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NFL · Week 16 · December 24, 2011 · 11 min read

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions: 2011 Week 16 Recap

Lions defeat Chargers 38–10 in Week 16

Matthew Stafford led Fantasy Impact as Lions prevailed in a 10–38 Week 16 finish.

Los Angeles Chargers 10 7–8
Final 10–38
Detroit Lions 38 10–5 Winner
Winner
Detroit Lions
Final score
10–38
Halftime
Los Angeles Chargers 0–24 Detroit Lions
Top passer
Philip Rivers
FantasyHQ MVP
Matthew Stafford
Game date
December 24, 2011

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

  • M.Floyd 6 REC · 95 YDS · 1 TD +5.3 Fantasy Impact
  • A.Gates 4 REC · 40 YDS +4.9 Fantasy Impact
  • V.Brown 2 REC · 34 YDS +1.8 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Lions

  • Matthew Stafford
    Matthew Stafford 29/39 · 353 YDS · 3 TD +24.1 Fantasy Impact
  • N.Burleson 6 REC · 83 YDS +8.6 Fantasy Impact
  • B.Pettigrew 9 REC · 80 YDS · 1 TD +6.8 Fantasy Impact
View Chargers vs Lions box score View all 2011 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Detroit Lions defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 38–10 in Week 16 of the 2011 NFL season on 2011-12-24, a matchup that controlled the game from start to finish. The decisive swing (+10.0% win probability) came in the opening quarter when Detroit Lions swung the momentum.

In Week 16 of the 2011 NFL season on 2011-12-24, the Detroit Lions took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 38–10 final that controlled the game from start to finish.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with -7.60 total EPA, and -9.4% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +24.13 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+10.0% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Detroit Lions changed the game: (14:54) 9-M.Stafford pass deep right to 81-C.Johnson to LAC 28 for 46 yards (28-S.Gregory).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Los Angeles Chargers00100010
Detroit Lions101477038

Stars of the game

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

  1. 1 M. Stafford · Detroit Lions · Passing · +24.13 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
  2. 2 N. Burleson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +8.56 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.22 EPA/play
  3. 3 B. Pettigrew · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +6.78 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.68 EPA/play
  4. 4 C. Johnson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +6.72 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
  5. 5 M. Floyd · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.34 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.41 EPA/play
  6. 6 A. Gates · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.90 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
  7. 7 T. Scheffler · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.79 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
  8. 8 T. Young · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.46 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play

Player of the game

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

M. Stafford — DET · Passing

M. Stafford posted the highest total EPA (+24.13) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Detroit Lions's efficiency. Across 39 counted snaps, they averaged +0.62 EPA per play.

The signature play (-7.35 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (2:33) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 92-C.Avril at LAC 4. 92-C.Avril for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Detroit Lions — B. Pettigrew (M. Stafford pass) (Q1 55:57)
  • Detroit Lions — K. Smith (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 37:16)
  • Detroit Lions — C. Johnson (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 30:36)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — M. Floyd (P. Rivers pass) (Q3 23:43)
  • Detroit Lions — K. Smith (Q3 15:20)
  • Detroit Lions — C. Avril (Q4 2:33)

Field goals

  • Detroit Lions — J. Hanson (Q1 45:38)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — N. Novak (Q3 19:57)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

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

The opening quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 10–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the LAC 7 (Q1 55:57) — (10:57) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 87-B.Pettigrew for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q1 55:52) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the LAC 32 (Q1 45:38) — (:38) 4-J.Hanson 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham..

The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 14–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the LAC 3 (Q2 37:16) — (7:16) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 30-K.Smith for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 37:11) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the LAC 14 (Q2 30:36) — (:36) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 81-C.Johnson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 30:31) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham..

The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DET 11 (Q3 23:43) — (8:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 80-M.Floyd for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q3 23:38) — 9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DET 4 (Q3 19:57) — (4:57) 9-N.Novak 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the LAC 6 (Q3 15:20) — (:20) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 30-K.Smith right tackle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 15:16) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham..

The fourth quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 7–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the DET 89 (Q4 2:33); Detroit Lions added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q4 2:28) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham..

