FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 15 · December 19, 1999 · 9 min read

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins: 1999 Week 15 Recap

Dolphins defeat Chargers 12–9 in Week 15

Tay Martin led Fantasy Impact as Dolphins prevailed in a 9–12 Week 15 finish.

Los Angeles Chargers 9 6–8
Final 9–12
Miami Dolphins 12 9–5 Winner
Winner
Miami Dolphins
Final score
9–12
Halftime
Los Angeles Chargers 3–6 Miami Dolphins
Top passer
J. Harbaugh
FantasyHQ MVP
Tay Martin
Game date
December 19, 1999

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

  • Ryan Davis
    Ryan Davis 1 REC · 26 YDS +2.9 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Ricks 3 REC · 29 YDS +1.1 Fantasy Impact
  • K.Bynum 1 REC · 13 YDS +0.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Dolphins

  • Tay Martin
    Tay Martin 8 REC · 86 YDS +5.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Oronde Gadsden II
    Oronde Gadsden II 4 REC · 83 YDS +2.8 Fantasy Impact
  • T.Drayton 2 REC · 14 YDS +0.2 Fantasy Impact

Game story

The Miami Dolphins defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 12–9 in Week 15 of the 1999 NFL season on 1999-12-19, a matchup that came down to the wire. The decisive swing (+42.2% win probability) came in the opening quarter when Los Angeles Chargers swung the momentum.

In Week 15 of the 1999 NFL season on 1999-12-19, the Miami Dolphins took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 12–9 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 12 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

J. Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with -9.87 total EPA.

On the individual side, T. Martin (Miami Dolphins) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.56 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+42.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: O.Mare kicks 74 yards from MIA 30 to SD -4. K.Bynum, Touchback.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q4T
Los Angeles Chargers036009
Miami Dolphins3360012

Stars of the game

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

  1. 1 T. Martin · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +5.56 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
  2. 2 R. Davis · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.85 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.85 EPA/play
  3. 3 O. Gadsden · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +2.75 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
  4. 4 M. Ricks · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.13 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
  5. 5 K. Bynum · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +0.86 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
  6. 6 T. Drayton · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +0.19 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
  7. 7 D. Marino · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · +0.00 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.00 EPA/play
  8. 8 N. Jacquet · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · -0.02 total EPA · 1 snaps · -0.02 EPA/play

Player of the game

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

T. Martin — MIA · Receiving

T. Martin posted the highest total EPA (+5.56) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Miami Dolphins's efficiency. Across 10 counted snaps, they averaged +0.56 EPA per play.

The signature play (-5.04 EPA) came from Miami Dolphins: (12:10) D.Marino sacked at MIA 2 for -8 yards (J.Parrella). FUMBLES (J.Parrella), RECOVERED by SD-R.Johnson at MIA 4.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Field goals

  • Miami Dolphins — unlisted player (Q1 52:33)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — unlisted player (Q2 45:00)
  • Miami Dolphins — unlisted player (Q2 40:04)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — unlisted player (Q4 15:00)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — unlisted player (Q4 10:52)
  • Miami Dolphins — unlisted player (Q4 8:13)
  • Miami Dolphins — unlisted player (Q4 5:47)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

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

The opening quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 3–0. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the LAC 14 (Q1 52:33) — (7:33) O.Mare 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Perry, Holder-D.Huard..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the MIA 5 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) J.Carney 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Binn, Holder-D.Bennett.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the LAC 3 (Q2 40:04) — (10:04) O.Mare 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Perry, Holder-D.Huard..

The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 6–6. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the MIA 4 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) J.Carney 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Binn, Holder-D.Bennett.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the MIA 12 (Q4 10:52) — (10:52) J.Carney 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Binn, Holder-D.Bennett.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the LAC 12 (Q4 8:13) — (8:13) O.Mare 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Perry, Holder-D.Huard.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the LAC 13 (Q4 5:47) — (5:47) O.Mare 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Perry, Holder-D.Huard..

Turning points

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

  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 60:00) — O.Mare kicks 74 yards from MIA 30 to SD -4. K.Bynum, Touchback. [WPA +42.2% · EPA +0.00]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:10) — (:10) J.Carney 36 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Left Upright, Center-D.Binn, Holder-D.Bennett. [WPA -40.6% · EPA -2.40]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 12:10) — (12:10) D.Marino sacked at MIA 2 for -8 yards (J.Parrella). FUMBLES (J.Parrella), RECOVERED by SD-R.Johnson at MIA 4. [WPA -20.1% · EPA -5.04]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q3 20:54) — (5:54) D.Marino pass to H.Goodwin to MIA 36 for 12 yards (E.Hill). FUMBLES (E.Hill), RECOVERED by SD-G.Jackson at MIA 34. [WPA -19.4% · EPA -3.54]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 1:32) — (1:32) (Shotgun) J.Harbaugh pass to C.Penn to MIA 30 for 24 yards (C.Jackson). [WPA +19.2% · EPA +1.65]

