Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys: 2017 Week 4 Recap

Game story

In Week 4 of the 2017 NFL season on 2017-10-01, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Dallas Cowboys, pulling away with a 35–30 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 34 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

D. Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) paced the passing game, with +6.87 total EPA, and -4.1% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.63 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+20.2% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Dallas Cowboys changed the game: (7:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right to 84-J.Hanna for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

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

1. 1 J. Goff · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +8.63 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
2. 2 D. Prescott · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +6.87 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
3. 3 T. Gurley · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +5.18 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
4. 4 A. Morris · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +4.84 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.42 EPA/play
5. 5 E. Elliott · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.57 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.91 EPA/play
6. 6 C. Kupp · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +4.29 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
7. 7 B. Butler · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.43 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.72 EPA/play
8. 8 J. Hanna · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +2.93 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.93 EPA/play

Player of the game

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

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

• Dallas Cowboys — E. Elliott (D. Prescott pass) (Q2 44:15)
• Dallas Cowboys — E. Elliott (Q2 40:57)
• Los Angeles Rams — C. Kupp (J. Goff pass) (Q2 36:38)
• Dallas Cowboys — B. Butler (D. Prescott pass) (Q2 32:00)
• Los Angeles Rams — T. Gurley (J. Goff pass) (Q3 18:09)
• Dallas Cowboys — J. Hanna (D. Prescott pass) (Q4 7:18)

Field goals

• Dallas Cowboys — D. Bailey (Q1 56:33)
• Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q1 52:12)
• Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q2 42:42)
• Los Angeles Rams — unlisted player (Q2 30:00)
• Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q3 22:29)
• Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q4 12:00)
• Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q4 9:46)
• Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q4 2:00)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

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

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LA 16 (Q1 56:33) — (11:33) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DAL 31 (Q1 52:12) — (7:12) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 21–13. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LA 10 (Q2 44:15); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 44:05) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DAL 26 (Q2 42:42) — (12:42) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q2 40:57) — (10:57) 21-E.Elliott up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 40:53) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the DAL 7 (Q2 36:38) — (6:38) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 18-C.Kupp for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q2 36:33) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LA 10 (Q2 32:00); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 31:51) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal (Q2 30:00) — END QUARTER 2.

The third quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DAL 12 (Q3 22:29) — (7:29) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the DAL 53 (Q3 18:09) — (3:09) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 30-T.Gurley for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a skinny post.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q3 17:59) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 9–6. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DAL 10 (Q4 12:00) — (12:00) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DAL 25 (Q4 9:46) — (9:46) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LA 28 (Q4 7:18) — (7:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right to 84-J.Hanna for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DAL 15 (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

Turning points

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

• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 7:18) — (7:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right to 84-J.Hanna for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +20.2% · EPA +2.93]
• Los Angeles Rams (Q3 18:09) — (3:09) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 30-T.Gurley for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a skinny post. [WPA +18.9% · EPA +4.70]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 0:36) — (:36) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 21-E.Elliott to LA 39 for 9 yards (43-J.Johnson). [WPA -12.4% · EPA -0.30]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q2 42:39) — (12:39) 46-A.Morris up the middle to LA 5 for 70 yards (21-K.Webster). Los Angeles Rams challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field was confirmed [WPA +11.9% · EPA +4.23]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 11:12) — (11:12) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle intended for 11-C.Beasley INTERCEPTED by 26-M.Barron [90-M.Brockers] at DAL 33. 26-M.Barron to DAL 29 for 4 yards (11-C.Beasley). The Replay Official r [WPA -10.6% · EPA -3.88]

Impact plays

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

• Los Angeles Rams (Q2 38:40) — (8:40) (Punt formation) 6-J.Hekker punts 46 yards to DAL 17, Center-44-J.McQuaide. 10-R.Switzer MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by LA-32-T.Hill at DAL 18. 32-T.Hill to DAL 18 for no gain (31-B.Jones). Penalty [WPA +8.7% · EPA +5.29]
• Los Angeles Rams (Q3 18:09) — (3:09) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 30-T.Gurley for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a skinny post. [WPA +18.9% · EPA +4.70]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q2 42:39) — (12:39) 46-A.Morris up the middle to LA 5 for 70 yards (21-K.Webster). Los Angeles Rams challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field was confirmed [WPA +11.9% · EPA +4.23]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 11:12) — (11:12) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle intended for 11-C.Beasley INTERCEPTED by 26-M.Barron [90-M.Brockers] at DAL 33. 26-M.Barron to DAL 29 for 4 yards (11-C.Beasley). The Replay Official r [WPA -10.6% · EPA -3.88]

Quarterback report card

D.Prescott led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• D.Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) · 45 dropbacks · 44.4% completion · -4.1% CPOE · +0.15 EPA/play · +6.87 total EPA
• J.Goff (Los Angeles Rams) · 38 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · -4.3% CPOE · +0.23 EPA/play · +8.63 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Los Angeles Rams generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.26 vs +0.14), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Dallas Cowboys: 10 drives, +11.91 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
• Los Angeles Rams: 12 drives, +23.63 total EPA, 9 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.
• J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• D. Prescott (DAL) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
• 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. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 56:33 · LA 16 · Score 0-3
   (11:33) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
2. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q1 52:12 · DAL 31 · Score 3-3
   (7:12) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
3. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 44:15 · LA 10 · Score 3-9
   (14:15) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 21-E.Elliott for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass caught in the flat on a wheel route on the touchdown catch.
4. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 44:05 · LA 15 · Score 3-10
   5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
5. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 42:42 · DAL 26 · Score 6-10
   (12:42) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
6. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 40:57 · LA 1 · Score 6-16
   (10:57) 21-E.Elliott up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
7. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 40:53 · LA 15 · Score 6-17
   5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
8. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 36:38 · DAL 7 · Score 12-17
   (6:38) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 18-C.Kupp for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 36:33 · DAL 15 · Score 13-17
   4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
10. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 32:00 · LA 10 · Score 13-23
    (2:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 19-B.Butler for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was
11. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 31:51 · LA 15 · Score 13-24
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
12. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 30:00 · Score 16-24
    END QUARTER 2
13. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q3 22:29 · DAL 12 · Score 19-24
    (7:29) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
14. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 18:09 · DAL 53 · Score 25-24
    (3:09) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 30-T.Gurley for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a skinny post.
15. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 17:59 · DAL 15 · Score 26-24
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
16. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 12:00 · DAL 10 · Score 29-24
    (12:00) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
17. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 9:46 · DAL 25 · Score 32-24
    (9:46) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
18. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 7:18 · LA 28 · Score 32-30
    (7:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right to 84-J.Hanna for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
19. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 2:00 · DAL 15 · Score 35-30
    (2:00) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.