Las Vegas Raiders vs. Dallas Cowboys: 2021 Week 12 Recap

Game story

In Week 12 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-11-25, the Las Vegas Raiders took care of business against the Dallas Cowboys, pulling away with a 36–33 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

D. Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) paced the passing game, with +9.42 total EPA, and -1.9% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, D. Carr (Las Vegas Raiders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +23.17 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+43.0% win probability) landed in overtime when Las Vegas Raiders changed the game: (6:01) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass incomplete deep right to 7-Z.Jones. PENALTY on DAL-30-A.Brown, Defensive Pass Interference, 33 yards, enforced at LV 43 - No Play.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

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

1. 1 D. Carr · Las Vegas Raiders · Passing · +23.17 total EPA · 49 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
2. 2 D. Prescott · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +9.42 total EPA · 53 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
3. 3 D. Jackson · Las Vegas Raiders · Receiving · +6.66 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.66 EPA/play
4. 4 H. Renfrow · Las Vegas Raiders · Receiving · +6.57 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
5. 5 M. Gallup · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.95 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
6. 6 D. Schultz · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.57 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
7. 7 C. Wilson · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +2.33 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
8. 8 B. Edwards · Las Vegas Raiders · Receiving · +2.23 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.23 EPA/play

Player of the game

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

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

• Las Vegas Raiders — D. Jackson (D. Carr pass) (Q1 56:55)
• Dallas Cowboys — S. McKeon (D. Prescott pass) (Q1 52:44)
• Las Vegas Raiders — J. Jacobs (Q1 46:36)
• Dallas Cowboys — E. Elliott (Q2 30:29)
• Las Vegas Raiders — M. Mariota (Q3 22:17)
• Dallas Cowboys — T. Pollard (Q3 22:13)
• Dallas Cowboys — D. Schultz (D. Prescott pass) (Q4 2:59)

Field goals

• Las Vegas Raiders — D. Carlson (Q2 38:50)
• Las Vegas Raiders — D. Carlson (Q3 18:32)
• Dallas Cowboys — G. Zuerlein (Q4 12:03)
• Las Vegas Raiders — D. Carlson (Q4 8:21)
• Las Vegas Raiders — D. Carlson (Q4 1:57)
• Dallas Cowboys — G. Zuerlein (Q4 0:24)
• Las Vegas Raiders — D. Carlson (OT 4:31)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

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

The opening quarter: Las Vegas Raiders won the period 14–6. Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the DAL 56 (Q1 56:55) — (11:55) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass deep left to 1-D.Jackson for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q1 56:45) — 2-D.Carlson extra point is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LV 10 (Q1 52:44) — (7:44) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 84-S.McKeon for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q1 46:36) — (1:36) 28-J.Jacobs left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q1 46:33) — 2-D.Carlson extra point is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole..

The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–3. Las Vegas Raiders connected on a field goal from the DAL 4 (Q2 38:50) — (8:50) 2-D.Carlson 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LV 1 (Q2 30:29) — (:29) (Shotgun) 21-E.Elliott left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LV 15 (Q2 30:25) — 2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger..

The third quarter: Las Vegas Raiders won the period 10–6. Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the DAL 3 (Q3 22:17) — (7:17) (Shotgun) Direct snap to 8-M.Mariota. 8-M.Mariota right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q3 22:13) — 2-D.Carlson extra point is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LV 35 (Q3 22:13) — 2-D.Carlson kicks 65 yards from LV 35 to DAL 0. 20-T.Pollard for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders connected on a field goal from the DAL 27 (Q3 18:32) — (3:32) 2-D.Carlson 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole..

The fourth quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–6. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LV 11 (Q4 12:03) — (12:03) 2-G.Zuerlein 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Las Vegas Raiders connected on a field goal from the DAL 12 (Q4 8:21) — (8:21) 2-D.Carlson 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole. Penalty on DAL-98-Q.Bohanna, Illegal Formation, declined.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LV 32 (Q4 2:59) — (2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep middle to 86-D.Schultz for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys registered a safety from the LV 2 (Q4 2:54) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-D.Prescott pass to 86-D.Schultz is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Las Vegas Raiders connected on a field goal from the DAL 38 (Q4 1:57) — (1:57) 2-D.Carlson 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LV 27 (Q4 0:24) — (:24) 2-G.Zuerlein 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger..

Overtime: Las Vegas Raiders won the period 3–0. Las Vegas Raiders connected on a field goal from the DAL 11 (OT 4:31) — (4:31) 2-D.Carlson 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole..

