Game story
In Week 12 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-11-28, the Denver Broncos took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 28–13 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with -2.77 total EPA, and -3.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Bridgewater (Denver Broncos) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.77 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+11.5% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (1:29) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 15-J.Guyton to DEN 19 for 15 yards (31-J.Simmons).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Denver Broncos | 7 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Bridgewater · Denver Broncos · Passing · +8.77 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 2 J. Williams · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.57 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
- 3 J. Guyton · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.33 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 4 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.75 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 5 C. Sutton · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.13 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 6 J. Palmer · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.03 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play
- 7 J. Jeudy · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.55 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
- 8 E. Saubert · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.35 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.35 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Bridgewater — DEN · Passing
T. Bridgewater posted the highest total EPA (+8.77) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Denver Broncos's efficiency. Across 20 counted snaps, they averaged +0.44 EPA per play.
The signature play (-10.38 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (7:40) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right intended for 30-A.Ekeler INTERCEPTED by 2-P.Surtain at DEN 30. 2-P.Surtain for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — T. Bridgewater
- Denver Broncos — J. Williams
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Ekeler (J. Herbert pass)
- Denver Broncos — E. Saubert (T. Bridgewater pass)
- Denver Broncos — P. Surtain
- Los Angeles Chargers — J. Cook (J. Herbert pass)
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 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 11 (Q1 49:39) — (4:39) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater scrambles right end for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 49:31) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 9 (Q2 42:50) — (12:50) (Shotgun) 33-J.Williams up the middle for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q2 42:46) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 12 (Q2 30:35) — (:35) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short middle to 30-A.Ekeler for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q2 30:31) — 6-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long..
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–6. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q4 9:00) — (9:00) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 82-E.Saubert for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 8:54) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the DEN 37 (Q4 7:40); Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 7:28) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 16 (Q4 4:44) — (4:44) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep left to 87-J.Cook for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-M.Agim]..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 16:29) — (1:29) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 15-J.Guyton to DEN 19 for 15 yards (31-J.Simmons).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 23:41) — (8:41) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at DEN 34 for -7 yards (95-M.Agim).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 14:37) — (14:37) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right intended for 87-J.Cook INTERCEPTED by 2-P.Surtain at DEN -2. Touchback.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 31:22) — (1:22) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass short right intended for 9-K.Hinton INTERCEPTED by 33-D.James at LAC 48. 33-D.James to DEN 47 for 5 yards (9-K.Hinton). Penalty on DEN-73-C.Fleming, Ineligible Downfield
- Denver Broncos (Q1 58:29) — (13:29) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short middle to 10-J.Jeudy to LAC 45 for 13 yards (9-K.Murray).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 7:40) — (7:40) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right intended for 30-A.Ekeler INTERCEPTED by 2-P.Surtain at DEN 30. 2-P.Surtain for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 31:22) — (1:22) (Shotgun) 3-D.Lock pass short right intended for 9-K.Hinton INTERCEPTED by 33-D.James at LAC 48. 33-D.James to DEN 47 for 5 yards (9-K.Hinton). Penalty on DEN-73-C.Fleming, Ineligible Downfield
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 22:58) — (7:58) 6-D.Hopkins 52 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 14:37) — (14:37) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right intended for 87-J.Cook INTERCEPTED by 2-P.Surtain at DEN -2. Touchback.
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) · 58 dropbacks · 48.3% completion · -3.4% CPOE · -0.05 EPA/play · -2.77 total EPA
- T.Bridgewater (Denver Broncos) · 20 dropbacks · 55.0% completion · -4.3% CPOE · +0.44 EPA/play · +8.77 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.139 | +0.074 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.2% | 40.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.048 | +0.179 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.161 | +0.029 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.074 | +0.139 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.5% | 57.8% |
By the numbers
Denver Broncos held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.07 vs -0.14), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Denver Broncos: 10 drives, +5.49 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 9 drives, -11.57 total EPA, 3 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.
- T. Bridgewater (Denver Broncos) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Herbert (LAC) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- T. Bridgewater (DEN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 49:39 · LAC 11 · Score 0-6
(4:39) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater scrambles right end for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 49:31 · LAC 15 · Score 0-7
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 42:50 · LAC 9 · Score 0-13
(12:50) (Shotgun) 33-J.Williams up the middle for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 42:46 · LAC 15 · Score 0-14
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 30:35 · DEN 12 · Score 6-14
(:35) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short middle to 30-A.Ekeler for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 30:31 · DEN 15 · Score 7-14
6-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 9:00 · LAC 1 · Score 7-20
(9:00) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 82-E.Saubert for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 8:54 · LAC 15 · Score 7-21
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 7:40 · DEN 37 · Score 7-27
(7:40) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right intended for 30-A.Ekeler INTERCEPTED by 2-P.Surtain at DEN 30. 2-P.Surtain for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 7:28 · LAC 15 · Score 7-28
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Bobenmoyer, Holder-6-S.Martin. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 4:44 · DEN 16 · Score 13-28
(4:44) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep left to 87-J.Cook for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-M.Agim].
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 28-13 in Week 12, 2021 on 2021-11-28.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 13, Denver Broncos 28 (LAC 13-28 DEN) in Week 12, 2021 on 2021-11-28.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Denver Broncos 7; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Denver Broncos 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 6, Denver Broncos 14; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 13, Denver Broncos 28.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Bridgewater (Q1 49:39) Denver Broncos touchdown — J. Williams (Q2 42:50) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (J. Herbert pass) (Q2 30:35) Denver Broncos touchdown — E. Saubert (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q4 9:00) Denver Broncos touchdown — P. Surtain (Q4 7:40) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — J. Cook (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 4:44) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), 48.3% completion, -3.4% CPOE, -0.05 EPA per dropback, -2.77 total passing EPA. T. Bridgewater (Denver Broncos), 55.0% completion, -4.3% CPOE, +0.44 EPA per dropback, +8.77 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
T. Bridgewater (Denver Broncos) led the game in total EPA with +8.77 on passing plays. across 20 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-10.38 EPA): (7:40) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right intended for 30-A.Ekeler INTERCEPTED by 2-P.Surtain at DEN 30. 2-P.Surtain for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +11.5%.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 6-4 Now 6-5 L
Denver Broncos
Entered 5-5 Now 6-5 W
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