (No Huddle) 34-M.Brown left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q3 17:51) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the LA 34 (Q3 15:16) — (:16) 4-J.Slye 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy..

The fourth quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 14–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the LA 2 (Q4 13:15) — (13:15) (Shotgun) 22-C.McCaffrey right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 13:10) — 4-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the CAR 5 (Q4 6:42) — (6:42) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 89-T.Higbee for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q4 6:37) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) 65-D.Daley reported in as eligible. 40-A.Armah up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 1:58) — 4-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Los Angeles Rams (Q4 12:09) — (12:09) (No Huddle) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle intended for 17-R.Woods INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Bradberry at CAR 29. 24-J.Bradberry to CAR 29 for no gain (17-R.Woods). [WPA -14.7% · EPA -4.30]
  • Los Angeles Rams (Q4 13:45) — (13:45) 6-J.Hekker punt is BLOCKED by 56-J.Carter, Center-44-J.McQuaide, RECOVERED by CAR-39-R.Bonnafon at LA 9. 39-R.Bonnafon to LA 5 for 4 yards (6-J.Hekker). [WPA -13.6% · EPA -3.85]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q2 43:15) — (13:15) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton to CAR 8 for -7 yards (50-S.Ebukam). FUMBLES (50-S.Ebukam), RECOVERED by LA-50-S.Ebukam at CAR 10. 50-S.Ebukam to CAR 10 for no gain (12-D.Moore). [WPA -11.8% · EPA -4.96]
  • Los Angeles Rams (Q1 45:16) — (:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 17-R.Woods to CAR 33 for 22 yards (33-T.Boston). Penalty on CAR-99-K.Short, Defensive Offside, declined. Penalty on CAR-99-K.Short, Defensive T [WPA +11.6% · EPA +2.69]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q1 56:47) — (11:47) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 12-D.Moore to LA 26 for 16 yards (58-C.Littleton). FUMBLES (58-C.Littleton), RECOVERED by LA-58-C.Littleton at LA 30. 58-C.Littleton to LA 33 for 3 yar [WPA -9.1% · EPA -4.87]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 5:55) — (5:55) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle intended for 88-G.Olsen INTERCEPTED by 58-C.Littleton at CAR 43. 58-C.Littleton to CAR 17 for 26 yards (1-C.Newton). PENALTY on LA-22-M.Peters, [WPA -5.5% · EPA -5.21]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q2 43:15) — (13:15) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton to CAR 8 for -7 yards (50-S.Ebukam). FUMBLES (50-S.Ebukam), RECOVERED by LA-50-S.Ebukam at CAR 10. 50-S.Ebukam to CAR 10 for no gain (12-D.Moore). [WPA -11.8% · EPA -4.96]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q1 56:47) — (11:47) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 12-D.Moore to LA 26 for 16 yards (58-C.Littleton). FUMBLES (58-C.Littleton), RECOVERED by LA-58-C.Littleton at LA 30. 58-C.Littleton to LA 33 for 3 yar [WPA -9.1% · EPA -4.87]
  • Los Angeles Rams (Q4 12:09) — (12:09) (No Huddle) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle intended for 17-R.Woods INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Bradberry at CAR 29. 24-J.Bradberry to CAR 29 for no gain (17-R.Woods). [WPA -14.7% · EPA -4.30]

Quarterback report card

J.Goff led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • J.Goff (Los Angeles Rams) · 44 dropbacks · 52.3% completion · -4.6% CPOE · -0.04 EPA/play · -1.54 total EPA
  • C.Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 42 dropbacks · 59.5% completion · -1.8% CPOE · -0.22 EPA/play · -9.20 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatLos Angeles RamsCarolina Panthers
Offensive EPA/play-0.026-0.116
Offensive success rate46.9%48.2%
Pass EPA/play-0.035-0.219
Rush EPA/play+0.096-0.008
Defensive EPA/play+0.116+0.026
Defensive success rate51.8%53.1%

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Los Angeles Rams generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.03 vs -0.12), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

  • Carolina Panthers: 13 drives, -9.86 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Los Angeles Rams: 13 drives, -2.46 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

  • Los Angeles Rams 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. McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • J. Goff (LA) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

  1. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 43:48 · CAR 31 · Score 3-0
    (13:48) 4-G.Zuerlein 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  2. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 42:50 · CAR 5 · Score 9-0
    (12:50) (No Huddle) 34-M.Brown up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 42:44 · CAR 15 · Score 10-0
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  4. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 31:07 · CAR 38 · Score 13-0
    (1:07) 4-G.Zuerlein 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  5. Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q2 30:02 · LA 28 · Score 13-3
    (:02) 4-J.Slye 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  6. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q3 26:56 · CAR 9 · Score 16-3
    (11:56) 4-G.Zuerlein 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  7. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 23:31 · LA 8 · Score 16-9
    (8:31) (Shotgun) 22-C.McCaffrey up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Direct snap to McCaffrey
  8. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 23:28 · LA 15 · Score 16-10
    4-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  9. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 17:54 · CAR 1 · Score 22-10
    (2:54) (No Huddle) 34-M.Brown left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 17:51 · CAR 15 · Score 23-10
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  11. Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q3 15:16 · LA 34 · Score 23-13
    (:16) 4-J.Slye 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  12. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 13:15 · LA 2 · Score 23-19
    (13:15) (Shotgun) 22-C.McCaffrey right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 13:10 · LA 15 · Score 23-20
    4-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  14. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 6:42 · CAR 5 · Score 29-20
    (6:42) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 89-T.Higbee for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q4 6:37 · CAR 15 · Score 30-20
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  16. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 2:00 · LA 1 · Score 30-26
    (2:00) 65-D.Daley reported in as eligible. 40-A.Armah up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  17. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 1:58 · LA 15 · Score 30-27
    4-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-5-M.Palardy.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers?

The Los Angeles Rams beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 in Week 1, 2019 on 2019-09-08.

What was the final score of Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers?

The final score was Los Angeles Rams 30, Carolina Panthers 27 (LA 30-27 CAR) in Week 1, 2019 on 2019-09-08.

What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers?

Q2: Los Angeles Rams 13, Carolina Panthers 3; Q3: Los Angeles Rams 10, Carolina Panthers 10; Q4: Los Angeles Rams 7, Carolina Panthers 14; Final: Los Angeles Rams 30, Carolina Panthers 27.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers?

Los Angeles Rams touchdown — M. Brown (Q2 42:50) Carolina Panthers touchdown — C. McCaffrey (Q3 23:31) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — M. Brown (Q3 17:54) Carolina Panthers touchdown — C. McCaffrey (Q4 13:15) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — T. Higbee (J. Goff pass) (Q4 6:42) Carolina Panthers touchdown — A. Armah (Q4 2:00) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q2 43:48, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q2 31:07, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Slye (Q2 30:02, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q3 26:56, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Slye (Q3 15:16, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers?

J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams), 52.3% completion, -4.6% CPOE, -0.04 EPA per dropback, -1.54 total passing EPA. C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 59.5% completion, -1.8% CPOE, -0.22 EPA per dropback, -9.20 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers?

C. McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers) led the game in total EPA with +4.60 on rushing plays. across 20 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.21 EPA): (5:55) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle intended for 88-G.Olsen INTERCEPTED by 58-C.Littleton at CAR 43. 58-C.Littleton to CAR 17 for 26 yards (1-C.Newton). PENALT. The biggest win-probability swing was -14.7%.

Was Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Los Angeles Rams won 30-27 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Rams

Now 1-0 W

Carolina Panthers

Now 0-1 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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