Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +9.40 total EPA on Passing plays. across 52 snaps. Their top snap (-5.84 EPA): (6:00) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at WAS 15 for -8 yards (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat) [90-M.Sweat], ball out of bounds in End Zone, Touchback. The Replay Official reviewed.

Chargers 20–16 Commanders: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 1, 2021

Q: Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (Q1 9:18) Washington Commanders touchdown — L. Thomas (T. Heinicke pass) (Q3 11:26) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 11:25) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 3:00, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 13:40, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — T. Vizcaino (Q2 9:09, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — T. Vizcaino (Q2 0:48, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 0:05, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

Game story

The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Washington Commanders 20–16 in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-09-12, a matchup that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half. The decisive swing (-29.9% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Washington Commanders swung the momentum.

In Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-09-12, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 20–16 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 12 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +9.40 total EPA, and +3.6% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.40 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-29.9% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Washington Commanders changed the game: (12:16) 71-W.Schweitzer reported in as eligible. 24-A.Gibson right end to WAS 4 for no gain (44-K.White; 26-A.Samuel). FUMBLES (44-K.White), RECOVERED by LAC-52-K.Fackrell at WAS 3.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Los Angeles Chargers	7	6	0	7	0	20
Washington Commanders	3	6	7	0	0	16

Stars of the game

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

1 J. Herbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +9.40 total EPA · 52 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
2 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +8.65 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.67 EPA/play
3 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.94 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
4 T. Heinicke · Washington Commanders · Passing · +5.25 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
5 T. McLaurin · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.94 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.24 EPA/play
6 J. Cook · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.15 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
7 L. Thomas · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.90 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
8 J. Guyton · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.17 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.43 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 (+9.40) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 52 counted snaps, they averaged +0.18 EPA per play.

The signature play (-6.02 EPA) came from Washington Commanders: (12:16) 71-W.Schweitzer reported in as eligible. 24-A.Gibson right end to WAS 4 for no gain (44-K.White; 26-A.Samuel). FUMBLES (44-K.White), RECOVERED by LAC-52-K.Fackrell at WAS 3.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

Los Angeles Chargers — A. Ekeler (Q1 54:18)
Washington Commanders — L. Thomas (T. Heinicke pass) (Q3 26:26)
Los Angeles Chargers — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 11:25)

Field goals

Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins (Q1 48:00)
Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins (Q2 43:40)
Los Angeles Chargers — T. Vizcaino (Q2 39:09)
Los Angeles Chargers — T. Vizcaino (Q2 30:48)
Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins (Q2 30:05)

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 7–3. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the WAS 3 (Q1 54:18) — (9:18) (Shotgun) 30-A.Ekeler left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q1 54:14) — 16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LAC 12 (Q1 48:00) — (3:00) 3-D.Hopkins 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 6–6. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LAC 25 (Q2 43:40) — (13:40) 3-D.Hopkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the WAS 15 (Q2 39:09) — (9:09) 16-T.Vizcaino 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the WAS 9 (Q2 30:48) — (:48) 16-T.Vizcaino 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LAC 30 (Q2 30:05) — (:05) 3-D.Hopkins 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..

The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the LAC 11 (Q3 26:26) — (11:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 26:20) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..

The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the WAS 3 (Q4 11:25) — (11:25) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 81-M.Williams for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 11:21) — 16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long..

Turning points

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

Washington Commanders (Q4 12:16) — (12:16) 71-W.Schweitzer reported in as eligible. 24-A.Gibson right end to WAS 4 for no gain (44-K.White; 26-A.Samuel). FUMBLES (44-K.White), RECOVERED by LAC-52-K.Fackrell at WAS 3. [WPA -29.9% · EPA -6.02]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 12:23) — (12:23) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right intended for 82-S.Anderson INTERCEPTED by 23-W.Jackson at WAS 4. 23-W.Jackson pushed ob at WAS 4 for no gain (82-S.Anderson). [WPA -25.1% · EPA -4.47]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 21:00) — (6:00) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at WAS 15 for -8 yards (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat) [90-M.Sweat], ball out of bounds in End Zone, Touchback. The Replay Official reviewed the fumble ruling, [WPA -24.6% · EPA -5.84]
Washington Commanders (Q3 26:41) — (11:41) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin ran ob at LAC 11 for 34 yards. Penalty on LAC-43-M.Davis, Illegal Contact, declined. [WPA +14.7% · EPA +3.24]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 24:33) — (9:33) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 87-J.Cook to WAS 34 for 23 yards (25-B.St-Juste). [WPA +13.8% · EPA +2.86]

