Game story
In Week 1 of the 2011 NFL season on 2011-09-11, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 24–17 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +7.53 total EPA, and +6.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.53 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+25.3% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +7.53 total EPA · 52 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
- 2 M. Tolbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.42 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 3 M. Jenkins · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.19 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.40 EPA/play
- 4 M. Floyd · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.47 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
- 5 A. Peterson · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +1.83 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 6 V. Jackson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.54 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 7 B. Walters · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.29 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 8 R. McMichael · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +0.63 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.21 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 (+7.53) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 52 counted snaps, they averaged +0.14 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.99 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — P. Harvin
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Tolbert (P. Rivers pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — M. Jenkins (D. McNabb pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Tolbert
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Tolbert (P. Rivers pass)
Field goals
- Minnesota Vikings — R. Longwell
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Scifres
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. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LAC 35 (Q1 60:00) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q1 59:45) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q1 56:42) — (11:42) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 35-M.Tolbert for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q1 56:38) — 5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LAC 15 (Q2 42:59) — (12:59) 8-R.Longwell 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LAC 3 (Q2 39:50) — (9:50) (Shotgun) 5-D.McNabb pass short middle to 84-M.Jenkins for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 39:44) — 8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 7 (Q3 25:48) — (10:48) 35-M.Tolbert up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 25:43) — 5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the MIN 22 (Q4 10:09) — (10:09) 5-M.Scifres 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the MIN 19 (Q4 5:10) — (5:10) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 35-M.Tolbert for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q4 5:01) — 5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 60:00) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 17:43) — (2:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 69-J.Allen at MIN 17. 69-J.Allen to MIN 31 for 14 yards (85-A.Gates).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 5:10) — (5:10) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 35-M.Tolbert for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 58:08) — (13:08) 5-D.McNabb pass short left intended for 12-P.Harvin INTERCEPTED by 95-S.Phillips at MIN 6. 95-S.Phillips to MIN 6 for no gain (5-D.McNabb).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 12:15) — (12:15) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 80-M.Floyd to MIN 19 for 16 yards (39-H.Abdullah).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 60:00) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 58:08) — (13:08) 5-D.McNabb pass short left intended for 12-P.Harvin INTERCEPTED by 95-S.Phillips at MIN 6. 95-S.Phillips to MIN 6 for no gain (5-D.McNabb).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 17:43) — (2:43) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 24-R.Mathews INTERCEPTED by 69-J.Allen at MIN 17. 69-J.Allen to MIN 31 for 14 yards (85-A.Gates).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 40:39) — (10:39) 28-A.Peterson up the middle to LAC 3 for 46 yards (31-B.Sanders).
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) · 52 dropbacks · 63.5% completion · +6.4% CPOE · +0.14 EPA/play · +7.53 total EPA
- D.McNabb (Minnesota Vikings) · 19 dropbacks · 36.8% completion · -16.6% CPOE · -0.43 EPA/play · -8.26 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.007 | +0.058 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.0% | 51.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.435 | +0.145 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.062 | -0.170 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.058 | -0.007 |
| Defensive success rate | 48.4% | 59.0% |
By the numbers
Los Angeles Chargers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.06 vs +0.01), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, +5.50 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, +0.41 total EPA, 3 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.
- 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.
- D. McNabb (MIN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 60:00 · LAC 35 · Score 6-0
10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 59:45 · LAC 2 · Score 7-0
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 56:42 · MIN 1 · Score 7-6
(11:42) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 35-M.Tolbert for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 56:38 · MIN 2 · Score 7-7
5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 42:59 · LAC 15 · Score 10-7
(12:59) 8-R.Longwell 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 39:50 · LAC 3 · Score 16-7
(9:50) (Shotgun) 5-D.McNabb pass short middle to 84-M.Jenkins for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 39:44 · LAC 2 · Score 17-7
8-R.Longwell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-4-C.Kluwe. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 25:48 · MIN 7 · Score 17-13
(10:48) 35-M.Tolbert up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 25:43 · MIN 2 · Score 17-14
5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 10:09 · MIN 22 · Score 17-17
(10:09) 5-M.Scifres 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 5:10 · MIN 19 · Score 17-23
(5:10) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 35-M.Tolbert for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 5:01 · MIN 2 · Score 17-24
5-M.Scifres extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-32-E.Weddle.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-17 in Week 1, 2011 on 2011-09-11.
What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 17, Los Angeles Chargers 24 (MIN 17-24 LAC) in Week 1, 2011 on 2011-09-11.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Minnesota Vikings 7, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 10, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 0, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 0, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Final: Minnesota Vikings 17, Los Angeles Chargers 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — P. Harvin (Q1 60:00) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Tolbert (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 56:42) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — M. Jenkins (D. McNabb pass) (Q2 39:50) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Tolbert (Q3 25:48) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Tolbert (P. Rivers pass) (Q4 5:10) Minnesota Vikings field goal — R. Longwell (Q2 42:59, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Scifres (Q4 10:09, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 63.5% completion, +6.4% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +7.53 total passing EPA. D. McNabb (Minnesota Vikings), 36.8% completion, -16.6% CPOE, -0.43 EPA per dropback, -8.26 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +7.53 on passing plays. across 52 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.99 EPA): 10-N.Kaeding kicks 68 yards from LAC 35 to MIN -3. 12-P.Harvin for 103 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +25.3%.
Was Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 24-17 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Now 0-1 L
Los Angeles Chargers
Now 1-0 W
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