Game story
In Week 16 of the 2016 NFL season on 2016-12-24, the Cleveland Browns took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 20–17 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +12.07 total EPA, and -8.0% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +12.07 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+27.5% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (1:06) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 85-A.Gates to CLE 35 for 25 yards (39-E.Reynolds).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Cleveland Browns | 7 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 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 · +12.07 total EPA · 47 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 2 R.Griffin III · Cleveland Browns · Passing · +7.03 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 3 Ty. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.10 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.68 EPA/play
- 4 G. Barnidge · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +4.90 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
- 5 T. Benjamin · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.78 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
- 6 D. Watt · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.28 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.28 EPA/play
- 7 S. DeValve · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +1.67 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.67 EPA/play
- 8 D.Johnson Jr. · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +1.45 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.72 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 (+12.07) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 47 counted snaps, they averaged +0.26 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.40 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (9:46) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep left intended for 85-A.Gates INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Taylor at CLE 13. 21-J.Taylor to CLE 30 for 17 yards (75-C.Hairston).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass)
- Cleveland Browns — I. Crowell
- Cleveland Browns — I. Crowell
- Los Angeles Chargers — P. Rivers
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — J. Lambo
- Cleveland Browns — C. Parkey
- Cleveland Browns — C. Parkey
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 10–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CLE 1 (Q1 55:53) — (10:53) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q1 55:49) — 2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-10-K.Clemens.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the LAC 8 (Q1 50:16) — (5:16) 34-I.Crowell right end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 50:12) — 3-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CLE 25 (Q1 46:54) — (1:54) 2-J.Lambo 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-10-K.Clemens..
The second quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 10–0. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the LAC 4 (Q2 42:42) — (12:42) (Shotgun) 34-I.Crowell right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q2 42:39) — 3-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the LAC 31 (Q2 34:49).
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–3. Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the LAC 9 (Q3 26:44) — (11:44) (Field Goal formation) 3-C.Parkey 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CLE 1 (Q3 21:09) — (6:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 16-Ty.Williams for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q3 21:04) — 2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-10-K.Clemens..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 1:06) — (1:06) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 85-A.Gates to CLE 35 for 25 yards (39-E.Reynolds).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:01) — (:01) 2-J.Lambo 45 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-10-K.Clemens.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 3:49) — (3:49) (Field Goal formation) 2-J.Lambo 32 yard field goal is BLOCKED (98-J.Meder), Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-10-K.Clemens, declared dead at CLE 22.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:43) — (:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers FUMBLES (Aborted) at CLE 38, and recovers at CLE 38. 17-P.Rivers to CLE 38 for no gain (51-J.Collins).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 48:48) — (3:48) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 16-Ty.Williams pushed ob at CLE 32 for 27 yards (21-J.Taylor). LAC-74-O.Franklin was injured during the play. His return is Probable. PENALTY on CLE-21
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 39:46) — (9:46) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep left intended for 85-A.Gates INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Taylor at CLE 13. 21-J.Taylor to CLE 30 for 17 yards (75-C.Hairston).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 60:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 12-T.Benjamin to CLE 25 for 50 yards (23-J.Haden).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 48:48) — (3:48) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 16-Ty.Williams pushed ob at CLE 32 for 27 yards (21-J.Taylor). LAC-74-O.Franklin was injured during the play. His return is Probable. PENALTY on CLE-21
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 3:49) — (3:49) (Field Goal formation) 2-J.Lambo 32 yard field goal is BLOCKED (98-J.Meder), Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-10-K.Clemens, declared dead at CLE 22.
Quarterback report card
P.Rivers led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 47 dropbacks · 48.9% completion · -8.0% CPOE · +0.26 EPA/play · +12.07 total EPA
- R.Griffin III (Cleveland Browns) · 40 dropbacks · 42.5% completion · +5.2% CPOE · +0.18 EPA/play · +7.03 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Cleveland Browns |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.005 | +0.020 |
| Offensive success rate | 36.9% | 37.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.257 | +0.095 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.315 | -0.077 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.020 | -0.005 |
| Defensive success rate | 62.9% | 63.1% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Los Angeles Chargers +0.01, Cleveland Browns +0.02) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Cleveland Browns: 12 drives, +1.78 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, +0.41 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Cleveland Browns 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.
- P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- P. Rivers (LAC) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- R.Griffin III (CLE) 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 55:53 · CLE 1 · Score 6-0
(10:53) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 55:49 · CLE 15 · Score 7-0
2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-10-K.Clemens. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q1 50:16 · LAC 8 · Score 7-6
(5:16) 34-I.Crowell right end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q1 50:12 · LAC 15 · Score 7-7
3-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q1 46:54 · CLE 25 · Score 10-7
(1:54) 2-J.Lambo 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-10-K.Clemens. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 42:42 · LAC 4 · Score 10-13
(12:42) (Shotgun) 34-I.Crowell right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q2 42:39 · LAC 15 · Score 10-14
3-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q2 34:49 · LAC 31 · Score 10-17
(4:49) (Field Goal formation) 3-C.Parkey 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. Penalty on LAC, Illegal Formation, declined. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q3 26:44 · LAC 9 · Score 10-20
(11:44) (Field Goal formation) 3-C.Parkey 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 21:09 · CLE 1 · Score 16-20
(6:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 16-Ty.Williams for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 21:04 · CLE 15 · Score 17-20
2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-10-K.Clemens.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Cleveland Browns?
The Cleveland Browns beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-17 in Week 16, 2016 on 2016-12-24.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Cleveland Browns?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 17, Cleveland Browns 20 (LAC 17-20 CLE) in Week 16, 2016 on 2016-12-24.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cleveland Browns?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Cleveland Browns 7; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Cleveland Browns 10; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Cleveland Browns 3; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 17, Cleveland Browns 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cleveland Browns?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 55:53) Cleveland Browns touchdown — I. Crowell (Q1 50:16) Cleveland Browns touchdown — I. Crowell (Q2 42:42) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — P. Rivers (Q3 21:09) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — J. Lambo (Q1 46:54, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — C. Parkey (Q2 34:49, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — C. Parkey (Q3 26:44, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cleveland Browns?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 48.9% completion, -8.0% CPOE, +0.26 EPA per dropback, +12.07 total passing EPA. R.Griffin III (Cleveland Browns), 42.5% completion, +5.2% CPOE, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +7.03 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cleveland Browns?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +12.07 on passing plays. across 47 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.40 EPA): (9:46) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep left intended for 85-A.Gates INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Taylor at CLE 13. 21-J.Taylor to CLE 30 for 17 yards (75-C.Hairston).. The biggest win-probability swing was +27.5%.
Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Cleveland Browns a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Cleveland Browns won 20-17 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 5-9 Now 5-10 L
Cleveland Browns
Entered 0-14 Now 1-14 W
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