Game story
In Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-09-24, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 28–24 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 23 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with +1.65 total EPA, and +0.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.48 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-44.7% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (:12) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right intended for 87-T.Hockenson INTERCEPTED by 9-K.Murray (31-N.Niemann) at LAC 0. Touchback.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Herbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +16.48 total EPA · 50 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 2 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +13.39 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.67 EPA/play
- 3 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +8.22 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 4 K. Osborn · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.56 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
- 5 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +3.97 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.97 EPA/play
- 6 D. Parham · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.73 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.86 EPA/play
- 7 J. Addison · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.73 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
- 8 J. Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.39 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Herbert — LAC · Passing
J. Herbert posted the highest total EPA (+16.48) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 50 counted snaps, they averaged +0.33 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.84 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: (3:09) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 17-K.Osborn for 36 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 — D. Parham (J. Herbert pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — J. Oliver (K. Cousins pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — D. Parham (J. Herbert pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Williams (K. Allen pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Osborn (K. Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — J. Palmer (J. Herbert pass)
Field goals
- Minnesota Vikings — G. Joseph
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 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 3 (Q1 47:55) — (2:55) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 89-D.Parham for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN [44-J.Metellus].; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 47:51) — 11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 13–10. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LAC 4 (Q2 37:33); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q2 37:27) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LAC 5 (Q2 32:11) — (2:11) 1-G.Joseph 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q2 30:50) — (:50) 10-J.Herbert pass short middle to 89-D.Parham for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 15 (Q2 30:47) — 11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 49 (Q3 21:01) — (6:01) (Shotgun) 13-K.Allen pass deep right to 81-M.Williams for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 20:53) — 11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LAC 36 (Q3 18:09) — (3:09) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 17-K.Osborn for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 18:01) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LAC 52 (Q4 11:30) — (11:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN [52-K.Mack].; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 11:20); Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 30 (Q4 8:11) — (8:11) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep left to 5-J.Palmer for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 8:05) — 11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 0:12) — (:12) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right intended for 87-T.Hockenson INTERCEPTED by 9-K.Murray (31-N.Niemann) at LAC 0. Touchback.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 1:51) — (1:51) 25-J.Kelley up the middle to LAC 24 for no gain (90-J.Bullard). The Replay Official reviewed the short of the line to gain ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 11:30) — (11:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN [52-K.Mack].
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 2:58) — (2:58) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass incomplete short left to 18-J.Jefferson (43-M.Davis) [97-J.Bosa]. Penalty on MIN-18-J.Jefferson, Illegal Shift, declined.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 18:09) — (3:09) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 17-K.Osborn for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 18:09) — (3:09) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 17-K.Osborn for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 11:30) — (11:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN [52-K.Mack].
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 36:11) — (6:11) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 5-J.Palmer to LAC 43 for 4 yards (58-J.Hicks). FUMBLES (58-J.Hicks), RECOVERED by MIN-58-J.Hicks at LAC 45.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 0:12) — (:12) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right intended for 87-T.Hockenson INTERCEPTED by 9-K.Murray (31-N.Niemann) at LAC 0. Touchback.
Quarterback report card
K.Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- K.Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 58 dropbacks · 55.2% completion · +0.5% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +1.65 total EPA
- J.Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) · 50 dropbacks · 80.0% completion · +14.7% CPOE · +0.33 EPA/play · +16.48 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.051 | -0.003 |
| Offensive success rate | 46.2% | 45.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.401 | +0.028 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.720 | -0.017 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.003 | -0.051 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.0% | 53.8% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.05 vs -0.00), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, +4.04 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, -0.31 total EPA, 4 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.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- J. Herbert (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.
- Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 47:55 · MIN 3 · Score 6-0
(2:55) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short right to 89-D.Parham for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN [44-J.Metellus]. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 47:51 · MIN 15 · Score 7-0
11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 37:33 · LAC 4 · Score 7-6
(7:33) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 84-J.Oliver for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN [36-J.Taylor]. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 37:27 · LAC 15 · Score 7-7
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 32:11 · LAC 5 · Score 7-10
(2:11) 1-G.Joseph 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 30:50 · MIN 1 · Score 13-10
(:50) 10-J.Herbert pass short middle to 89-D.Parham for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+7) — Q2 30:47 · MIN 15 · Score 14-10
11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 21:01 · MIN 49 · Score 20-10
(6:01) (Shotgun) 13-K.Allen pass deep right to 81-M.Williams for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 20:53 · MIN 15 · Score 21-10
11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 18:09 · LAC 36 · Score 21-16
(3:09) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 17-K.Osborn for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 18:01 · LAC 15 · Score 21-17
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 11:30 · LAC 52 · Score 21-23
(11:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN [52-K.Mack]. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 11:20 · LAC 15 · Score 21-24
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright. PENALTY on LAC-26-A.Samuel, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 8:11 · MIN 30 · Score 27-24
(8:11) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep left to 5-J.Palmer for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 8:05 · MIN 15 · Score 28-24
11-C.Dicker extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-16-J.Scott.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Minnesota Vikings 28-24 in Week 3, 2023 on 2023-09-24.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 28, Minnesota Vikings 24 (LAC 28-24 MIN) in Week 3, 2023 on 2023-09-24.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 13, Minnesota Vikings 10; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 28, Minnesota Vikings 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Minnesota Vikings?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — D. Parham (J. Herbert pass) (Q1 47:55) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Oliver (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 37:33) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — D. Parham (J. Herbert pass) (Q2 30:50) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Williams (K. Allen pass) (Q3 21:01) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Osborn (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 18:09) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 11:30) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — J. Palmer (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 8:11) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q2 32:11, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Minnesota Vikings?
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 55.2% completion, +0.5% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +1.65 total passing EPA. J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), 80.0% completion, +14.7% CPOE, +0.33 EPA per dropback, +16.48 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Minnesota Vikings?
J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +16.48 on passing plays. across 50 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.84 EPA): (3:09) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 17-K.Osborn for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -44.7%.
Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Minnesota Vikings a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 28-24 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 0-2 Now 1-2 W
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 0-2 Now 0-3 L
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