Turning points

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

  • Detroit Lions (Q1 59:54) — (14:54) 9-M.Stafford pass deep right to 81-C.Johnson to LAC 28 for 46 yards (28-S.Gregory). [WPA +10.0% · EPA +2.72]
  • Detroit Lions (Q2 38:04) — (8:04) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep middle to 13-N.Burleson to LAC 3 for 30 yards (32-E.Weddle). [WPA +6.8% · EPA +3.82]
  • Detroit Lions (Q1 45:38) — (:38) 4-J.Hanson 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham. [WPA +6.2% · EPA +1.58]
  • Detroit Lions (Q1 55:57) — (10:57) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 87-B.Pettigrew for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +5.9% · EPA +2.78]
  • Detroit Lions (Q1 51:09) — (6:09) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 13-N.Burleson pushed ob at DET 13 for 5 yards (33-D.Hughes). [WPA +4.9% · EPA +1.65]

Impact plays

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

  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 2:33) — (2:33) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 92-C.Avril at LAC 4. 92-C.Avril for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -0.1% · EPA -7.35]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 4:50) — (4:50) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right intended for 83-V.Jackson INTERCEPTED by 23-C.Houston at DET 1. 23-C.Houston to DET 44 for 43 yards (66-J.Clary). [WPA -0.0% · EPA -4.82]
  • Detroit Lions (Q2 38:04) — (8:04) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep middle to 13-N.Burleson to LAC 3 for 30 yards (32-E.Weddle). [WPA +6.8% · EPA +3.82]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 21:20) — (6:20) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 80-M.Floyd to DET 3 for 30 yards (23-C.Houston). [WPA +3.4% · EPA +3.79]

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) · 54 dropbacks · 51.9% completion · -9.4% CPOE · -0.14 EPA/play · -7.60 total EPA
  • M.Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 39 dropbacks · 74.4% completion · +16.5% CPOE · +0.62 EPA/play · +24.13 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

StatLos Angeles ChargersDetroit Lions
Offensive EPA/play-0.129+0.231
Offensive success rate37.2%53.9%
Pass EPA/play-0.141+0.619
Rush EPA/play-0.171-0.049
Defensive EPA/play-0.231+0.129
Defensive success rate46.1%62.8%

By the numbers

Detroit Lions held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.23 vs -0.13), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

  • Detroit Lions: 10 drives, +17.58 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, -11.10 total EPA, 3 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

  • Detroit Lions leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
  • M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) 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.
  • M. Stafford (DET) 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. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q1 55:57 · LAC 7 · Score 0-6
    (10:57) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 87-B.Pettigrew for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q1 55:52 · LAC 2 · Score 0-7
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  3. Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 45:38 · LAC 32 · Score 0-10
    (:38) 4-J.Hanson 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  4. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 37:16 · LAC 3 · Score 0-16
    (7:16) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 30-K.Smith for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 37:11 · LAC 2 · Score 0-17
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  6. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 30:36 · LAC 14 · Score 0-23
    (:36) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 81-C.Johnson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 30:31 · LAC 2 · Score 0-24
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  8. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 23:43 · DET 11 · Score 6-24
    (8:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 80-M.Floyd for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 23:38 · DET 2 · Score 7-24
    9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  10. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 19:57 · DET 4 · Score 10-24
    (4:57) 9-N.Novak 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  11. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 15:20 · LAC 6 · Score 10-30
    (:20) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 30-K.Smith right tackle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 15:16 · LAC 2 · Score 10-31
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  13. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 2:33 · DET 89 · Score 10-37
    (2:33) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 92-C.Avril at LAC 4. 92-C.Avril for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 2:28 · LAC 2 · Score 10-38
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Detroit Lions?

The Detroit Lions beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-10 in Week 16, 2011 on 2011-12-24.

What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Detroit Lions?

The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 10, Detroit Lions 38 (LAC 10-38 DET) in Week 16, 2011 on 2011-12-24.

What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Detroit Lions?

Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Detroit Lions 10; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Detroit Lions 14; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Detroit Lions 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Detroit Lions 7; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Detroit Lions 38.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Detroit Lions?

Detroit Lions touchdown — B. Pettigrew (M. Stafford pass) (Q1 55:57) Detroit Lions touchdown — K. Smith (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 37:16) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Johnson (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 30:36) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Floyd (P. Rivers pass) (Q3 23:43) Detroit Lions touchdown — K. Smith (Q3 15:20) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Avril (Q4 2:33) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q1 45:38, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Novak (Q3 19:57, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Detroit Lions?

P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 51.9% completion, -9.4% CPOE, -0.14 EPA per dropback, -7.60 total passing EPA. M. Stafford (Detroit Lions), 74.4% completion, +16.5% CPOE, +0.62 EPA per dropback, +24.13 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Detroit Lions?

M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) led the game in total EPA with +24.13 on passing plays. across 39 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.35 EPA): (2:33) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 92-C.Avril at LAC 4. 92-C.Avril for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +10.0%.

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Chargers

Entered 7-7 Now 7-8 L

Detroit Lions

Entered 9-5 Now 10-5 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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