Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers: 2017 Week 3 Recap

Game story

In Week 3 of the 2017 NFL season on 2017-09-21, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the San Francisco 49ers, pulling away with a 41–39 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 26 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

B. Hoyer (San Francisco 49ers) paced the passing game, with +4.82 total EPA, and -0.7% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +27.21 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-29.9% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: 9-R.Gould kicks onside 15 yards from SF 35 to 50. RECOVERED by SF-31-R.Mostert.

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 · +27.21 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
2. 2 S. Watkins · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +11.16 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.59 EPA/play
3. 3 R. Woods · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +8.06 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.15 EPA/play
4. 4 P. Garcon · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +7.70 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
5. 5 B. Hoyer · San Francisco 49ers · Passing · +4.82 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
6. 6 T. Taylor · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +3.24 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
7. 7 C. Hyde · San Francisco 49ers · Rushing · +2.57 total EPA · 25 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
8. 8 T. Gurley · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +2.19 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.31 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 — T. Gurley (Q1 59:52)
• San Francisco 49ers — B. Hoyer (Q1 53:26)
• Los Angeles Rams — T. Gurley (J. Goff pass) (Q1 49:37)
• Los Angeles Rams — T. Gurley (Q2 30:55)
• San Francisco 49ers — C. Hyde (Q3 20:44)
• Los Angeles Rams — S. Watkins (J. Goff pass) (Q3 15:21)
• San Francisco 49ers — G. Celek (B. Hoyer pass) (Q4 12:57)
• Los Angeles Rams — S. Watkins (J. Goff pass) (Q4 8:47)
• San Francisco 49ers — T. Taylor (B. Hoyer pass) (Q4 5:12)
• San Francisco 49ers — C. Hyde (Q4 2:17)

Field goals

• Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q2 45:00)
• San Francisco 49ers — R. Gould (Q2 39:42)
• San Francisco 49ers — R. Gould (Q2 33:51)
• Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q3 24:20)

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 14–7. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 3 (Q1 59:52) — (14:52) 30-T.Gurley up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q1 59:48) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LA 9 (Q1 53:26) — (8:26) (Shotgun) 2-B.Hoyer scrambles right end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q1 53:17) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 7 (Q1 49:37) — (4:37) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 30-T.Gurley for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught at SF 5. 5-yds YAC; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q1 49:32) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The second quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 10–6. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the SF 30 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 4-G.Zuerlein 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the LA 18 (Q2 39:42) — (9:42) 9-R.Gould 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the LA 30 (Q2 33:51) — (3:51) 9-R.Gould 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 2 (Q2 30:55) — (:55) 30-T.Gurley left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q2 30:49) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The third quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 10–7. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the SF 1 (Q3 24:20) — (9:20) 4-G.Zuerlein 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q3 20:44) — (5:44) 28-C.Hyde up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q3 20:40) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 1 (Q3 15:21) — (:21) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 12-S.Watkins for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q3 15:17) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The fourth quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 19–7. San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q4 12:57) — (12:57) 76-G.Gilliam reported in as eligible. 2-B.Hoyer pass short right to 88-G.Celek for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 13 (Q4 8:47) — (8:47) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 12-S.Watkins for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught at SF 8. 8-yds YAC; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q4 8:43) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LA 3 (Q4 5:12) — (5:12) (Shotgun) 2-B.Hoyer pass short right to 81-T.Taylor for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 5:08) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q4 2:17) — (2:17) (Shotgun) 28-C.Hyde right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN..

Turning points

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

• Los Angeles Rams (Q4 2:13) — 9-R.Gould kicks onside 15 yards from SF 35 to 50. RECOVERED by SF-31-R.Mostert. [WPA -29.9% · EPA -3.34]
• San Francisco 49ers (Q4 1:50) — (1:50) (Shotgun) 2-B.Hoyer sacked at SF 32 for -8 yards (99-A.Donald). [WPA -22.3% · EPA -2.82]
• San Francisco 49ers (Q4 2:17) — (2:17) (Shotgun) 28-C.Hyde right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.9% · EPA +2.83]
• San Francisco 49ers (Q1 60:00) — (15:00) 2-B.Hoyer pass short right intended for 11-M.Goodwin INTERCEPTED by 23-N.Robey at SF 28. 23-N.Robey to SF 3 for 25 yards (88-G.Celek). [WPA -17.0% · EPA -7.36]
• San Francisco 49ers (Q4 2:13) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-B.Hoyer pass to 81-T.Taylor is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS. DEFENSIVE TWO-POINT ATTEMPT. 90-M.Brockers intercepted the try attempt. ATTEMPT FAILS. [WPA -12.6% · EPA -0.95]

