Game story
In Week 17 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-12-30, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Denver Broncos, pulling away with a 23–9 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 15 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Keenum (Denver Broncos) paced the passing game, with -7.62 total EPA, and -1.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Williams (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.41 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-23.7% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Denver Broncos changed the game: (5:44) (Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum FUMBLES (Aborted) at DEN 23, RECOVERED by LAC-51-K.Emanuel at DEN 18. 51-K.Emanuel for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Denver Broncos | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.41 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.07 EPA/play
- 2 D. Hamilton · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.83 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 3 A. Janovich · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.58 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.79 EPA/play
- 4 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.70 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 5 A. Ekeler · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +0.76 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.09 EPA/play
- 6 T. Benjamin · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +0.61 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
- 7 D. Watt · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +0.35 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 8 R. Cracraft · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +0.20 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Williams — LAC · Receiving
M. Williams posted the highest total EPA (+6.41) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 6 counted snaps, they averaged +1.07 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.44 EPA) came from Denver Broncos: (5:44) (Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum FUMBLES (Aborted) at DEN 23, RECOVERED by LAC-51-K.Emanuel at DEN 18. 51-K.Emanuel for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — K. Emanuel
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Williams (P. Rivers pass)
- Denver Broncos — A. Janovich (C. Keenum pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Ekeler
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — B. McManus
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–3. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the LAC 74 (Q2 35:44) — (5:44) (Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum FUMBLES (Aborted) at DEN 23, RECOVERED by LAC-51-K.Emanuel at DEN 18. 51-K.Emanuel for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q2 35:32) — 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 10 (Q2 30:15) — (:15) 8-B.McManus 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 3 (Q3 18:51) — (3:51) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 81-M.Williams for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q3 18:46) — 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 9–6. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 20 (Q4 10:17) — (10:17) 4-C.Keenum pass short right to 32-A.Janovich for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers registered a safety from the LAC 2 (Q4 10:10); Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q4 6:01) — (6:01) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q4 5:48) — 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 35:44) — (5:44) (Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum FUMBLES (Aborted) at DEN 23, RECOVERED by LAC-51-K.Emanuel at DEN 18. 51-K.Emanuel for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q3 21:03) — (6:03) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum pass short middle to 81-T.Patrick to DEN 22 for 6 yards (31-A.Phillips, 50-H.Pullard). FUMBLES (31-A.Phillips), RECOVERED by LAC-99-J.Bosa at DEN 16. 99-J.Bosa t
- Denver Broncos (Q4 10:10) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-C.Keenum pass to 14-C.Sutton is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS. DEFENSIVE TWO-POINT ATTEMPT. 26-C.Hayward intercepted the try attempt. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 58:25) — (13:25) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 16-Ty.Williams INTERCEPTED by 41-I.Yiadom at DEN 28. 41-I.Yiadom ran ob at DEN 32 for 4 yards.
- Denver Broncos (Q4 10:17) — (10:17) 4-C.Keenum pass short right to 32-A.Janovich for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 35:44) — (5:44) (Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum FUMBLES (Aborted) at DEN 23, RECOVERED by LAC-51-K.Emanuel at DEN 18. 51-K.Emanuel for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q3 21:03) — (6:03) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum pass short middle to 81-T.Patrick to DEN 22 for 6 yards (31-A.Phillips, 50-H.Pullard). FUMBLES (31-A.Phillips), RECOVERED by LAC-99-J.Bosa at DEN 16. 99-J.Bosa t
- Denver Broncos (Q4 5:48) — 4-M.Badgley kicks 59 yards from LAC 35 to DEN 6. 11-R.Cracraft to DEN 29 for 23 yards (20-D.King). FUMBLES (20-D.King), RECOVERED by LAC-36-B.Facyson at DEN 31. 36-B.Facyson ran ob at DEN 31 for no ga
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 5:03) — (5:03) 3-G.Smith sacked at DEN 45 for -13 yards. FUMBLES [58-V.Miller], RECOVERED by DEN-58-V.Miller at DEN 48. PENALTY on DEN-94-D.Peko Sr., Unnecessary Roughness, 14 yards, enforced at DEN 48.
Quarterback report card
C.Keenum led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Keenum (Denver Broncos) · 52 dropbacks · 59.6% completion · -1.4% CPOE · -0.15 EPA/play · -7.62 total EPA
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 26 dropbacks · 53.8% completion · -7.4% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.14 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.146 | -0.291 |
| Offensive success rate | 38.9% | 36.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.113 | -0.147 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.253 | -0.540 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.291 | +0.146 |
| Defensive success rate | 63.8% | 61.1% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.15 vs -0.29), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Denver Broncos: 13 drives, -27.35 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 13 drives, -10.49 total EPA, 3 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.
- M. Williams (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.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 35:44 · LAC 74 · Score 6-0
(5:44) (Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum FUMBLES (Aborted) at DEN 23, RECOVERED by LAC-51-K.Emanuel at DEN 18. 51-K.Emanuel for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 35:32 · DEN 15 · Score 7-0
4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 30:15 · LAC 10 · Score 7-3
(:15) 8-B.McManus 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 18:51 · DEN 3 · Score 13-3
(3:51) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 81-M.Williams for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 18:46 · DEN 15 · Score 14-3
4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 10:17 · LAC 20 · Score 14-9
(10:17) 4-C.Keenum pass short right to 32-A.Janovich for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers Safety (+2) — Q4 10:10 · LAC 2 · Score 16-9
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-C.Keenum pass to 14-C.Sutton is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS. DEFENSIVE TWO-POINT ATTEMPT. 26-C.Hayward intercepte - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 6:01 · DEN 1 · Score 22-9
(6:01) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 5:48 · DEN 15 · Score 23-9
4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Denver Broncos 23-9 in Week 17, 2018 on 2018-12-30.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 23, Denver Broncos 9 (LAC 23-9 DEN) in Week 17, 2018 on 2018-12-30.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Denver Broncos 3; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Denver Broncos 0; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 9, Denver Broncos 6; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 23, Denver Broncos 9.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — K. Emanuel (Q2 35:44) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Williams (P. Rivers pass) (Q3 18:51) Denver Broncos touchdown — A. Janovich (C. Keenum pass) (Q4 10:17) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (Q4 6:01) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q2 30:15, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
C. Keenum (Denver Broncos), 59.6% completion, -1.4% CPOE, -0.15 EPA per dropback, -7.62 total passing EPA. P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 53.8% completion, -7.4% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.14 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
M. Williams (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +6.41 on receiving plays. across 6 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.44 EPA): (5:44) (Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum FUMBLES (Aborted) at DEN 23, RECOVERED by LAC-51-K.Emanuel at DEN 18. 51-K.Emanuel for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -23.7%.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 11-4 Now 12-4 W
Denver Broncos
Entered 6-9 Now 6-10 L
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