Game story
In Week 4 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-09-30, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the San Francisco 49ers, pulling away with a 29–27 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.
C. Beathard (San Francisco 49ers) paced the passing game, with -1.12 total EPA, and -3.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, G. Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.55 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-26.7% win probability) landed in the third quarter when San Francisco 49ers changed the game: (9:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 88-G.Celek INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Williams at LAC 2. 24-T.Williams to SF 12 for 86 yards (15-P.Garcon).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | 14 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 6 | 11 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 29 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 G. Kittle · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +10.55 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.32 EPA/play
- 2 K. Bourne · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +3.70 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
- 3 Ty. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.55 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 4 A. Ekeler · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.55 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.18 EPA/play
- 5 M. Gordon · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.75 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 6 M. Goodwin · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +1.77 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 7 M. Gordon · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +1.77 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 8 V. Green · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.14 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
G. Kittle — SF · Receiving
G. Kittle posted the highest total EPA (+10.55) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on San Francisco 49ers's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +1.32 EPA per play.
The signature play (-10.57 EPA) came from San Francisco 49ers: (9:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 88-G.Celek INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Williams at LAC 2. 24-T.Williams to SF 12 for 86 yards (15-P.Garcon).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- San Francisco 49ers — A. Exum
- San Francisco 49ers — K. Bourne (C. Beathard pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Ekeler (P. Rivers pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Gordon (P. Rivers pass)
- San Francisco 49ers — G. Kittle (C. Beathard pass)
Field goals
- San Francisco 49ers — R. Gould
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Sturgis
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Sturgis
- San Francisco 49ers — R. Gould
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Sturgis
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 14–6. San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the SF 75 (Q1 59:12); San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 59:03) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LAC 2 (Q1 48:57) — (3:57) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short middle to 84-K.Bourne for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 48:53) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the SF 5 (Q1 45:48) — (:48) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 85-A.Gates for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 11–3. San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the LAC 3 (Q2 35:02) — (5:02) 9-R.Gould 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the SF 22 (Q2 30:53) — (:53) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 30-A.Ekeler for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers registered a safety from the SF 2 (Q2 30:47) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-P.Rivers pass to 28-M.Gordon is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the SF 30 (Q2 30:04) — (:04) 6-C.Sturgis 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 9–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the SF 6 (Q3 25:40) — (10:40) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 28-M.Gordon for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the SF 7 (Q3 22:48) — (7:48) 6-C.Sturgis 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LAC 82 (Q3 17:58) — (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane].; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 17:50) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the LAC 15 (Q4 12:43) — (12:43) 9-R.Gould 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the SF 3 (Q4 7:44) — (7:44) 6-C.Sturgis 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 24:00) — (9:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 88-G.Celek INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Williams at LAC 2. 24-T.Williams to SF 12 for 86 yards (15-P.Garcon).
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 2:38) — (2:38) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 46-A.Morris INTERCEPTED by 98-I.Rochell [33-D.James] at SF 23. 98-I.Rochell to SF 19 for 4 yards (58-W.Richburg).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 59:12) — (14:12) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 38-A.Exum at LAC 32. 38-A.Exum for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 17:58) — (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane].
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 3:57) — (3:57) 8-D.Kaser punts 30 yards to SF 7, Center-47-M.Windt, downed by LAC-30-A.Ekeler.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 24:00) — (9:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 88-G.Celek INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Williams at LAC 2. 24-T.Williams to SF 12 for 86 yards (15-P.Garcon).
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 17:58) — (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane].
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 59:12) — (14:12) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 38-A.Exum at LAC 32. 38-A.Exum for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 2:38) — (2:38) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 46-A.Morris INTERCEPTED by 98-I.Rochell [33-D.James] at SF 23. 98-I.Rochell to SF 19 for 4 yards (58-W.Richburg).
Quarterback report card
C.Beathard led all passers in efficiency for San Francisco 49ers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Beathard (San Francisco 49ers) · 43 dropbacks · 53.5% completion · -3.3% CPOE · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.12 total EPA
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 41 dropbacks · 61.0% completion · +0.6% CPOE · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.05 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 | -0.102 | -0.121 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.0% | 41.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.026 | -0.026 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.071 | +0.034 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.121 | +0.102 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.3% | 57.0% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (San Francisco 49ers -0.10, Los Angeles Chargers -0.12) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 13 drives, -10.14 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
- San Francisco 49ers: 12 drives, -8.08 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.
- G. Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Beathard (SF) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q1 59:12 · SF 75 · Score 6-0
(14:12) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 38-A.Exum at LAC 32. 38-A.Exum for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q1 59:03 · LAC 15 · Score 7-0
9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q1 48:57 · LAC 2 · Score 13-0
(3:57) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short middle to 84-K.Bourne for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q1 48:53 · LAC 15 · Score 14-0
9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 45:48 · SF 5 · Score 14-6
(:48) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 85-A.Gates for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q2 35:02 · LAC 3 · Score 17-6
(5:02) 9-R.Gould 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 30:53 · SF 22 · Score 17-12
(:53) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 30-A.Ekeler for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers Safety (+2) — Q2 30:47 · SF 2 · Score 17-14
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-P.Rivers pass to 28-M.Gordon is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · SF 30 · Score 17-17
(:04) 6-C.Sturgis 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 25:40 · SF 6 · Score 17-23
(10:40) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 28-M.Gordon for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 22:48 · SF 7 · Score 17-26
(7:48) 6-C.Sturgis 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q3 17:58 · LAC 82 · Score 23-26
(2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane]. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q3 17:50 · LAC 15 · Score 24-26
9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q4 12:43 · LAC 15 · Score 27-26
(12:43) 9-R.Gould 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 7:44 · SF 3 · Score 27-29
(7:44) 6-C.Sturgis 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.
Frequently asked questions
Who won San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the San Francisco 49ers 29-27 in Week 4, 2018 on 2018-09-30.
What was the final score of San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was San Francisco 49ers 27, Los Angeles Chargers 29 (SF 27-29 LAC) in Week 4, 2018 on 2018-09-30.
What was the score by quarter in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: San Francisco 49ers 14, Los Angeles Chargers 6; Q2: San Francisco 49ers 3, Los Angeles Chargers 11; Q3: San Francisco 49ers 7, Los Angeles Chargers 9; Q4: San Francisco 49ers 3, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Final: San Francisco 49ers 27, Los Angeles Chargers 29.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
San Francisco 49ers touchdown — A. Exum (Q1 59:12) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — K. Bourne (C. Beathard pass) (Q1 48:57) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 45:48) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (P. Rivers pass) (Q2 30:53) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Gordon (P. Rivers pass) (Q3 25:40) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — G. Kittle (C. Beathard pass) (Q3 17:58) San Francisco 49ers field goal — R. Gould (Q2 35:02, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Sturgis (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Sturgis (Q3 22:48, 3 pts) San Francisco 49ers field goal — R. Gould (Q4 12:43, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Sturgis (Q4 7:44, 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?
C. Beathard (San Francisco 49ers), 53.5% completion, -3.3% CPOE, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.12 total passing EPA. P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 61.0% completion, +0.6% CPOE, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.05 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
G. Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) led the game in total EPA with +10.55 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-10.57 EPA): (9:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 88-G.Celek INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Williams at LAC 2. 24-T.Williams to SF 12 for 86 yards (15-P.Garcon).. The biggest win-probability swing was -26.7%.
Was San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 2 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 29-27 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
San Francisco 49ers
Entered 1-2 Now 1-3 L
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 1-2 Now 2-2 W
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