Impact plays

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

Washington Commanders (Q4 12:16) — (12:16) 71-W.Schweitzer reported in as eligible. 24-A.Gibson right end to WAS 4 for no gain (44-K.White; 26-A.Samuel). FUMBLES (44-K.White), RECOVERED by LAC-52-K.Fackrell at WAS 3. [WPA -29.9% · EPA -6.02]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 21:00) — (6:00) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at WAS 15 for -8 yards (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat) [90-M.Sweat], ball out of bounds in End Zone, Touchback. The Replay Official reviewed the fumble ruling, [WPA -24.6% · EPA -5.84]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 12:23) — (12:23) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right intended for 82-S.Anderson INTERCEPTED by 23-W.Jackson at WAS 4. 23-W.Jackson pushed ob at WAS 4 for no gain (82-S.Anderson). [WPA -25.1% · EPA -4.47]
Washington Commanders (Q3 26:41) — (11:41) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin ran ob at LAC 11 for 34 yards. Penalty on LAC-43-M.Davis, Illegal Contact, declined. [WPA +14.7% · EPA +3.24]

Quarterback report card

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

J.Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) · 52 dropbacks · 59.6% completion · +3.6% CPOE · +0.18 EPA/play · +9.40 total EPA
T.Heinicke (Washington Commanders) · 21 dropbacks · 52.4% completion · +18.0% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +5.25 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

Stat	Los Angeles Chargers	Washington Commanders
Offensive EPA/play	+0.017	-0.066
Offensive success rate	46.2%	41.7%
Pass EPA/play	+0.181	+0.067
Rush EPA/play	-0.078	-0.188
Defensive EPA/play	+0.066	-0.017
Defensive success rate	58.3%	53.8%

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.07), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Los Angeles Chargers: 9 drives, +1.57 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Washington Commanders: 9 drives, -4.73 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.
T. Heinicke (WAS) 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 54:18 · WAS 3 · Score 6-0
(9:18) (Shotgun) 30-A.Ekeler left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 54:14 · WAS 15 · Score 7-0
16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 48:00 · LAC 12 · Score 7-3
(3:00) 3-D.Hopkins 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 43:40 · LAC 25 · Score 7-6
(13:40) 3-D.Hopkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 39:09 · WAS 15 · Score 10-6
(9:09) 16-T.Vizcaino 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:48 · WAS 9 · Score 13-6
(:48) 16-T.Vizcaino 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 30:05 · LAC 30 · Score 13-9
(:05) 3-D.Hopkins 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 26:26 · LAC 11 · Score 13-15
(11:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 26:20 · LAC 15 · Score 13-16
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 11:25 · WAS 3 · Score 19-16
(11:25) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 81-M.Williams for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 11:21 · WAS 15 · Score 20-16
16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Washington Commanders 20-16 in Week 1, 2021 on 2021-09-12.

What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 20, Washington Commanders 16 (LAC 20-16 WAS) in Week 1, 2021 on 2021-09-12.

What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Washington Commanders 3; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 6, Washington Commanders 6; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Washington Commanders 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Washington Commanders 0; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 20, Washington Commanders 16.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (Q1 54:18) Washington Commanders touchdown — L. Thomas (T. Heinicke pass) (Q3 26:26) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 11:25) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 48:00, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 43:40, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — T. Vizcaino (Q2 39:09, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — T. Vizcaino (Q2 30:48, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 30:05, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), 59.6% completion, +3.6% CPOE, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +9.40 total passing EPA. T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders), 52.4% completion, +18.0% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +5.25 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +9.40 on passing plays. across 52 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.02 EPA): (12:16) 71-W.Schweitzer reported in as eligible. 24-A.Gibson right end to WAS 4 for no gain (44-K.White; 26-A.Samuel). FUMBLES (44-K.White), RECOVERED by LAC-52-K.Fackrell at WAS 3. The biggest win-probability swing was -29.9%.

Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 20-16 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Chargers

Now 1-0 W

Washington Commanders

Now 0-1 L

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Washington Commanders: 2021 Week 1 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

Game story

Line score

Stars of the game

Player of the game