Game story
In Week 17 of the 2009 NFL season on 2010-01-03, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 23–20 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Campbell (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with +11.26 total EPA, and +4.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Campbell (Washington Commanders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.26 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-18.5% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (2:14) 7-B.Volek pass deep right intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 52-R.McIntosh at WAS 22. 52-R.McIntosh to WAS 31 for 9 yards (88-K.Wilson). FUMBLES (88-K.Wilson), recovered by WAS-22-C.R
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 0 | 14 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 10 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Campbell · Washington Commanders · Passing · +11.26 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 2 M. Floyd · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +7.88 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 3 C. Davis · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.82 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play
- 4 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +5.62 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 5 M. Kelly · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +5.52 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play
- 6 M. Bennett · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.22 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.06 EPA/play
- 7 B. Volek · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +3.88 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
- 8 M. Sellers · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.66 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Campbell — WAS · Passing
J. Campbell posted the highest total EPA (+11.26) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Washington Commanders's efficiency. Across 44 counted snaps, they averaged +0.26 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.46 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (2:14) 7-B.Volek pass deep right intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 52-R.McIntosh at WAS 22. 52-R.McIntosh to WAS 31 for 9 yards (88-K.Wilson). FUMBLES (88-K.Wilson), recovered by WAS-22-C.Rogers at WAS 31. 22-
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass)
- Washington Commanders — T. Yoder (J. Campbell pass)
- Washington Commanders — M. Sellers (J. Campbell pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Tolbert (B. Volek pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Washington Commanders — G. Gano
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Washington Commanders — G. Gano
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 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the WAS 29 (Q1 56:27) — (11:27) 10-N.Kaeding 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the WAS 12 (Q1 51:42) — (6:42) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q1 51:36) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The second quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 14–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the WAS 6 (Q2 41:38) — (11:38) 10-N.Kaeding 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the LAC 2 (Q2 35:22) — (5:22) 17-J.Campbell pass short middle to 87-T.Yoder for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 35:16) — 4-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-3-H.Smith.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the LAC 3 (Q2 30:44) — (:44) 17-J.Campbell pass short right to 45-M.Sellers for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 30:39) — 4-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-3-H.Smith..
The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 3–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LAC 6 (Q3 24:08) — (9:08) 4-G.Gano 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-3-H.Smith..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the WAS 27 (Q4 12:11) — (12:11) 10-N.Kaeding 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LAC 7 (Q4 4:36) — (4:36) 4-G.Gano 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-3-H.Smith.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the WAS 2 (Q4 0:39) — (:39) 7-B.Volek pass short right to 35-M.Tolbert for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q4 0:35) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 17:14) — (2:14) 7-B.Volek pass deep right intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 52-R.McIntosh at WAS 22. 52-R.McIntosh to WAS 31 for 9 yards (88-K.Wilson). FUMBLES (88-K.Wilson), recovered by WAS-22-C.R
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:39) — (:39) 7-B.Volek pass short right to 35-M.Tolbert for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 1:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 29-M.Bennett up the middle to WAS 18 for 14 yards (59-L.Fletcher, 41-K.Moore).
- Washington Commanders (Q2 32:51) — (2:51) (Shotgun) 17-J.Campbell pass deep left to 12-M.Kelly to LAC 4 for 84 yards (20-A.Cason).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 7-B.Volek pass short left to 29-M.Bennett to LAC 46 for 33 yards (59-L.Fletcher).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 17:14) — (2:14) 7-B.Volek pass deep right intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 52-R.McIntosh at WAS 22. 52-R.McIntosh to WAS 31 for 9 yards (88-K.Wilson). FUMBLES (88-K.Wilson), recovered by WAS-22-C.R
- Washington Commanders (Q2 32:51) — (2:51) (Shotgun) 17-J.Campbell pass deep left to 12-M.Kelly to LAC 4 for 84 yards (20-A.Cason).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 51:42) — (6:42) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 46:40) — (1:40) 7-B.Volek pass deep right to 80-M.Floyd to WAS 30 for 50 yards (41-K.Moore).
