Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos: 2020 Week 8 Recap

Game story

In Week 8 of the 2020 NFL season on 2020-11-01, the Denver Broncos took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 31–30 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 27 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +5.04 total EPA, and +5.8% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, K. Allen (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.83 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+33.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Denver Broncos changed the game: 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin. Penalty on LAC, Illegal Formation, declined.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +7.83 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
2. 2 D. Hamilton · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +7.40 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.48 EPA/play
3. 3 J. Herbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +5.04 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
4. 4 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.73 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
5. 5 D. Lock · Denver Broncos · Passing · +4.12 total EPA · 47 snaps · +0.09 EPA/play
6. 6 J. Jackson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.21 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
7. 7 P. Lindsay · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +2.96 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
8. 8 K. Hamler · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.91 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

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. Allen (J. Herbert pass) (Q2 31:53)
• Los Angeles Chargers — G. Nabers (J. Herbert pass) (Q2 30:22)
• Los Angeles Chargers — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q3 25:20)
• Denver Broncos — P. Lindsay (Q3 21:15)
• Denver Broncos — A. Okwuegbunam (D. Lock pass) (Q4 11:48)
• Denver Broncos — D. Hamilton (D. Lock pass) (Q4 7:37)
• Denver Broncos — K. Hamler (D. Lock pass) (Q4 0:01)

Field goals

• Denver Broncos — B. McManus (Q1 55:07)
• Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley (Q3 22:38)
• Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley (Q4 8:02)
• Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley (Q4 2:34)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 3–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 16 (Q1 55:07) — (10:07) 8-B.McManus 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin..

The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 14–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 9 (Q2 31:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short middle to 13-K.Allen for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q2 31:48) — 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 2 (Q2 30:22) — (:22) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 40-G.Nabers for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DEN-21-A.Bouye, Defensive Holding, declined.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q2 30:15) — 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long..

The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 24 (Q3 25:20) — (10:20) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right to 81-M.Williams for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q3 25:13) — 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 DEN 34 (Q3 22:38) — (7:38) 4-M.Badgley 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 55 (Q3 21:15) — (6:15) 30-P.Lindsay left tackle for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 21:05) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin..

The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 21–6. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 9 (Q4 11:48) — (11:48) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass short left to 85-A.Okwuegbunam for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 11:42) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 29 (Q4 8:02) — (8:02) 4-M.Badgley 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 40 (Q4 7:37) — (7:37) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass deep middle to 17-D.Hamilton for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 7:30) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 15 (Q4 2:34) — (2:34) 4-M.Badgley 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q4 0:01); Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 0:00) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin. Penalty on LAC, Illegal Formation, declined..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Denver Broncos (Q4 0:00) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin. Penalty on LAC, Illegal Formation, declined. [WPA +33.6% · EPA +0.07]
• Denver Broncos (Q4 0:01) — (:01) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass short right to 13-K.Hamler for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. [WPA +26.2% · EPA +3.27]
• Denver Broncos (Q4 0:07) — (:07) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass incomplete deep right to 85-A.Okwuegbunam (28-B.Facyson). PENALTY on LAC-28-B.Facyson, Defensive Pass Interference, 17 yards, enforced at LAC 18 - No Play. [WPA +21.5% · EPA +1.19]
• Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 31:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short middle to 13-K.Allen for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.2% · EPA +3.57]
• Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 46:51) — (1:51) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams to DEN 34 for 19 yards (21-A.Bouye). [WPA +12.6% · EPA +2.55]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• Denver Broncos (Q3 21:15) — (6:15) 30-P.Lindsay left tackle for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +1.6% · EPA +4.80]
• Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 16:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right intended for 81-M.Williams INTERCEPTED by 29-B.Callahan at DEN -6. Touchback. [WPA -3.3% · EPA -4.61]
• Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 56:43) — (11:43) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep middle intended for 15-J.Guyton INTERCEPTED by 31-J.Simmons at DEN 38. 31-J.Simmons pushed ob at LAC 16 for 46 yards (10-J.Herbert). [WPA -11.1% · EPA -4.44]
• Denver Broncos (Q3 18:14) — (3:14) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass deep right intended for 10-J.Jeudy INTERCEPTED by 23-R.Jenkins at DEN 47. 23-R.Jenkins to DEN 24 for 23 yards (13-K.Hamler). [WPA -2.7% · EPA -4.37]

Quarterback report card

J.Herbert led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• J.Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) · 48 dropbacks · 60.4% completion · +5.8% CPOE · +0.11 EPA/play · +5.04 total EPA
• D.Lock (Denver Broncos) · 47 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · +2.2% CPOE · +0.09 EPA/play · +4.12 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Los Angeles Chargers +0.05, Denver Broncos +0.04) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

• Denver Broncos: 13 drives, +3.55 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
• Los Angeles Chargers: 12 drives, +5.22 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

• Denver Broncos 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.
• K. Allen (Los Angeles Chargers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• J. Herbert (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.

1. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q1 55:07 · LAC 16 · Score 0-3
   (10:07) 8-B.McManus 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin.
2. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 31:53 · DEN 9 · Score 6-3
   (1:53) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short middle to 13-K.Allen for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 31:48 · DEN 15 · Score 7-3
   4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.
4. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 30:22 · DEN 2 · Score 13-3
   (:22) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 40-G.Nabers for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DEN-21-A.Bouye, Defensive Holding, declined.
5. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 30:15 · DEN 15 · Score 14-3
   4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.
6. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 25:20 · DEN 24 · Score 20-3
   (10:20) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right to 81-M.Williams for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 25:13 · DEN 15 · Score 21-3
   4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.
8. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 22:38 · DEN 34 · Score 24-3
   (7:38) 4-M.Badgley 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.
9. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 21:15 · LAC 55 · Score 24-9
   (6:15) 30-P.Lindsay left tackle for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 21:05 · LAC 15 · Score 24-10
    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin.
11. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 11:48 · LAC 9 · Score 24-16
    (11:48) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass short left to 85-A.Okwuegbunam for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
12. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 11:42 · LAC 15 · Score 24-17
    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin.
13. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 8:02 · DEN 29 · Score 27-17
    (8:02) 4-M.Badgley 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.
14. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 7:37 · LAC 40 · Score 27-23
    (7:37) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass deep middle to 17-D.Hamilton for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
15. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 7:30 · LAC 15 · Score 27-24
    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin.
16. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 2:34 · DEN 15 · Score 30-24
    (2:34) 4-M.Badgley 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.
17. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 0:01 · LAC 1 · Score 30-30
    (:01) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass short right to 13-K.Hamler for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld
18. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 0:00 · LAC 15 · Score 30-31
    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin. Penalty on LAC, Illegal Formation, declined.