Impact plays

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

  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 12:10) — (12:10) D.Marino sacked at MIA 2 for -8 yards (J.Parrella). FUMBLES (J.Parrella), RECOVERED by SD-R.Johnson at MIA 4. [WPA -20.1% · EPA -5.04]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 6:06) — (6:06) J.Harbaugh sacked at SD 21 for -2 yards (R.Owens). FUMBLES (R.Owens), RECOVERED by MIA-B.Marion at SD 20. Play Challenged by SD and Upheld. (Timeout #3 at 05:47.) [WPA -18.9% · EPA -4.13]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q2 40:04) — (10:04) D.Marino pass to O.Gadsden to SD 20 for 55 yards (F.Brown). [WPA +12.1% · EPA +3.69]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q3 20:54) — (5:54) D.Marino pass to H.Goodwin to MIA 36 for 12 yards (E.Hill). FUMBLES (E.Hill), RECOVERED by SD-G.Jackson at MIA 34. [WPA -19.4% · EPA -3.54]

Quarterback report card

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

  • J.Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers) · 49 dropbacks · 40.8% completion · -0.20 EPA/play · -9.87 total EPA
  • D.Marino (Miami Dolphins) · 38 dropbacks · 57.9% completion · -0.21 EPA/play · -7.88 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

StatLos Angeles ChargersMiami Dolphins
Offensive EPA/play-0.156-0.158
Offensive success rate32.0%36.9%
Pass EPA/play-0.215-0.207
Rush EPA/play-0.384-0.287
Defensive EPA/play+0.158+0.156
Defensive success rate63.1%68.0%

By the numbers

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Los Angeles Chargers -0.16, Miami Dolphins -0.16) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

  • Los Angeles Chargers: 14 drives, -15.13 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
  • Miami Dolphins: 15 drives, -13.26 total EPA, 4 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

  • Miami Dolphins 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.
  • T. Martin (Miami Dolphins) 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.

  1. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q1 52:33 · LAC 14 · Score 0-3
    (7:33) O.Mare 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Perry, Holder-D.Huard.
  2. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 45:00 · MIA 5 · Score 3-3
    (15:00) J.Carney 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Binn, Holder-D.Bennett.
  3. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q2 40:04 · LAC 3 · Score 3-6
    (10:04) O.Mare 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Perry, Holder-D.Huard.
  4. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 15:00 · MIA 4 · Score 6-6
    (15:00) J.Carney 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Binn, Holder-D.Bennett.
  5. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 10:52 · MIA 12 · Score 9-6
    (10:52) J.Carney 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-D.Binn, Holder-D.Bennett.
  6. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q4 8:13 · LAC 12 · Score 9-9
    (8:13) O.Mare 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Perry, Holder-D.Huard.
  7. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q4 5:47 · LAC 13 · Score 9-12
    (5:47) O.Mare 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-E.Perry, Holder-D.Huard.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Miami Dolphins?

The Miami Dolphins beat the Los Angeles Chargers 12-9 in Week 15, 1999 on 1999-12-19.

What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Miami Dolphins?

The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 9, Miami Dolphins 12 (LAC 9-12 MIA) in Week 15, 1999 on 1999-12-19.

What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Miami Dolphins?

Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Miami Dolphins 3; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Miami Dolphins 3; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 6, Miami Dolphins 6; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 9, Miami Dolphins 12.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Miami Dolphins?

Miami Dolphins field goal — unlisted player (Q1 52:33, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — unlisted player (Q2 45:00, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — unlisted player (Q2 40:04, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — unlisted player (Q4 15:00, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — unlisted player (Q4 10:52, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — unlisted player (Q4 8:13, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — unlisted player (Q4 5:47, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Miami Dolphins?

J. Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers), 40.8% completion, -0.20 EPA per dropback, -9.87 total passing EPA. D. Marino (Miami Dolphins), 57.9% completion, -0.21 EPA per dropback, -7.88 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Miami Dolphins?

T. Martin (Miami Dolphins) led the game in total EPA with +5.56 on receiving plays. across 10 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.04 EPA): (12:10) D.Marino sacked at MIA 2 for -8 yards (J.Parrella). FUMBLES (J.Parrella), RECOVERED by SD-R.Johnson at MIA 4.. The biggest win-probability swing was +42.2%.

Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Miami Dolphins a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Miami Dolphins won 12-9 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Chargers

Entered 6-7 Now 6-8 L

Miami Dolphins

Entered 8-5 Now 9-5 W