Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts: 2021 Week 2 Recap

Game story

In Week 2 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-09-19, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Indianapolis Colts, pulling away with a 27–24 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

C. Wentz (Indianapolis Colts) paced the passing game, with -0.19 total EPA, and +0.2% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +12.11 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-25.2% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (14:17) (Punt formation) 6-J.Hekker Aborted. 42-M.Orzech FUMBLES at LA 5, touched at LA 5, recovered by LA-6-J.Hekker at LA 1. 6-J.Hekker to LA 1 for no gain (45-E.Speed). FUMBLES (45-E.Speed), RECOVE

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 M. Stafford · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +12.11 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
2. 2 C. Kupp · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +11.28 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
3. 3 M. Pittman · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +5.15 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
4. 4 Z. Pascal · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +3.14 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
5. 5 R. Woods · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +3.06 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
6. 6 T. Higbee · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.28 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.28 EPA/play
7. 7 M. Alie-Cox · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +1.08 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
8. 8 N. Hines · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +0.58 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.58 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

• Los Angeles Rams — C. Kupp (M. Stafford pass) (Q1 48:23)
• Los Angeles Rams — D. Henderson (Q3 26:39)
• Indianapolis Colts — Z. Pascal (C. Wentz pass) (Q3 18:46)
• Indianapolis Colts — J. Hekker (Q4 14:17)
• Los Angeles Rams — C. Kupp (M. Stafford pass) (Q4 12:12)

Field goals

• Indianapolis Colts — R. Blankenship (Q2 44:57)
• Los Angeles Rams — M. Gay (Q2 31:55)
• Los Angeles Rams — C. Wentz (Q2 31:51)
• Indianapolis Colts — R. Blankenship (Q2 30:02)
• Indianapolis Colts — R. Blankenship (Q4 7:25)
• Los Angeles Rams — M. Gay (Q4 2:27)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

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

The opening quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the IND 16 (Q1 48:23) — (3:23) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep left to 10-C.Kupp for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the IND 15 (Q1 48:18) — 8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 6–6. Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the LA 30 (Q2 44:57) — (14:57) 3-R.Blankenship 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the IND 16 (Q2 31:55) — (1:55) 8-M.Gay 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the LA 75 (Q2 31:51) — (1:51) (Shotgun) 2-C.Wentz pass short left to 84-J.Doyle to IND 38 for 13 yards (11-D.Williams).; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the LA 28 (Q2 30:02) — (:02) 3-R.Blankenship 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez..

The third quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 8–7. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the IND 2 (Q3 26:39) — (11:39) 27-D.Henderson left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the IND 15 (Q3 26:36) — 8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the LA 8 (Q3 18:46) — (3:46) (Shotgun) 2-C.Wentz pass short right to 14-Z.Pascal for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts registered a safety from the LA 2 (Q3 18:43) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-C.Wentz pass to 84-J.Doyle is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..

The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the IND 89 (Q4 14:17); Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 14:12) — 3-R.Blankenship extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the IND 10 (Q4 12:12) — (12:12) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 10-C.Kupp for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the IND 15 (Q4 12:09) — 8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the LA 17 (Q4 7:25) — (7:25) 3-R.Blankenship 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the IND 20 (Q4 2:27) — (2:27) 8-M.Gay 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

Turning points

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

• Los Angeles Rams (Q4 14:17) — (14:17) (Punt formation) 6-J.Hekker Aborted. 42-M.Orzech FUMBLES at LA 5, touched at LA 5, recovered by LA-6-J.Hekker at LA 1. 6-J.Hekker to LA 1 for no gain (45-E.Speed). FUMBLES (45-E.Speed), RECOVE [WPA -25.2% · EPA -4.71]
• Los Angeles Rams (Q4 12:55) — (12:55) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep left to 10-C.Kupp pushed ob at IND 10 for 44 yards (38-T.Carrie). [WPA +18.1% · EPA +2.98]
• Indianapolis Colts (Q2 40:14) — (10:14) (Shotgun) 2-C.Wentz pass short middle intended for 84-J.Doyle INTERCEPTED by 51-T.Reeder at LA 3. 51-T.Reeder to LA 5 for 2 yards (73-J.Davenport). [WPA -17.1% · EPA -4.76]
• Indianapolis Colts (Q4 2:19) — (2:19) (Shotgun) 9-J.Eason pass deep right intended for 84-J.Doyle INTERCEPTED by 5-J.Ramsey [54-L.Floyd] at IND 45. 5-J.Ramsey ran ob at IND 45 for no gain. [WPA -15.7% · EPA -2.62]
• Los Angeles Rams (Q4 2:27) — (2:27) 8-M.Gay 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker. [WPA +15.4% · EPA +0.43]