Turning points

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

• Las Vegas Raiders (OT 6:01) — (6:01) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass incomplete deep right to 7-Z.Jones. PENALTY on DAL-30-A.Brown, Defensive Pass Interference, 33 yards, enforced at LV 43 - No Play. [WPA +43.0% · EPA +3.76]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 2:59) — (2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep middle to 86-D.Schultz for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +27.0% · EPA +3.86]
• Dallas Cowboys (OT 8:50) — (8:50) 5-B.Anger punts 59 yards to LV 28, Center-44-J.McQuaide. 13-H.Renfrow pushed ob at LV 35 for 7 yards (20-T.Pollard). PENALTY on LV-21-A.Robertson, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards, enfor [WPA +21.8% · EPA +0.75]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 0:24) — (:24) 2-G.Zuerlein 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger. [WPA +19.4% · EPA +0.70]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q3 22:13) — 2-D.Carlson kicks 65 yards from LV 35 to DAL 0. 20-T.Pollard for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.3% · EPA +5.48]

Impact plays

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

• Dallas Cowboys (Q3 22:13) — 2-D.Carlson kicks 65 yards from LV 35 to DAL 0. 20-T.Pollard for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.3% · EPA +5.48]
• Las Vegas Raiders (Q1 56:55) — (11:55) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass deep left to 1-D.Jackson for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.3% · EPA +4.81]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 2:59) — (2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep middle to 86-D.Schultz for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +27.0% · EPA +3.86]
• Las Vegas Raiders (OT 6:01) — (6:01) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass incomplete deep right to 7-Z.Jones. PENALTY on DAL-30-A.Brown, Defensive Pass Interference, 33 yards, enforced at LV 43 - No Play. [WPA +43.0% · EPA +3.76]

Quarterback report card

D.Prescott led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• D.Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) · 53 dropbacks · 60.4% completion · -1.9% CPOE · +0.18 EPA/play · +9.42 total EPA
• D.Carr (Las Vegas Raiders) · 49 dropbacks · 49.0% completion · -2.2% CPOE · +0.47 EPA/play · +23.17 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Las Vegas Raiders generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs +0.07), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Dallas Cowboys: 15 drives, +6.77 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
• Las Vegas Raiders: 15 drives, +16.78 total EPA, 8 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

• Las Vegas Raiders 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. Carr (Las Vegas Raiders) 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. Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q1 56:55 · DAL 56 · Score 6-0
   (11:55) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass deep left to 1-D.Jackson for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2. Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q1 56:45 · DAL 15 · Score 7-0
   2-D.Carlson extra point is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.
3. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 52:44 · LV 10 · Score 7-6
   (7:44) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 84-S.McKeon for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4. Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q1 46:36 · DAL 1 · Score 13-6
   (1:36) 28-J.Jacobs left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
5. Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q1 46:33 · DAL 15 · Score 14-6
   2-D.Carlson extra point is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.
6. Las Vegas Raiders FG (+3) — Q2 38:50 · DAL 4 · Score 17-6
   (8:50) 2-D.Carlson 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.
7. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 30:29 · LV 1 · Score 17-12
   (:29) (Shotgun) 21-E.Elliott left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
8. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 30:25 · LV 15 · Score 17-13
   2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
9. Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q3 22:17 · DAL 3 · Score 23-13
   (7:17) (Shotgun) Direct snap to 8-M.Mariota. 8-M.Mariota right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10. Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q3 22:13 · DAL 15 · Score 24-13
    2-D.Carlson extra point is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.
11. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 22:13 · LV 35 · Score 24-19
    2-D.Carlson kicks 65 yards from LV 35 to DAL 0. 20-T.Pollard for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
12. Las Vegas Raiders FG (+3) — Q3 18:32 · DAL 27 · Score 27-19
    (3:32) 2-D.Carlson 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.
13. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 12:03 · LV 11 · Score 27-22
    (12:03) 2-G.Zuerlein 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
14. Las Vegas Raiders FG (+3) — Q4 8:21 · DAL 12 · Score 30-22
    (8:21) 2-D.Carlson 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole. Penalty on DAL-98-Q.Bohanna, Illegal Formation, declined.
15. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 2:59 · LV 32 · Score 30-28
    (2:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep middle to 86-D.Schultz for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
16. Dallas Cowboys Safety (+2) — Q4 2:54 · LV 2 · Score 30-30
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-D.Prescott pass to 86-D.Schultz is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
17. Las Vegas Raiders FG (+3) — Q4 1:57 · DAL 38 · Score 33-30
    (1:57) 2-D.Carlson 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.
18. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 0:24 · LV 27 · Score 33-33
    (:24) 2-G.Zuerlein 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
19. Las Vegas Raiders FG (+3) — OT 4:31 · DAL 11 · Score 36-33
    (4:31) 2-D.Carlson 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-T.Sieg, Holder-6-A.Cole.