Game story
In Week 2 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-09-16, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Buffalo Bills, pulling away with a 31–20 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) paced the passing game, with -0.65 total EPA, and -9.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +18.75 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-93.4% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (:29) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 30-A.Ekeler left guard to LAC 40 for 10 yards (57-L.Alexander, 49-T.Edmunds).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 14 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 31 |
| Buffalo Bills | 0 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +18.75 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
- 2 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.29 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.64 EPA/play
- 3 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.17 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
- 4 M. Gordon · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.07 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 5 V. Green · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.89 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.30 EPA/play
- 6 Z. Jones · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.57 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.19 EPA/play
- 7 Ty. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.53 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.18 EPA/play
- 8 R. Foster · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +2.39 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
P. Rivers — LAC · Passing
P. Rivers posted the highest total EPA (+18.75) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 31 counted snaps, they averaged +0.60 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.04 EPA) came from Buffalo Bills: (7:11) 17-J.Allen pass deep left intended for 80-J.Croom INTERCEPTED by 44-K.White at BUF 25. 44-K.White pushed ob at BUF 16 for 9 yards (33-C.Ivory).
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. Williams (P. Rivers pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Gordon
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Gordon (P. Rivers pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Gordon (P. Rivers pass)
- Buffalo Bills — C. Ivory
- Buffalo Bills — K. Benjamin (J. Allen pass)
Field goals
- Buffalo Bills — S. Hauschka
- Buffalo Bills — S. Hauschka
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Sturgis
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 14–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the BUF 10 (Q1 54:32) — (9:32) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 81-M.Williams for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN [55-J.Hughes]. Caught in back of end zone.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q1 54:26) — 6-C.Sturgis extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the BUF 20 (Q1 49:24) — (4:24) 28-M.Gordon left tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q1 49:18) — 6-C.Sturgis extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 14–6. Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the LAC 24 (Q2 43:42) — (13:42) 4-S.Hauschka 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the BUF 9 (Q2 40:49) — (10:49) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 28-M.Gordon for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught at BUF 6, crossing from middle.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q2 40:43) — 6-C.Sturgis extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the BUF 2 (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 28-M.Gordon for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught in front corner of end zone.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q2 31:55) — 6-C.Sturgis extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the LAC 23 (Q2 30:52) — (:52) 4-S.Hauschka 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez..
The third quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 7–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q3 26:08) — (11:08) 33-C.Ivory up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 26:06) — 4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez..
The fourth quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 7–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the BUF 5 (Q4 3:52) — (3:52) 6-C.Sturgis 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the LAC 3 (Q4 0:42) — (:42) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short middle to 13-K.Benjamin for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught in back of end zone.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 0:38) — 4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:29) — (:29) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 30-A.Ekeler left guard to LAC 40 for 10 yards (57-L.Alexander, 49-T.Edmunds).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2) — End of half - 2.27 pm
- Buffalo Bills (Q1 56:03) — (11:03) 9-C.Bojorquez punts 44 yards to LAC 42, Center-69-R.Ferguson. 89-J.Jones to BUF 48 for 10 yards (18-A.Holmes). PENALTY on BUF-82-L.Thomas, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at BUF 48.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 50:07) — (5:07) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams to BUF 20 for 17 yards (27-T.White).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 49:24) — (4:24) 28-M.Gordon left tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 7:11) — (7:11) 17-J.Allen pass deep left intended for 80-J.Croom INTERCEPTED by 44-K.White at BUF 25. 44-K.White pushed ob at BUF 16 for 9 yards (33-C.Ivory).
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 31:49) — (1:49) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep left to 11-Z.Jones to LAC 18 for 57 yards (37-J.Addae). Caught in flat at LAC 20.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:32) — (:32) G.Smith in at QB. 3-G.Smith kneels to BUF 24 for -1 yards.
- Buffalo Bills (Q3 17:54) — (2:54) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short right intended for 45-M.Murphy INTERCEPTED by 31-A.Phillips [54-M.Ingram] at LAC 25. 31-A.Phillips to LAC 25 for no gain (45-M.Murphy).
