Game story
In Week 2 of the 2017 NFL season on 2017-09-17, the Miami Dolphins took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 19–17 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +10.55 total EPA, and +13.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.55 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-51.0% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (:09) 9-Y.Koo 44 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins | 3 | 0 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 19 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +10.55 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 2 J. Cutler · Miami Dolphins · Passing · +8.72 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 3 D. Parker · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +4.97 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
- 4 H. Henry · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.96 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 5 K. Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.56 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 6 J. Ajayi · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · +3.73 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
- 7 J. Landry · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +3.31 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 8 M. Gordon · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.05 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
P. Rivers — LAC · Passing
P. Rivers posted the highest total EPA (+10.55) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 43 counted snaps, they averaged +0.25 EPA per play.
The signature play (+3.50 EPA) came from Miami Dolphins: (12:15) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 10-K.Stills for 29 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 — M. Gordon
- Miami Dolphins — K. Stills (J. Cutler pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass)
Field goals
- Miami Dolphins — C. Parkey
- Los Angeles Chargers — Y. Koo
- Miami Dolphins — C. Parkey
- Miami Dolphins — C. Parkey
- Miami Dolphins — C. Parkey
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 12 (Q1 52:13) — (7:13) 1-C.Parkey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the MIA 23 (Q2 43:46) — (13:46) 9-Y.Koo 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIA 1 (Q2 35:05) — (5:05) 28-M.Gordon left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q2 35:01) — 9-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser..
The third quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 10–7. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the LAC 29 (Q3 27:15) — (12:15) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 10-K.Stills for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 27:07) — 1-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIA 7 (Q3 23:24) — (8:24) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 85-A.Gates for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q3 23:18) — 9-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the LAC 10 (Q3 17:48) — (2:48) 1-C.Parkey 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack..
The fourth quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 6–0. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the LAC 17 (Q4 6:32) — (6:32) 1-C.Parkey 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the LAC 36 (Q4 1:10) — (1:10) 1-C.Parkey 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:09) — (:09) 9-Y.Koo 44 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 11:05) — (11:05) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 11-D.Parker to LAC 22 for 31 yards (24-Tr.Williams). Penalty on LAC-31-A.Phillips, Defensive Holding, declined.
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 1:10) — (1:10) 1-C.Parkey 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 3:12) — (3:12) 8-D.Kaser punts 40 yards to MIA 35, Center-47-M.Windt. 19-J.Grant to MIA 49 for 14 yards (50-H.Pullard, 30-A.Ekeler).
- Miami Dolphins (Q3 27:15) — (12:15) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 10-K.Stills for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Miami Dolphins (Q3 27:15) — (12:15) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 10-K.Stills for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 11:05) — (11:05) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep middle to 11-D.Parker to LAC 22 for 31 yards (24-Tr.Williams). Penalty on LAC-31-A.Phillips, Defensive Holding, declined.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:35) — (:35) 9-Y.Koo 43 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 36:49) — (6:49) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 13-K.Allen to MIA 4 for 24 yards (20-R.Jones, 29-N.Allen).
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) · 43 dropbacks · 72.1% completion · +13.8% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +10.55 total EPA
- J.Cutler (Miami Dolphins) · 35 dropbacks · 68.6% completion · +10.2% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +8.72 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Miami Dolphins | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.094 | +0.014 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.0% | 46.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.230 | +0.245 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.012 | -0.082 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.014 | -0.094 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.2% | 58.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Miami Dolphins generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.09 vs +0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 9 drives, +1.08 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Miami Dolphins: 10 drives, +7.61 total EPA, 5 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.
- P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- P. Rivers (LAC) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- J. Cutler (MIA) 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.
- Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q1 52:13 · LAC 12 · Score 3-0
(7:13) 1-C.Parkey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 43:46 · MIA 23 · Score 3-3
(13:46) 9-Y.Koo 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 35:05 · MIA 1 · Score 3-9
(5:05) 28-M.Gordon left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 35:01 · MIA 15 · Score 3-10
9-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q3 27:15 · LAC 29 · Score 9-10
(12:15) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 10-K.Stills for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q3 27:07 · LAC 15 · Score 10-10
1-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 23:24 · MIA 7 · Score 10-16
(8:24) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 85-A.Gates for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 23:18 · MIA 15 · Score 10-17
9-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q3 17:48 · LAC 10 · Score 13-17
(2:48) 1-C.Parkey 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack. - Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q4 6:32 · LAC 17 · Score 16-17
(6:32) 1-C.Parkey 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack. - Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q4 1:10 · LAC 36 · Score 19-17
(1:10) 1-C.Parkey 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-16-M.Haack.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Miami Dolphins beat the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 in Week 2, 2017 on 2017-09-17.
What was the final score of Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Miami Dolphins 19, Los Angeles Chargers 17 (MIA 19-17 LAC) in Week 2, 2017 on 2017-09-17.
What was the score by quarter in Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Miami Dolphins 3, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q2: Miami Dolphins 0, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Q3: Miami Dolphins 10, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q4: Miami Dolphins 6, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Final: Miami Dolphins 19, Los Angeles Chargers 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Gordon (Q2 35:05) Miami Dolphins touchdown — K. Stills (J. Cutler pass) (Q3 27:15) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass) (Q3 23:24) Miami Dolphins field goal — C. Parkey (Q1 52:13, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — Y. Koo (Q2 43:46, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — C. Parkey (Q3 17:48, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — C. Parkey (Q4 6:32, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — C. Parkey (Q4 1:10, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 72.1% completion, +13.8% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +10.55 total passing EPA. J. Cutler (Miami Dolphins), 68.6% completion, +10.2% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +8.72 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +10.55 on passing plays. across 43 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+3.50 EPA): (12:15) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 10-K.Stills for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -51.0%.
Was Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 2 points. Miami Dolphins won 19-17 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Miami Dolphins
Now 1-0 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 0-1 Now 0-2 L
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