Quarterback report card
J.Campbell led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Campbell (Washington Commanders) · 44 dropbacks · 63.6% completion · +4.6% CPOE · +0.26 EPA/play · +11.26 total EPA
- B.Volek (Los Angeles Chargers) · 31 dropbacks · 61.3% completion · -0.7% CPOE · +0.13 EPA/play · +3.88 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Washington Commanders | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.060 | +0.082 |
| Offensive success rate | 45.8% | 45.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.256 | +0.207 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.165 | -0.356 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.082 | -0.060 |
| Defensive success rate | 54.4% | 54.2% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Washington Commanders +0.06, Los Angeles Chargers +0.08) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, +6.46 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 10 drives, +4.95 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.
- J. Campbell (Washington Commanders) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Campbell (WAS) 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.
- Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q1 56:27 · WAS 29 · Score 0-3
(11:27) 10-N.Kaeding 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 51:42 · WAS 12 · Score 0-9
(6:42) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 51:36 · WAS 2 · Score 0-10
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 41:38 · WAS 6 · Score 0-13
(11:38) 10-N.Kaeding 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 35:22 · LAC 2 · Score 6-13
(5:22) 17-J.Campbell pass short middle to 87-T.Yoder for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 35:16 · LAC 2 · Score 7-13
4-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-3-H.Smith. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 30:44 · LAC 3 · Score 13-13
(:44) 17-J.Campbell pass short right to 45-M.Sellers for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 30:39 · LAC 2 · Score 14-13
4-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-3-H.Smith. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 24:08 · LAC 6 · Score 17-13
(9:08) 4-G.Gano 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-3-H.Smith. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 12:11 · WAS 27 · Score 17-16
(12:11) 10-N.Kaeding 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q4 4:36 · LAC 7 · Score 20-16
(4:36) 4-G.Gano 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-3-H.Smith. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 0:39 · WAS 2 · Score 20-22
(:39) 7-B.Volek pass short right to 35-M.Tolbert for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 0:35 · WAS 2 · Score 20-23
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Washington Commanders vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Washington Commanders 23-20 in Week 17, 2009 on 2010-01-03.
What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Washington Commanders 20, Los Angeles Chargers 23 (WAS 20-23 LAC) in Week 17, 2009 on 2010-01-03.
What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Washington Commanders 0, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Q2: Washington Commanders 14, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q3: Washington Commanders 3, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q4: Washington Commanders 3, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Final: Washington Commanders 20, Los Angeles Chargers 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 51:42) Washington Commanders touchdown — T. Yoder (J. Campbell pass) (Q2 35:22) Washington Commanders touchdown — M. Sellers (J. Campbell pass) (Q2 30:44) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Tolbert (B. Volek pass) (Q4 0:39) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q1 56:27, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q2 41:38, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — G. Gano (Q3 24:08, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q4 12:11, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — G. Gano (Q4 4:36, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Los Angeles Chargers?
J. Campbell (Washington Commanders), 63.6% completion, +4.6% CPOE, +0.26 EPA per dropback, +11.26 total passing EPA. B. Volek (Los Angeles Chargers), 61.3% completion, -0.7% CPOE, +0.13 EPA per dropback, +3.88 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs Los Angeles Chargers?
J. Campbell (Washington Commanders) led the game in total EPA with +11.26 on passing plays. across 44 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.46 EPA): (2:14) 7-B.Volek pass deep right intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 52-R.McIntosh at WAS 22. 52-R.McIntosh to WAS 31 for 9 yards (88-K.Wilson). FUMBLES (88-K.Wilson), rec. The biggest win-probability swing was -18.5%.
Was Washington Commanders vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Washington Commanders
Entered 4-11 Now 4-12 L
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 12-3 Now 13-3 W
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