Quarterback report card
J.Allen led all passers in efficiency for Buffalo Bills, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Allen (Buffalo Bills) · 41 dropbacks · 41.5% completion · -9.5% CPOE · -0.02 EPA/play · -0.65 total EPA
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 31 dropbacks · 74.2% completion · +16.4% CPOE · +0.60 EPA/play · +18.75 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Buffalo Bills |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.097 | -0.072 |
| Offensive success rate | 45.3% | 38.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.605 | -0.016 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.165 | -0.240 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.072 | -0.097 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.4% | 54.7% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.10 vs -0.07), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Buffalo Bills: 11 drives, -5.99 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 12 drives, +7.30 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Los Angeles Chargers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Allen (BUF) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- P. Rivers (LAC) 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.
- Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 54:32 · BUF 10 · Score 6-0
(9:32) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 81-M.Williams for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN [55-J.Hughes]. Caught in back of end zone. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 54:26 · BUF 15 · Score 7-0
6-C.Sturgis extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 49:24 · BUF 20 · Score 13-0
(4:24) 28-M.Gordon left tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 49:18 · BUF 15 · Score 14-0
6-C.Sturgis extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 43:42 · LAC 24 · Score 14-3
(13:42) 4-S.Hauschka 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 40:49 · BUF 9 · Score 20-3
(10:49) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 28-M.Gordon for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught at BUF 6, crossing from middle. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 40:43 · BUF 15 · Score 21-3
6-C.Sturgis extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 32:00 · BUF 2 · Score 27-3
(2:00) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 28-M.Gordon for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught in front corner of end zone. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 31:55 · BUF 15 · Score 28-3
6-C.Sturgis extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 30:52 · LAC 23 · Score 28-6
(:52) 4-S.Hauschka 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q3 26:08 · LAC 1 · Score 28-12
(11:08) 33-C.Ivory up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q3 26:06 · LAC 15 · Score 28-13
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 3:52 · BUF 5 · Score 31-13
(3:52) 6-C.Sturgis 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q4 0:42 · LAC 3 · Score 31-19
(:42) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short middle to 13-K.Benjamin for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught in back of end zone. - Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q4 0:38 · LAC 15 · Score 31-20
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Buffalo Bills?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Buffalo Bills 31-20 in Week 2, 2018 on 2018-09-16.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Buffalo Bills?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 31, Buffalo Bills 20 (LAC 31-20 BUF) in Week 2, 2018 on 2018-09-16.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Buffalo Bills?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 14, Buffalo Bills 0; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 14, Buffalo Bills 6; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Buffalo Bills 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Buffalo Bills 7; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 31, Buffalo Bills 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Buffalo Bills?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Williams (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 54:32) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Gordon (Q1 49:24) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Gordon (P. Rivers pass) (Q2 40:49) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Gordon (P. Rivers pass) (Q2 32:00) Buffalo Bills touchdown — C. Ivory (Q3 26:08) Buffalo Bills touchdown — K. Benjamin (J. Allen pass) (Q4 0:42) Buffalo Bills field goal — S. Hauschka (Q2 43:42, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — S. Hauschka (Q2 30:52, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Sturgis (Q4 3:52, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Buffalo Bills?
J. Allen (Buffalo Bills), 41.5% completion, -9.5% CPOE, -0.02 EPA per dropback, -0.65 total passing EPA. P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 74.2% completion, +16.4% CPOE, +0.60 EPA per dropback, +18.75 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Buffalo Bills?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +18.75 on passing plays. across 31 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.04 EPA): (7:11) 17-J.Allen pass deep left intended for 80-J.Croom INTERCEPTED by 44-K.White at BUF 25. 44-K.White pushed ob at BUF 16 for 9 yards (33-C.Ivory).. The biggest win-probability swing was -93.4%.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 0-1 Now 1-1 W
Buffalo Bills
Entered 0-1 Now 0-2 L
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