Game story
In Week 5 of the 2012 NFL season on 2012-10-07, the New Orleans Saints took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 31–24 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +5.77 total EPA, and +1.1% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.26 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+16.1% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when New Orleans Saints changed the game: (3:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 19-D.Henderson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 28, YAC 12 Saints #9 D.Brees passes Johnny Unitas for consecutive regular season games with a touchdown; Bree
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| New Orleans Saints | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 31 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +16.26 total EPA · 49 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 2 M. Colston · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +9.87 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
- 3 R. Meachem · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +7.42 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.86 EPA/play
- 4 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +5.77 total EPA · 51 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 5 D. Henderson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.82 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 6 G. Camarillo · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.28 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
- 7 R. Mathews · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +3.35 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
- 8 R. Brown · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.22 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
D. Brees — NO · Passing
D. Brees posted the highest total EPA (+16.26) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on New Orleans Saints's efficiency. Across 49 counted snaps, they averaged +0.33 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.93 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (6:00) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-R.Harper (27-M.Jenkins) at NO 36. 41-R.Harper to LAC 23 for 41 yards (65-L.Vasquez). The ball was batted into the air by #27 M.Jenki
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — R. Meachem (P. Rivers pass)
- New Orleans Saints — D. Henderson (D. Brees pass)
- New Orleans Saints — M. Colston (D. Brees pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — R. Meachem (P. Rivers pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — R. Mathews
- New Orleans Saints — M. Colston (D. Brees pass)
- New Orleans Saints — M. Colston (D. Brees pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Novak
- New Orleans Saints — G. Hartley
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the NO 15 (Q1 52:02); Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q1 51:56) — 9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the LAC 40 (Q1 48:05); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q1 47:58) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–7. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the NO 2 (Q2 40:01) — (10:01) 9-N.Novak 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the LAC 19 (Q2 37:25) — (7:25) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 12-M.Colston for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-K.Reyes]. Pass 19, YAC 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 37:19) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the NO 44 (Q2 30:44) — (:44) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 12-R.Meachem for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 33, YAC 11; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 30:36) — 9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the NO 13 (Q3 27:34) — (12:34) 24-R.Mathews left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 27:27) — 9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the LAC 16 (Q3 15:16) — (:16) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 15, YAC 1; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 15:11) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 10–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the LAC 5 (Q4 8:55); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q4 8:50) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the LAC 7 (Q4 3:00) — (3:00) 5-G.Hartley 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 48:05) — (3:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 19-D.Henderson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 28, YAC 12 Saints #9 D.Brees passes Johnny Unitas for consecutive regular season games with a touchdown; Bree
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:44) — (:44) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 12-R.Meachem for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 33, YAC 11
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 54:11) — (9:11) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 80-M.Floyd to NO 19 for 32 yards (21-P.Robinson). Pass 26, YAC 6
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 34:54) — (4:54) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep left to 11-E.Royal to 50 for 20 yards (24-C.White) [91-W.Smith]. PENALTY on NO-91-W.Smith, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced at 50. Pass 20, YAC 0
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 6:00) — (6:00) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-R.Harper (27-M.Jenkins) at NO 36. 41-R.Harper to LAC 23 for 41 yards (65-L.Vasquez). The ball was batted into th
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 6:00) — (6:00) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-R.Harper (27-M.Jenkins) at NO 36. 41-R.Harper to LAC 23 for 41 yards (65-L.Vasquez). The ball was batted into th
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:44) — (:44) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 12-R.Meachem for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 33, YAC 11
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 48:05) — (3:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 19-D.Henderson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 28, YAC 12 Saints #9 D.Brees passes Johnny Unitas for consecutive regular season games with a touchdown; Bree
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 28:53) — (13:53) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left intended for 19-D.Henderson INTERCEPTED by 23-Q.Jammer at NO 34. 23-Q.Jammer to NO 25 for 9 yards (19-D.Henderson).
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) · 51 dropbacks · 52.9% completion · +1.1% CPOE · +0.11 EPA/play · +5.77 total EPA
- D.Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 49 dropbacks · 59.2% completion · +2.6% CPOE · +0.33 EPA/play · +16.26 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.054 | +0.114 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.7% | 41.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.113 | +0.332 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.112 | -0.286 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.114 | -0.054 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.2% | 48.3% |
By the numbers
New Orleans Saints held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.11 vs +0.05), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, +4.69 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 12 drives, +10.39 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- New Orleans Saints 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.
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) 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 52:02 · NO 15 · Score 6-0
(7:02) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 12-R.Meachem for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NO-27-M.Jenkins, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced be - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 51:56 · NO 2 · Score 7-0
9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 48:05 · LAC 40 · Score 7-6
(3:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 19-D.Henderson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 28, YAC 12 Saints #9 D.Brees passes Johnny Unitas for consecutive reg - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 47:58 · LAC 2 · Score 7-7
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 40:01 · NO 2 · Score 10-7
(10:01) 9-N.Novak 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 37:25 · LAC 19 · Score 10-13
(7:25) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 12-M.Colston for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-K.Reyes]. Pass 19, YAC 0 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 37:19 · LAC 2 · Score 10-14
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 30:44 · NO 44 · Score 16-14
(:44) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 12-R.Meachem for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 33, YAC 11 - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 30:36 · NO 2 · Score 17-14
9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 27:34 · NO 13 · Score 23-14
(12:34) 24-R.Mathews left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 27:27 · NO 2 · Score 24-14
9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 15:16 · LAC 16 · Score 24-20
(:16) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 15, YAC 1 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 15:11 · LAC 2 · Score 24-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 8:55 · LAC 5 · Score 24-27
(8:55) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 12-M.Colston for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on LAC-20-A.Cason, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. Pass 5, YAC 0 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 8:50 · LAC 2 · Score 24-28
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 3:00 · LAC 7 · Score 24-31
(3:00) 5-G.Hartley 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Los Angeles Chargers 31-24 in Week 5, 2012 on 2012-10-07.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 24, New Orleans Saints 31 (LAC 24-31 NO) in Week 5, 2012 on 2012-10-07.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 7, New Orleans Saints 7; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 10, New Orleans Saints 7; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 7, New Orleans Saints 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 0, New Orleans Saints 10; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 24, New Orleans Saints 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — R. Meachem (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 52:02) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Henderson (D. Brees pass) (Q1 48:05) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Colston (D. Brees pass) (Q2 37:25) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — R. Meachem (P. Rivers pass) (Q2 30:44) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — R. Mathews (Q3 27:34) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Colston (D. Brees pass) (Q3 15:16) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Colston (D. Brees pass) (Q4 8:55) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Novak (Q2 40:01, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — G. Hartley (Q4 3:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 52.9% completion, +1.1% CPOE, +0.11 EPA per dropback, +5.77 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 59.2% completion, +2.6% CPOE, +0.33 EPA per dropback, +16.26 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) led the game in total EPA with +16.26 on passing plays. across 49 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.93 EPA): (6:00) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-R.Harper (27-M.Jenkins) at NO 36. 41-R.Harper to LAC 23 for 41 yards (65-L.Vasquez). The bal. The biggest win-probability swing was +16.1%.
Was Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. New Orleans Saints won 31-24 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 3-1 Now 3-2 L
New Orleans Saints
Entered 0-4 Now 1-4 W
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