Game story
In Week 15 of the 2005 NFL season on 2005-12-18, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Indianapolis Colts, pulling away with a 26–17 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) paced the passing game, with +1.60 total EPA.
On the individual side, M. Harrison (Indianapolis Colts) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +12.49 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-23.7% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (6:00) 9-D.Brees pass intended for 82-R.Caldwell INTERCEPTED by 25-N.Harper at IND 0. Touchback.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 10 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 26 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Harrison · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +12.49 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.56 EPA/play
- 2 K. McCardell · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +7.70 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.57 EPA/play
- 3 M. Turner · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +6.98 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.87 EPA/play
- 4 E. Parker · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.87 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.29 EPA/play
- 5 V. Jackson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.66 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.33 EPA/play
- 6 R. Wayne · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +4.65 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
- 7 D. Clark · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +3.02 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.01 EPA/play
- 8 B. Stokley · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +2.09 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.04 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Harrison — IND · Receiving
M. Harrison posted the highest total EPA (+12.49) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Indianapolis Colts's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +1.56 EPA per play.
The signature play (+7.03 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (2:20) 33-M.Turner right tackle for 83 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. McCardell (D. Brees pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — E. James
- Indianapolis Colts — D. Clark (P. Manning pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Turner
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Indianapolis Colts — M. Vanderjagt
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
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 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the IND 29 (Q1 54:18) — (9:18) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q1 54:13) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the IND 17 (Q1 46:58) — (1:58) 10-N.Kaeding 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the IND 2 (Q2 30:18) — (:18) 10-N.Kaeding 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The third quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 17–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the IND 30 (Q3 24:35) — (9:35) 10-N.Kaeding 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the LAC 15 (Q3 21:45) — (6:45) 13-M.Vanderjagt 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q3 18:45) — (3:45) (Shotgun) 32-E.James right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 18:42) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q3 15:45) — (:45) 18-P.Manning pass to 44-D.Clark for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 15:40) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the IND 31 (Q4 6:46) — (6:46) 10-N.Kaeding 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the IND 83 (Q4 2:20) — (2:20) 33-M.Turner right tackle for 83 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q4 2:09) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 6:00) — (6:00) 9-D.Brees pass intended for 82-R.Caldwell INTERCEPTED by 25-N.Harper at IND 0. Touchback.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 6:41) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 62 yards from LAC 30 to IND 8. 33-D.Rhodes to IND 27 for 19 yards (57-M.Wilhelm). FUMBLES (57-M.Wilhelm), touched at IND 29, RECOVERED by LAC-48-T.Kiel at IND 29. 48-T.Kiel to IND 2
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 8:47) — (8:47) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell to IND 37 for 54 yards (21-B.Sanders).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 2:20) — (2:20) 33-M.Turner right tackle for 83 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 2:36) — (2:36) 17-H.Smith punts 38 yards to end zone, Center-48-J.Snow, Touchback.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 2:20) — (2:20) 33-M.Turner right tackle for 83 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 19:44) — (4:44) 9-D.Brees pass intended for 87-K.McCardell INTERCEPTED by 58-G.Brackett at LAC 45. 58-G.Brackett pushed ob at LAC 26 for 19 yards (21-L.Tomlinson).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 6:00) — (6:00) 9-D.Brees pass intended for 82-R.Caldwell INTERCEPTED by 25-N.Harper at IND 0. Touchback.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 6:41) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 62 yards from LAC 30 to IND 8. 33-D.Rhodes to IND 27 for 19 yards (57-M.Wilhelm). FUMBLES (57-M.Wilhelm), touched at IND 29, RECOVERED by LAC-48-T.Kiel at IND 29. 48-T.Kiel to IND 2
Quarterback report card
P.Manning led all passers in efficiency for Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- P.Manning (Indianapolis Colts) · 54 dropbacks · 48.1% completion · +0.03 EPA/play · +1.60 total EPA
- D.Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) · 38 dropbacks · 57.9% completion · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.63 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Indianapolis Colts |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.040 | -0.117 |
| Offensive success rate | 46.8% | 48.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.043 | +0.030 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.007 | -0.527 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.117 | -0.040 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.1% | 53.2% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.04 vs -0.12), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Indianapolis Colts: 15 drives, -10.29 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 13 drives, +3.79 total EPA, 6 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. Harrison (Indianapolis Colts) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 54:18 · IND 29 · Score 6-0
(9:18) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 54:13 · IND 2 · Score 7-0
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q1 46:58 · IND 17 · Score 10-0
(1:58) 10-N.Kaeding 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:18 · IND 2 · Score 13-0
(:18) 10-N.Kaeding 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 24:35 · IND 30 · Score 16-0
(9:35) 10-N.Kaeding 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q3 21:45 · LAC 15 · Score 16-3
(6:45) 13-M.Vanderjagt 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 18:45 · LAC 1 · Score 16-9
(3:45) (Shotgun) 32-E.James right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 18:42 · LAC 2 · Score 16-10
13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 15:45 · LAC 1 · Score 16-16
(:45) 18-P.Manning pass to 44-D.Clark for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 15:40 · LAC 2 · Score 16-17
13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 6:46 · IND 31 · Score 19-17
(6:46) 10-N.Kaeding 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 2:20 · IND 83 · Score 25-17
(2:20) 33-M.Turner right tackle for 83 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 2:09 · IND 2 · Score 26-17
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Indianapolis Colts 26-17 in Week 15, 2005 on 2005-12-18.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 26, Indianapolis Colts 17 (LAC 26-17 IND) in Week 15, 2005 on 2005-12-18.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Indianapolis Colts 0; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Indianapolis Colts 0; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Indianapolis Colts 17; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Indianapolis Colts 0; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 26, Indianapolis Colts 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — K. McCardell (D. Brees pass) (Q1 54:18) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — E. James (Q3 18:45) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — D. Clark (P. Manning pass) (Q3 15:45) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Turner (Q4 2:20) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q1 46:58, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q2 30:18, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q3 24:35, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Vanderjagt (Q3 21:45, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q4 6:46, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts?
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts), 48.1% completion, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +1.60 total passing EPA. D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers), 57.9% completion, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +1.63 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts?
M. Harrison (Indianapolis Colts) led the game in total EPA with +12.49 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+7.03 EPA): (2:20) 33-M.Turner right tackle for 83 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -23.7%.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 8-5 Now 9-5 W
Indianapolis Colts
Entered 13-0 Now 13-1 L
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