Game story
In Week 11 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-11-17, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the San Francisco 49ers, pulling away with a 20–17 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +5.60 total EPA.
On the individual side, J. Garcia (San Francisco 49ers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +15.33 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-33.2% win probability) landed in overtime when San Francisco 49ers changed the game: (8:51) 6-J.Cortez 41 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-7-J.Baker.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | 0 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Garcia · San Francisco 49ers · Passing · +15.33 total EPA · 47 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 2 T. Owens · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +14.59 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.33 EPA/play
- 3 D. Brees · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +5.60 total EPA · 54 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
- 4 C. Conway · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.83 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 5 T. Dwight · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.54 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 6 G. Hearst · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +2.06 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 7 L. Tomlinson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.83 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 8 G. Hearst · San Francisco 49ers · Rushing · +1.64 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Garcia — SF · Passing
J. Garcia posted the highest total EPA (+15.33) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on San Francisco 49ers's efficiency. Across 47 counted snaps, they averaged +0.33 EPA per play.
The signature play (+7.93 EPA) came from San Francisco 49ers: (14:18) 5-J.Garcia pass to 81-T.Owens for 76 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 — R. Caldwell (D. Brees pass)
- San Francisco 49ers — T. Owens (J. Garcia pass)
- San Francisco 49ers — T. Owens (J. Garcia pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — F. McCrary (D. Brees pass)
Field goals
- San Francisco 49ers — J. Cortez
- Los Angeles Chargers — S. Christie
- Los Angeles Chargers — S. Christie
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 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the SF 4 (Q1 45:44) — (:44) 9-D.Brees pass to 82-R.Caldwell for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q1 45:40) — 8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett..
The second quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 14–0. San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LAC 32 (Q2 31:11) — (1:11) (Shotgun) 5-J.Garcia pass to 81-T.Owens for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 31:04) — 6-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-7-J.Baker.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the SF 69 (Q2 30:58).
The third quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 10–0. San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LAC 76 (Q3 29:18) — (14:18) 5-J.Garcia pass to 81-T.Owens for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 29:06) — 6-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-7-J.Baker.; San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the LAC 6 (Q3 21:42) — (6:42) 6-J.Cortez 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-7-J.Baker..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the SF 18 (Q4 5:10) — (5:10) 8-S.Christie 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the SF 1 (Q4 0:35) — (:35) 9-D.Brees pass to 44-F.McCrary for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q4 0:31) — 8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett..
Overtime: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the SF 22 (OT 4:15) — (4:15) 8-S.Christie 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- San Francisco 49ers (OT 8:51) — (8:51) 6-J.Cortez 41 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-7-J.Baker.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 29:18) — (14:18) 5-J.Garcia pass to 81-T.Owens for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- San Francisco 49ers (OT 11:28) — (11:28) (Shotgun) 5-J.Garcia pass to 83-J.Stokes to LAC 47 for 20 yards (23-Q.Jammer, 42-R.Beckett).
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 0:01) — (:01) (Shotgun) 5-J.Garcia pass intended for 81-T.Owens INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Harrison at LAC 0. Touchback.
- Los Angeles Chargers (OT 6:46) — (6:46) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker to SF 28 for 18 yards (38-R.Heard).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 29:18) — (14:18) 5-J.Garcia pass to 81-T.Owens for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q2 31:11) — (1:11) (Shotgun) 5-J.Garcia pass to 81-T.Owens for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 13:32) — (13:32) 9-D.Brees pass intended for 81-S.Alexander INTERCEPTED by 54-Q.Stewart at SF 0. Touchback.
- San Francisco 49ers (OT 8:51) — (8:51) 6-J.Cortez 41 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-7-J.Baker.
Quarterback report card
D.Brees led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) · 54 dropbacks · 53.7% completion · +0.10 EPA/play · +5.60 total EPA
- J.Garcia (San Francisco 49ers) · 47 dropbacks · 53.2% completion · +0.33 EPA/play · +15.33 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | San Francisco 49ers | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.076 | +0.070 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.5% | 48.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.305 | +0.126 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.102 | -0.138 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.070 | -0.076 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.0% | 58.5% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (San Francisco 49ers +0.08, Los Angeles Chargers +0.07) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 13 drives, +6.97 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- San Francisco 49ers: 12 drives, +7.13 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.
- J. Garcia (San Francisco 49ers) 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 45:44 · SF 4 · Score 0-6
(:44) 9-D.Brees pass to 82-R.Caldwell for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 45:40 · SF 2 · Score 0-7
8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q2 31:11 · LAC 32 · Score 6-7
(1:11) (Shotgun) 5-J.Garcia pass to 81-T.Owens for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q2 31:04 · LAC 2 · Score 7-7
6-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-7-J.Baker. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+7) — Q2 30:58 · SF 69 · Score 7-7
(:58) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 80-C.Conway pushed ob at LAC 40 for 9 yards (29-A.Plummer). Play Challenged by Replay Official and Upheld. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q3 29:18 · LAC 76 · Score 13-7
(14:18) 5-J.Garcia pass to 81-T.Owens for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q3 29:06 · LAC 2 · Score 14-7
6-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-7-J.Baker. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q3 21:42 · LAC 6 · Score 17-7
(6:42) 6-J.Cortez 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 5:10 · SF 18 · Score 17-10
(5:10) 8-S.Christie 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 0:35 · SF 1 · Score 17-16
(:35) 9-D.Brees pass to 44-F.McCrary for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 0:31 · SF 2 · Score 17-17
8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — OT 4:15 · SF 22 · Score 17-20
(4:15) 8-S.Christie 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.
Frequently asked questions
Who won San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in Week 11, 2002 on 2002-11-17.
What was the final score of San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was San Francisco 49ers 17, Los Angeles Chargers 20 (SF 17-20 LAC) in Week 11, 2002 on 2002-11-17.
What was the score by quarter in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: San Francisco 49ers 0, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: San Francisco 49ers 14, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q3: San Francisco 49ers 10, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q4: San Francisco 49ers 0, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Q5: San Francisco 49ers 0, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Final: San Francisco 49ers 17, Los Angeles Chargers 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — R. Caldwell (D. Brees pass) (Q1 45:44) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — T. Owens (J. Garcia pass) (Q2 31:11) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — T. Owens (J. Garcia pass) (Q3 29:18) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — F. McCrary (D. Brees pass) (Q4 0:35) San Francisco 49ers field goal — J. Cortez (Q3 21:42, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — S. Christie (Q4 5:10, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — S. Christie (OT 4:15, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers), 53.7% completion, +0.10 EPA per dropback, +5.60 total passing EPA. J. Garcia (San Francisco 49ers), 53.2% completion, +0.33 EPA per dropback, +15.33 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
J. Garcia (San Francisco 49ers) led the game in total EPA with +15.33 on passing plays. across 47 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+7.93 EPA): (14:18) 5-J.Garcia pass to 81-T.Owens for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -33.2%.
Was San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 20-17 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
San Francisco 49ers
Entered 7-2 Now 7-3 L
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 6-3 Now 7-3 W
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