Game story
In Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season on 2020-09-13, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 16–13 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 10 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) paced the passing game, with -8.63 total EPA, and -0.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Boyd (Cincinnati Bengals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +2.84 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-36.2% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Cincinnati Bengals changed the game: (:07) 4-R.Bullock 31 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 16 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Boyd · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.84 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
- 2 C. Uzomah · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.57 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 3 J. Kelley · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +2.31 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 4 J. Guyton · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.01 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.01 EPA/play
- 5 J. Burrow · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +1.58 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 6 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.02 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
- 7 T. Taylor · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +0.54 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.01 EPA/play
- 8 D. Sample · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +0.28 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Boyd — CIN · Receiving
T. Boyd posted the highest total EPA (+2.84) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Cincinnati Bengals's efficiency. Across 5 counted snaps, they averaged +0.57 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.96 EPA) came from Cincinnati Bengals: (12:20) 28-J.Mixon right tackle to CIN 21 for -4 yards (52-D.Perryman). FUMBLES (52-D.Perryman), RECOVERED by LAC-59-N.Vigil at CIN 24. 59-N.Vigil to CIN 24 for no gain (28-J.Mixon).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Burrow
- Los Angeles Chargers — J. Kelley
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley
- Cincinnati Bengals — R. Bullock
- Cincinnati Bengals — R. Bullock
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 7–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the LAC 23 (Q1 47:30) — (2:30) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow up the middle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 47:24) — 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 6–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 6 (Q2 37:14) — (7:14) 4-M.Badgley 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 25 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 4-M.Badgley 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long..
The third quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 6–0. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 31 (Q3 24:17) — (9:17) 4-R.Bullock 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 25 (Q3 16:36) — (1:36) 4-R.Bullock 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CIN 5 (Q4 12:27) — (12:27) (Shotgun) 27-J.Kelley left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q4 12:23) — 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 3 (Q4 8:59) — (8:59) 4-M.Badgley 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:07) — (:07) 4-R.Bullock 31 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 5:19) — (5:19) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left intended for 25-G.Bernard INTERCEPTED by 54-M.Ingram III at LAC 24. 54-M.Ingram III to LAC 24 for no gain (25-G.Bernard). Penalty on CIN-66-T.Hopkins, Ineli
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 1:36) — (1:36) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 83-T.Boyd to LAC 36 for 10 yards (23-R.Jenkins).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:12) — (:12) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 18-A.Green for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN NULLIFIED by Penalty. PENALTY on CIN-18-A.Green, Offensive Pass Interference, 10 yards, enforced at LAC 3 - No Play.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 12:20) — (12:20) 28-J.Mixon right tackle to CIN 21 for -4 yards (52-D.Perryman). FUMBLES (52-D.Perryman), RECOVERED by LAC-59-N.Vigil at CIN 24. 59-N.Vigil to CIN 24 for no gain (28-J.Mixon).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 12:20) — (12:20) 28-J.Mixon right tackle to CIN 21 for -4 yards (52-D.Perryman). FUMBLES (52-D.Perryman), RECOVERED by LAC-59-N.Vigil at CIN 24. 59-N.Vigil to CIN 24 for no gain (28-J.Mixon).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 5:19) — (5:19) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left intended for 25-G.Bernard INTERCEPTED by 54-M.Ingram III at LAC 24. 54-M.Ingram III to LAC 24 for no gain (25-G.Bernard). Penalty on CIN-66-T.Hopkins, Ineli
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 26:43) — (11:43) 4-M.Badgley 50 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 38:38) — (8:38) (Shotgun) 5-T.Taylor pass deep right to 81-M.Williams to CIN 18 for 37 yards (30-J.Bates III). PENALTY on CIN-30-J.Bates III, Unnecessary Roughness, 9 yards, enforced at CIN 18.
Quarterback report card
J.Burrow led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) · 43 dropbacks · 53.5% completion · -0.3% CPOE · -0.20 EPA/play · -8.63 total EPA
- T.Taylor (Los Angeles Chargers) · 37 dropbacks · 43.2% completion · -2.5% CPOE · +0.01 EPA/play · +0.54 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.106 | -0.168 |
| Offensive success rate | 35.9% | 41.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.014 | -0.201 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.181 | -0.297 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.168 | +0.106 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.6% | 64.1% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.11 vs -0.17), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 12 drives, -14.65 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 13 drives, -9.73 total EPA, 4 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.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- T. Boyd (Cincinnati Bengals) 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.
- Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 47:30 · LAC 23 · Score 0-6
(2:30) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow up the middle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 47:24 · LAC 15 · Score 0-7
4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 37:14 · CIN 6 · Score 3-7
(7:14) 4-M.Badgley 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · CIN 25 · Score 6-7
(:03) 4-M.Badgley 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q3 24:17 · LAC 31 · Score 6-10
(9:17) 4-R.Bullock 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q3 16:36 · LAC 25 · Score 6-13
(1:36) 4-R.Bullock 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 12:27 · CIN 5 · Score 12-13
(12:27) (Shotgun) 27-J.Kelley left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 12:23 · CIN 15 · Score 13-13
4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 8:59 · CIN 3 · Score 16-13
(8:59) 4-M.Badgley 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 16-13 in Week 1, 2020 on 2020-09-13.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 16, Cincinnati Bengals 13 (LAC 16-13 CIN) in Week 1, 2020 on 2020-09-13.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Cincinnati Bengals 7; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 6, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Cincinnati Bengals 6; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 16, Cincinnati Bengals 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Burrow (Q1 47:30) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — J. Kelley (Q4 12:27) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q2 37:14, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q3 24:17, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q3 16:36, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q4 8:59, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
J. Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), 53.5% completion, -0.3% CPOE, -0.20 EPA per dropback, -8.63 total passing EPA. T. Taylor (Los Angeles Chargers), 43.2% completion, -2.5% CPOE, +0.01 EPA per dropback, +0.54 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
T. Boyd (Cincinnati Bengals) led the game in total EPA with +2.84 on receiving plays. across 5 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.96 EPA): (12:20) 28-J.Mixon right tackle to CIN 21 for -4 yards (52-D.Perryman). FUMBLES (52-D.Perryman), RECOVERED by LAC-59-N.Vigil at CIN 24. 59-N.Vigil to CIN 24 for no gain (28-J.Mixon. The biggest win-probability swing was -36.2%.
Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 16-13 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Now 1-0 W
Cincinnati Bengals
Now 0-1 L
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