Game story
In Week 1 of the 2014 NFL season on 2014-09-08, the Arizona Cardinals took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 18–17 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) paced the passing game, with +10.99 total EPA, and +3.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.99 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-24.4% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (1:53) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass incomplete short middle to 13-K.Allen (50-L.Foote).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 6 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Palmer · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +10.99 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play
- 2 M. Floyd · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +6.05 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
- 3 M. Floyd · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.94 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
- 4 S. Taylor · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.60 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
- 5 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +2.75 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 6 A. Gates · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.68 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
- 7 J. Carlson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.61 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.61 EPA/play
- 8 Ja. Brown · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.29 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.29 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Palmer — ARI · Passing
C. Palmer posted the highest total EPA (+10.99) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Arizona Cardinals's efficiency. Across 46 counted snaps, they averaged +0.24 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.02 EPA) came from Arizona Cardinals: (7:05) 38-A.Ellington right tackle to LAC 25 for 3 yards (38-M.Gilchrist). FUMBLES (38-M.Gilchrist), recovered by ARI-70-B.Massie at LAC 28. 70-B.Massie to LAC 28 for no gain (56-D.Butler). San Diego challenged the loose
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Floyd (P. Rivers pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — R. Mathews
- Arizona Cardinals — S. Taylor (C. Palmer pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Palmer
Field goals
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Catanzaro
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Novak
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Catanzaro
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 6–3. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the LAC 4 (Q2 42:47) — (12:47) 7-C.Catanzaro 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the ARI 18 (Q2 36:05) — (6:05) 9-N.Novak 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the LAC 26 (Q2 30:04).
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 14–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the ARI 6 (Q3 26:43) — (11:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 80-M.Floyd for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 26:38) — 9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the ARI 20 (Q3 20:33) — (5:33) 24-R.Mathews left tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 20:26) — 9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 12–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LAC 5 (Q4 12:38) — (12:38) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 30-S.Taylor for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LAC 13 (Q4 2:32) — (2:32) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 12-Jo. Brown for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 1:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass incomplete short middle to 13-K.Allen (50-L.Foote).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 3:17) — (3:17) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 15-M.Floyd to LAC 13 for 16 yards (29-S.Wright).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 37:29) — (7:29) 2-D.Butler punt is BLOCKED by 97-J.Attaochu, Center-82-M.Leach, ball out of bounds at ARI 17.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:22) — (:22) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 11-E.Royal INTERCEPTED by 25-J.Powers at ARI 32. 25-J.Powers to ARI 44 for 12 yards (39-D.Woodhead).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 28:27) — (13:27) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 80-M.Floyd ran ob at ARI 25 for 32 yards.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 52:05) — (7:05) 38-A.Ellington right tackle to LAC 25 for 3 yards (38-M.Gilchrist). FUMBLES (38-M.Gilchrist), recovered by ARI-70-B.Massie at LAC 28. 70-B.Massie to LAC 28 for no gain (56-D.Butler). San Diego
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 21:51) — (6:51) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer sacked at ARI 25 for -8 yards (97-J.Attaochu). FUMBLES (97-J.Attaochu) [97-J.Attaochu], RECOVERED by LAC-93-D.Freeney at ARI 29. 93-D.Freeney to ARI 29 for no gain (62-T.La
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 53:32) — (8:32) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 15-M.Floyd to LAC 33 for 63 yards (29-S.Wright).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 37:29) — (7:29) 2-D.Butler punt is BLOCKED by 97-J.Attaochu, Center-82-M.Leach, ball out of bounds at ARI 17.
Quarterback report card
C.Palmer led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) · 46 dropbacks · 52.2% completion · +3.2% CPOE · +0.24 EPA/play · +10.99 total EPA
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 38 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · -6.6% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +2.75 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.116 | -0.105 |
| Offensive success rate | 38.2% | 40.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.072 | +0.239 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.401 | -0.408 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.105 | +0.116 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.8% | 61.8% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Los Angeles Chargers -0.12, Arizona Cardinals -0.10) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Arizona Cardinals: 12 drives, -9.11 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, -8.84 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Arizona Cardinals 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.
- C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Palmer (ARI) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- P. Rivers (LAC) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 42:47 · LAC 4 · Score 0-3
(12:47) 7-C.Catanzaro 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 36:05 · ARI 18 · Score 3-3
(6:05) 9-N.Novak 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · LAC 26 · Score 3-6
(:04) 7-C.Catanzaro 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. Penalty on LAC-54-M.Ingram, Defensive Holding, declined. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 26:43 · ARI 6 · Score 9-6
(11:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 80-M.Floyd for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 26:38 · ARI 2 · Score 10-6
9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 20:33 · ARI 20 · Score 16-6
(5:33) 24-R.Mathews left tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 20:26 · ARI 2 · Score 17-6
9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 12:38 · LAC 5 · Score 17-12
(12:38) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 30-S.Taylor for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 2:32 · LAC 13 · Score 17-18
(2:32) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 12-Jo. Brown for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals?
The Arizona Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Chargers 18-17 in Week 1, 2014 on 2014-09-08.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 17, Arizona Cardinals 18 (LAC 17-18 ARI) in Week 1, 2014 on 2014-09-08.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals?
Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Arizona Cardinals 6; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 14, Arizona Cardinals 0; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Arizona Cardinals 12; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 17, Arizona Cardinals 18.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Floyd (P. Rivers pass) (Q3 26:43) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — R. Mathews (Q3 20:33) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — S. Taylor (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 12:38) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — C. Palmer (Q4 2:32) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q2 42:47, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Novak (Q2 36:05, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals?
C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals), 52.2% completion, +3.2% CPOE, +0.24 EPA per dropback, +10.99 total passing EPA. P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 55.3% completion, -6.6% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +2.75 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals?
C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) led the game in total EPA with +10.99 on passing plays. across 46 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.02 EPA): (7:05) 38-A.Ellington right tackle to LAC 25 for 3 yards (38-M.Gilchrist). FUMBLES (38-M.Gilchrist), recovered by ARI-70-B.Massie at LAC 28. 70-B.Massie to LAC 28 for no gain (56-D. The biggest win-probability swing was -24.4%.
Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Arizona Cardinals won 18-17 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Now 0-1 L
Arizona Cardinals
Now 1-0 W
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