Impact plays

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

• Indianapolis Colts (Q1 53:20) — (8:20) (No Huddle) 2-C.Wentz sacked at LA 10 for -9 yards (54-L.Floyd). [WPA -10.2% · EPA -5.09]
• Indianapolis Colts (Q2 40:14) — (10:14) (Shotgun) 2-C.Wentz pass short middle intended for 84-J.Doyle INTERCEPTED by 51-T.Reeder at LA 3. 51-T.Reeder to LA 5 for 2 yards (73-J.Davenport). [WPA -17.1% · EPA -4.76]
• Los Angeles Rams (Q4 14:17) — (14:17) (Punt formation) 6-J.Hekker Aborted. 42-M.Orzech FUMBLES at LA 5, touched at LA 5, recovered by LA-6-J.Hekker at LA 1. 6-J.Hekker to LA 1 for no gain (45-E.Speed). FUMBLES (45-E.Speed), RECOVE [WPA -25.2% · EPA -4.71]
• Indianapolis Colts (Q1 46:33) — (1:33) (Shotgun) 2-C.Wentz pass deep right to 11-M.Pittman to LA 37 for 42 yards (4-J.Fuller) [99-A.Donald]. [WPA +9.8% · EPA +4.51]

Quarterback report card

C.Wentz led all passers in efficiency for Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• C.Wentz (Indianapolis Colts) · 40 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · +0.2% CPOE · -0.00 EPA/play · -0.19 total EPA
• M.Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) · 32 dropbacks · 59.4% completion · -4.3% CPOE · +0.38 EPA/play · +12.11 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 (+0.06 vs -0.02), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Indianapolis Colts: 11 drives, -1.86 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
• Los Angeles Rams: 10 drives, +4.50 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.
• M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• M. Stafford (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 TD (+6) — Q1 48:23 · IND 16 · Score 6-0
   (3:23) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep left to 10-C.Kupp for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 48:18 · IND 15 · Score 7-0
   8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
3. Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 44:57 · LA 30 · Score 7-3
   (14:57) 3-R.Blankenship 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
4. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 31:55 · IND 16 · Score 10-3
   (1:55) 8-M.Gay 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
5. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 31:51 · LA 75 · Score 10-3
   (1:51) (Shotgun) 2-C.Wentz pass short left to 84-J.Doyle to IND 38 for 13 yards (11-D.Williams).
6. Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 30:02 · LA 28 · Score 10-6
   (:02) 3-R.Blankenship 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
7. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 26:39 · IND 2 · Score 16-6
   (11:39) 27-D.Henderson left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 26:36 · IND 15 · Score 17-6
   8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
9. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 18:46 · LA 8 · Score 17-12
   (3:46) (Shotgun) 2-C.Wentz pass short right to 14-Z.Pascal for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10. Indianapolis Colts Safety (+2) — Q3 18:43 · LA 2 · Score 17-14
    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-C.Wentz pass to 84-J.Doyle is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
11. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 14:17 · IND 89 · Score 17-20
    (14:17) (Punt formation) 6-J.Hekker Aborted. 42-M.Orzech FUMBLES at LA 5, touched at LA 5, recovered by LA-6-J.Hekker at LA 1. 6-J.Hekker to LA 1 for no gain (4
12. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 14:12 · LA 15 · Score 17-21
    3-R.Blankenship extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
13. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 12:12 · IND 10 · Score 23-21
    (12:12) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 10-C.Kupp for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
14. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q4 12:09 · IND 15 · Score 24-21
    8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
15. Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 7:25 · LA 17 · Score 24-24
    (7:25) 3-R.Blankenship 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
16. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 2:27 · IND 20 · Score 27-24
    (2:27) 8-M.Gay 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.