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NFL · Week 15 · December 15, 2019 · 12 min read

Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys: 2019 Week 15 Recap

Cowboys defeat Rams 44–21 in Week 15

Dak Prescott led Fantasy Impact as Cowboys prevailed in a 21–44 Week 15 finish.

Los Angeles Rams 21 8–6
Final 21–44
Dallas Cowboys 44 7–7 Winner
Winner
Dallas Cowboys
Final score
21–44
Halftime
Los Angeles Rams 7–28 Dallas Cowboys
Top passer
Jared Goff
FantasyHQ MVP
Dak Prescott
Game date
December 15, 2019

Top fantasy performers · Rams

  • Cooper Kupp
    Cooper Kupp 6 REC · 41 YDS · 1 TD +5.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Tyler Higbee
    Tyler Higbee 12 REC · 111 YDS +4.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Johnny Hekker
    Johnny Hekker 1/1 · 5 YDS +2.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Cowboys

  • Dak Prescott
    Dak Prescott 15/27 · 215 YDS · 2 TD +8.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Tony Pollard
    Tony Pollard 12 CAR · 131 YDS · 1 TD +7.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Ezekiel Elliott
    Ezekiel Elliott 24 CAR · 117 YDS · 2 TD +6.2 Fantasy Impact
View Rams vs Cowboys box score View all 2019 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Los Angeles Rams 44–21 in Week 15 of the 2019 NFL season on 2019-12-15, a matchup that controlled the game from start to finish. The decisive swing (+14.2% win probability) came in the second quarter when Dallas Cowboys swung the momentum.

In Week 15 of the 2019 NFL season on 2019-12-15, the Dallas Cowboys took care of business against the Los Angeles Rams, pulling away with a 44–21 final that controlled the game from start to finish.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 28 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with -4.49 total EPA, and -6.0% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, D. Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.38 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+14.2% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Dallas Cowboys changed the game: (11:49) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 10-T.Austin for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Los Angeles Rams07014021
Dallas Cowboys721313044

Stars of the game

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

  1. 1 D. Prescott · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +8.38 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
  2. 2 T. Pollard · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +7.45 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
  3. 3 E. Elliott · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +6.23 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
  4. 4 T. Austin · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.20 total EPA · 1 snaps · +5.20 EPA/play
  5. 5 C. Kupp · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +5.02 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
  6. 6 T. Higbee · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +4.78 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
  7. 7 J. Hekker · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +2.86 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.86 EPA/play
  8. 8 M. Thomas · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +2.86 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.86 EPA/play

Player of the game

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

D. Prescott — DAL · Passing

D. Prescott posted the highest total EPA (+8.38) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Dallas Cowboys's efficiency. Across 27 counted snaps, they averaged +0.31 EPA per play.

The signature play (+5.20 EPA) came from Dallas Cowboys: (11:49) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 10-T.Austin for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Dallas Cowboys — J. Witten (D. Prescott pass) (Q1 46:53)
  • Los Angeles Rams — T. Gurley (J. Goff pass) (Q2 43:03)
  • Dallas Cowboys — T. Austin (D. Prescott pass) (Q2 41:49)
  • Dallas Cowboys — E. Elliott (Q2 32:00)
  • Dallas Cowboys — E. Elliott (Q2 30:20)
  • Los Angeles Rams — T. Gurley (Q4 3:22)
  • Dallas Cowboys — T. Pollard (Q4 3:09)
  • Los Angeles Rams — C. Kupp (J. Goff pass) (Q4 0:45)

Field goals

  • Dallas Cowboys — K. Forbath (Q3 26:14)
  • Dallas Cowboys — K. Forbath (Q4 15:00)
  • Dallas Cowboys — K. Forbath (Q4 6:44)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

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

The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LA 19 (Q1 46:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 82-J.Witten for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q1 46:47) — 3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..

The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 21–7. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the DAL 2 (Q2 43:03) — (13:03) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 30-T.Gurley for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q2 42:58) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LA 59 (Q2 41:49) — (11:49) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 10-T.Austin for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 41:37) — 3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) 21-E.Elliott up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 31:57) — 3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LA 3 (Q2 30:20) — (:20) (Shotgun) 21-E.Elliott right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 30:16) — 3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..

The third quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 3–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LA 32 (Q3 26:14) — (11:14) (Field Goal formation) 3-K.Forbath 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..

The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 14–13. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LA 24 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Field Goal formation) 3-K.Forbath 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LA 24 (Q4 6:44) — (6:44) (Field Goal formation) 3-K.Forbath 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the DAL 7 (Q4 3:22) — (3:22) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 30-T.Gurley left tackle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams registered a safety from the DAL 1 (Q4 3:17) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 30-T.Gurley rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LA 44 (Q4 3:09) — (3:09) 20-T.Pollard left tackle for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 3:00) — 3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the DAL 7 (Q4 0:45) — (:45) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 18-C.Kupp for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Turning points

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

  • Dallas Cowboys (Q2 41:49) — (11:49) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 10-T.Austin for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.2% · EPA +5.20]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 46:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 82-J.Witten for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.3% · EPA +3.19]
  • Los Angeles Rams (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 89-T.Higbee to DAL 7 for 26 yards (54-J.Smith). [WPA +5.8% · EPA +1.75]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 49:27) — (4:27) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 82-J.Witten ran ob at LA 38 for 9 yards (23-N.Robey). [WPA +5.8% · EPA +0.67]
  • Los Angeles Rams (Q1 59:49) — (14:49) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass incomplete deep right to 18-C.Kupp. PENALTY on DAL-58-R.Quinn, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced at LA 40 - No Play. [WPA +5.7% · EPA +1.79]

