Game story
In Week 1 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-09-08, the Denver Broncos took care of business against the Los Angeles Rams, pulling away with a 23–16 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 15 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
K. Warner (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with +5.02 total EPA.
On the individual side, T. Holt (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.56 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-21.3% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (1:23) 13-K.Warner pass incomplete to 44-C.Hetherington.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 0 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
| Denver Broncos | 7 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Holt · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +6.56 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.09 EPA/play
- 2 K. Warner · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +5.02 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 3 E. McCaffrey · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +4.23 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.41 EPA/play
- 4 M. Faulk · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +4.14 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 5 C. Portis · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +3.10 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
- 6 I. Bruce · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +2.62 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 7 O. Gary · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.50 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 8 E. Conwell · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +2.10 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Holt — LA · Receiving
T. Holt posted the highest total EPA (+6.56) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Rams's efficiency. Across 6 counted snaps, they averaged +1.09 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.33 EPA) came from Denver Broncos: (10:36) 14-B.Griese pass intended for 80-R.Smith INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Davis at LA 23. 58-D.Davis to DEN 48 for 29 yards (80-R.Smith).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — R. Smith (B. Griese pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — M. Faulk
- Denver Broncos — E. McCaffrey (B. Griese pass)
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LA 7 (Q1 48:57) — (3:57) 14-B.Griese pass to 80-R.Smith for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q1 48:51) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen..
The second quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 9–6. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LA 23 (Q2 43:09) — (13:09) 1-J.Elam 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DEN 23 (Q2 36:47); Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LA 16 (Q2 31:20) — (1:20) 1-J.Elam 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LA 14 (Q2 30:36) — (:36) 1-J.Elam 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DEN 26 (Q2 30:05) — (:05) 14-J.Wilkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the DEN 3 (Q3 29:09) — (14:09) 28-M.Faulk up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q3 29:04) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl..
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–3. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LA 23 (Q4 6:03) — (6:03) 14-B.Griese pass to 87-E.McCaffrey for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q4 5:55) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DEN 21 (Q4 2:17) — (2:17) 14-J.Wilkins 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 16:23) — (1:23) 13-K.Warner pass incomplete to 44-C.Hetherington.
- Denver Broncos (Q3 25:36) — (10:36) 14-B.Griese pass intended for 80-R.Smith INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Davis at LA 23. 58-D.Davis to DEN 48 for 29 yards (80-R.Smith).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 10:07) — (10:07) 14-J.Wilkins 39 yard field goal is No Good, Short, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl.
- Denver Broncos (Q4 8:34) — (8:34) 26-C.Portis left end to LA 47 for 15 yards (20-K.Herring).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 24:41) — (9:41) 13-K.Warner pass to 28-M.Faulk pushed ob at DEN 37 for 9 yards (99-M.Reagor).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Denver Broncos (Q3 25:36) — (10:36) 14-B.Griese pass intended for 80-R.Smith INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Davis at LA 23. 58-D.Davis to DEN 48 for 29 yards (80-R.Smith).
- Denver Broncos (Q3 30:00) — (15:00) 14-B.Griese pass INTERCEPTED by 35-A.Williams at DEN 29. 35-A.Williams to DEN 26 for 3 yards (87-E.McCaffrey).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 31:16) — 1-J.Elam kicks 62 yards from DEN 30 to LA 8. 34-L.Gordon to LA 23 for 15 yards (35-L.Walls). FUMBLES (35-L.Walls), RECOVERED by DEN-21-K.Coleman at LA 25. 21-K.Coleman to LA 23 for 2 yards (21-D.McCle
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 10:07) — (10:07) 14-J.Wilkins 39 yard field goal is No Good, Short, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl.
Quarterback report card
K.Warner led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- K.Warner (Los Angeles Rams) · 45 dropbacks · 71.1% completion · +0.11 EPA/play · +5.02 total EPA
- B.Griese (Denver Broncos) · 34 dropbacks · 52.9% completion · -0.08 EPA/play · -2.67 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Rams | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.043 | +0.025 |
| Offensive success rate | 49.3% | 46.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.089 | -0.047 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.151 | -0.097 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.025 | +0.043 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.9% | 50.7% |
By the numbers
Denver Broncos held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.03 vs -0.04), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Denver Broncos: 11 drives, +1.87 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Rams: 11 drives, -3.23 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Denver Broncos 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.
- T. Holt (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 48:57 · LA 7 · Score 0-6
(3:57) 14-B.Griese pass to 80-R.Smith for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 48:51 · LA 2 · Score 0-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 43:09 · LA 23 · Score 0-10
(13:09) 1-J.Elam 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 36:47 · DEN 23 · Score 3-10
(6:47) 14-J.Wilkins 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl. Penalty on DEN-37-T.Poole, Defensive Offside, declined. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 31:20 · LA 16 · Score 3-13
(1:20) 1-J.Elam 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 30:36 · LA 14 · Score 3-16
(:36) 1-J.Elam 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 30:05 · DEN 26 · Score 6-16
(:05) 14-J.Wilkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 29:09 · DEN 3 · Score 12-16
(14:09) 28-M.Faulk up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 29:04 · DEN 2 · Score 13-16
14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 6:03 · LA 23 · Score 13-22
(6:03) 14-B.Griese pass to 87-E.McCaffrey for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 5:55 · LA 2 · Score 13-23
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-78-M.Lepsis, Holder-16-T.Rouen. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 2:17 · DEN 21 · Score 16-23
(2:17) 14-J.Wilkins 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Rams vs Denver Broncos?
The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Rams 23-16 in Week 1, 2002 on 2002-09-08.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Rams vs Denver Broncos?
The final score was Los Angeles Rams 16, Denver Broncos 23 (LA 16-23 DEN) in Week 1, 2002 on 2002-09-08.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Rams vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: Los Angeles Rams 0, Denver Broncos 7; Q2: Los Angeles Rams 6, Denver Broncos 9; Q3: Los Angeles Rams 7, Denver Broncos 0; Q4: Los Angeles Rams 3, Denver Broncos 7; Final: Los Angeles Rams 16, Denver Broncos 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Rams vs Denver Broncos?
Denver Broncos touchdown — R. Smith (B. Griese pass) (Q1 48:57) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — M. Faulk (Q3 29:09) Denver Broncos touchdown — E. McCaffrey (B. Griese pass) (Q4 6:03) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 43:09, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q2 36:47, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 31:20, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 30:36, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q2 30:05, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q4 2:17, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Rams vs Denver Broncos?
K. Warner (Los Angeles Rams), 71.1% completion, +0.11 EPA per dropback, +5.02 total passing EPA. B. Griese (Denver Broncos), 52.9% completion, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -2.67 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Rams vs Denver Broncos?
T. Holt (Los Angeles Rams) led the game in total EPA with +6.56 on receiving plays. across 6 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.33 EPA): (10:36) 14-B.Griese pass intended for 80-R.Smith INTERCEPTED by 58-D.Davis at LA 23. 58-D.Davis to DEN 48 for 29 yards (80-R.Smith).. The biggest win-probability swing was -21.3%.
Was Los Angeles Rams vs Denver Broncos a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Denver Broncos won 23-16 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Rams
Now 0-1 L
Denver Broncos
Now 1-0 W
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