Impact plays

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

• San Francisco 49ers (Q1 60:00) — (15:00) 2-B.Hoyer pass short right intended for 11-M.Goodwin INTERCEPTED by 23-N.Robey at SF 28. 23-N.Robey to SF 3 for 25 yards (88-G.Celek). [WPA -17.0% · EPA -7.36]
• Los Angeles Rams (Q4 5:08) — 5-B.Pinion kicks 68 yards from SF 35 to LA -3. 10-P.Cooper to LA 25 for 28 yards (17-V.Bolden). FUMBLES (17-V.Bolden), RECOVERED by SF-19-A.Robinson at LA 29. 19-A.Robinson to LA 29 for no gain (89-T. [WPA -10.7% · EPA -4.83]
• San Francisco 49ers (Q2 41:44) — (11:44) 5-B.Pinion punts 32 yards to LA 11, Center-86-K.Nelson. 11-T.Austin MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by SF-86-K.Nelson at LA 12. 86-K.Nelson to LA 12 for no gain (11-T.Austin). [WPA +12.3% · EPA +4.55]
• San Francisco 49ers (Q1 48:11) — (3:11) (No Huddle) 31-R.Mostert up the middle to LA 39 for no gain (95-T.Walker). FUMBLES (95-T.Walker), RECOVERED by LA-23-N.Robey at LA 32. 23-N.Robey to LA 32 for no gain (88-G.Celek). 7-yds loose [WPA -9.1% · EPA -4.25]

Quarterback report card

B.Hoyer led all passers in efficiency for San Francisco 49ers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• B.Hoyer (San Francisco 49ers) · 46 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -0.7% CPOE · +0.10 EPA/play · +4.82 total EPA
• J.Goff (Los Angeles Rams) · 33 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +15.8% CPOE · +0.82 EPA/play · +27.21 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 (+0.17 vs +0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Los Angeles Rams: 12 drives, +14.77 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
• San Francisco 49ers: 13 drives, +8.86 total EPA, 7 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.
• J. Goff (LA) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

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

1. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 59:52 · SF 3 · Score 6-0
   (14:52) 30-T.Gurley up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 59:48 · SF 15 · Score 7-0
   4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
3. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q1 53:26 · LA 9 · Score 7-6
   (8:26) (Shotgun) 2-B.Hoyer scrambles right end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4. San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q1 53:17 · LA 15 · Score 7-7
   9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
5. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 49:37 · SF 7 · Score 13-7
   (4:37) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 30-T.Gurley for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught at SF 5. 5-yds YAC
6. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 49:32 · SF 15 · Score 14-7
   4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
7. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 45:00 · SF 30 · Score 17-7
   (15:00) 4-G.Zuerlein 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
8. San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q2 39:42 · LA 18 · Score 17-10
   (9:42) 9-R.Gould 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
9. San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q2 33:51 · LA 30 · Score 17-13
   (3:51) 9-R.Gould 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
10. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 30:55 · SF 2 · Score 23-13
    (:55) 30-T.Gurley left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
11. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 30:49 · SF 15 · Score 24-13
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
12. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q3 24:20 · SF 1 · Score 27-13
    (9:20) 4-G.Zuerlein 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
13. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q3 20:44 · LA 1 · Score 27-19
    (5:44) 28-C.Hyde up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
14. San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q3 20:40 · LA 15 · Score 27-20
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
15. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 15:21 · SF 1 · Score 33-20
    (:21) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 12-S.Watkins for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
16. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 15:17 · SF 15 · Score 34-20
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
17. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q4 12:57 · LA 1 · Score 34-26
    (12:57) 76-G.Gilliam reported in as eligible. 2-B.Hoyer pass short right to 88-G.Celek for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
18. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 8:47 · SF 13 · Score 40-26
    (8:47) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 12-S.Watkins for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught at SF 8. 8-yds YAC
19. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q4 8:43 · SF 15 · Score 41-26
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
20. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q4 5:12 · LA 3 · Score 41-32
    (5:12) (Shotgun) 2-B.Hoyer pass short right to 81-T.Taylor for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
21. San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q4 5:08 · LA 15 · Score 41-33
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
22. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q4 2:17 · LA 1 · Score 41-39
    (2:17) (Shotgun) 28-C.Hyde right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.