Impact plays

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

  • Dallas Cowboys (Q2 41:49) — (11:49) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 10-T.Austin for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.2% · EPA +5.20]
  • Los Angeles Rams (Q2 31:33) — (1:33) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle intended for 17-R.Woods INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee at LA 34. 50-S.Lee to LA 9 for 25 yards (34-M.Brown). [WPA -3.7% · EPA -5.18]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 3:09) — (3:09) 20-T.Pollard left tackle for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +0.0% · EPA +5.00]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 46:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 82-J.Witten for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.3% · EPA +3.19]

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) · 59 dropbacks · 55.9% completion · -6.0% CPOE · -0.08 EPA/play · -4.49 total EPA
  • D.Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) · 27 dropbacks · 55.6% completion · -6.0% CPOE · +0.31 EPA/play · +8.38 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

StatLos Angeles RamsDallas Cowboys
Offensive EPA/play-0.000+0.323
Offensive success rate44.7%56.5%
Pass EPA/play-0.027+0.311
Rush EPA/play-0.166+0.337
Defensive EPA/play-0.323+0.000
Defensive success rate43.5%55.3%

By the numbers

Dallas Cowboys held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.32 vs -0.00), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

  • Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, +27.49 total EPA, 8 scoring drives
  • Los Angeles Rams: 11 drives, -0.01 total EPA, 3 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

  • Dallas Cowboys leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
  • D. Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) 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.
  • D. Prescott (DAL) 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 TD (+6) — Q1 46:53 · LA 19 · Score 0-6
    (1:53) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 82-J.Witten for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 46:47 · LA 15 · Score 0-7
    3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  3. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 43:03 · DAL 2 · Score 6-7
    (13:03) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 30-T.Gurley for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 42:58 · DAL 15 · Score 7-7
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  5. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 41:49 · LA 59 · Score 7-13
    (11:49) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 10-T.Austin for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 41:37 · LA 15 · Score 7-14
    3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  7. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 32:00 · LA 1 · Score 7-20
    (2:00) 21-E.Elliott up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 31:57 · LA 15 · Score 7-21
    3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  9. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 30:20 · LA 3 · Score 7-27
    (:20) (Shotgun) 21-E.Elliott right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 30:16 · LA 15 · Score 7-28
    3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  11. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 26:14 · LA 32 · Score 7-31
    (11:14) (Field Goal formation) 3-K.Forbath 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  12. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 15:00 · LA 24 · Score 7-34
    (15:00) (Field Goal formation) 3-K.Forbath 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  13. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 6:44 · LA 24 · Score 7-37
    (6:44) (Field Goal formation) 3-K.Forbath 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  14. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 3:22 · DAL 7 · Score 13-37
    (3:22) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 30-T.Gurley left tackle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Los Angeles Rams Safety (+2) — Q4 3:17 · DAL 1 · Score 15-37
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 30-T.Gurley rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  16. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 3:09 · LA 44 · Score 15-43
    (3:09) 20-T.Pollard left tackle for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  17. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 3:00 · LA 15 · Score 15-44
    3-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  18. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 0:45 · DAL 7 · Score 21-44
    (:45) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 18-C.Kupp for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Los Angeles Rams vs Dallas Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys beat the Los Angeles Rams 44-21 in Week 15, 2019 on 2019-12-15.

What was the final score of Los Angeles Rams vs Dallas Cowboys?

The final score was Los Angeles Rams 21, Dallas Cowboys 44 (LA 21-44 DAL) in Week 15, 2019 on 2019-12-15.

What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Rams vs Dallas Cowboys?

Q1: Los Angeles Rams 0, Dallas Cowboys 7; Q2: Los Angeles Rams 7, Dallas Cowboys 21; Q3: Los Angeles Rams 0, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q4: Los Angeles Rams 14, Dallas Cowboys 13; Final: Los Angeles Rams 21, Dallas Cowboys 44.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Rams vs Dallas Cowboys?

Dallas Cowboys touchdown — J. Witten (D. Prescott pass) (Q1 46:53) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — T. Gurley (J. Goff pass) (Q2 43:03) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — T. Austin (D. Prescott pass) (Q2 41:49) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — E. Elliott (Q2 32:00) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — E. Elliott (Q2 30:20) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — T. Gurley (Q4 3:22) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — T. Pollard (Q4 3:09) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — C. Kupp (J. Goff pass) (Q4 0:45) Dallas Cowboys field goal — K. Forbath (Q3 26:14, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — K. Forbath (Q4 15:00, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — K. Forbath (Q4 6:44, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Rams vs Dallas Cowboys?

J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams), 55.9% completion, -6.0% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -4.49 total passing EPA. D. Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), 55.6% completion, -6.0% CPOE, +0.31 EPA per dropback, +8.38 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Rams vs Dallas Cowboys?

D. Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) led the game in total EPA with +8.38 on passing plays. across 27 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.20 EPA): (11:49) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep left to 10-T.Austin for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +14.2%.

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Rams

Entered 8-5 Now 8-6 L

Dallas Cowboys

Entered 6-7 Now 7-7 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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