Game story
In Week 9 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-11-05, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the New England Patriots, pulling away with a 20–17 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
S. Howell (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with +8.07 total EPA, and +1.7% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, S. Howell (Washington Commanders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.07 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-30.5% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when New England Patriots changed the game: (:38) (Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass short middle intended for 7-J.Smith-Schuster INTERCEPTED by 20-J.Martin at WAS 33. 20-J.Martin to WAS 33 for no gain (7-J.Smith-Schuster).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 3 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| New England Patriots | 0 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 S. Howell · Washington Commanders · Passing · +8.07 total EPA · 52 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 2 B. Pringle · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +6.79 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.70 EPA/play
- 3 T. McLaurin · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.57 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
- 4 H. Henry · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.88 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
- 5 R. Stevenson · New England Patriots · Rushing · +2.95 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 6 D. Douglas · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.72 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 7 A. Gibson · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.60 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
- 8 D. Brown · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.68 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
S. Howell — WAS · Passing
S. Howell posted the highest total EPA (+8.07) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Washington Commanders's efficiency. Across 52 counted snaps, they averaged +0.16 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.48 EPA) came from Washington Commanders: (:23) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 23-K.Dugger at NE -6. 23-K.Dugger to NE 14 for 20 yards (3-B.Pringle).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Washington Commanders — B. Robinson
- New England Patriots — H. Henry (M. Jones pass)
- New England Patriots — R. Stevenson
- Washington Commanders — J. Dotson (S. Howell pass)
Field goals
- Washington Commanders — J. Slye
- New England Patriots — C. Ryland
- Washington Commanders — J. Slye
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 3–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the NE 19 (Q1 48:18) — (3:18) 6-J.Slye 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..
The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 14–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NE 9 (Q2 42:10) — (12:10) 8-B.Robinson right end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q2 42:05) — 6-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the WAS 14 (Q2 39:31) — (9:31) (No Huddle) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 85-H.Henry for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 39:26) — 37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the WAS 64 (Q2 36:16) — (6:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 38-R.Stevenson right guard for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 36:06).
The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 10–3. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the WAS 24 (Q3 25:17) — (10:17) 37-C.Ryland 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NE 33 (Q3 21:58) — (6:58) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass deep middle to 1-J.Dotson for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q3 21:51) — 6-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the NE 11 (Q3 16:52) — (1:52) 6-J.Slye 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New England Patriots (Q4 0:38) — (:38) (Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass short middle intended for 7-J.Smith-Schuster INTERCEPTED by 20-J.Martin at WAS 33. 20-J.Martin to WAS 33 for no gain (7-J.Smith-Schuster).
- New England Patriots (Q4 1:02) — (1:02) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass short middle to 7-J.Smith-Schuster to WAS 43 for 6 yards (13-E.Forbes).
- Washington Commanders (Q2 30:23) — (:23) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 23-K.Dugger at NE -6. 23-K.Dugger to NE 14 for 20 yards (3-B.Pringle).
- New England Patriots (Q2 36:16) — (6:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 38-R.Stevenson right guard for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 21:58) — (6:58) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass deep middle to 1-J.Dotson for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Washington Commanders (Q2 30:23) — (:23) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 23-K.Dugger at NE -6. 23-K.Dugger to NE 14 for 20 yards (3-B.Pringle).
- New England Patriots (Q2 36:16) — (6:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 38-R.Stevenson right guard for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q2 40:32) — (10:32) (Shotgun) 8-B.Robinson left guard to WAS 23 for 7 yards (48-Ja.Tavai; 92-D.Godchaux). FUMBLES (48-Ja.Tavai), RECOVERED by NE-92-D.Godchaux at WAS 25.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 21:58) — (6:58) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass deep middle to 1-J.Dotson for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
S.Howell led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- S.Howell (Washington Commanders) · 52 dropbacks · 55.8% completion · +1.7% CPOE · +0.16 EPA/play · +8.07 total EPA
- M.Jones (New England Patriots) · 47 dropbacks · 51.1% completion · -12.1% CPOE · -0.08 EPA/play · -3.95 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Washington Commanders | New England Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.057 | -0.011 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.7% | 38.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.155 | -0.084 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.184 | +0.053 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.011 | -0.057 |
| Defensive success rate | 62.0% | 55.3% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.06 vs -0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- New England Patriots: 12 drives, -0.87 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 12 drives, +5.37 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Washington Commanders 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.
- S. Howell (Washington Commanders) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Jones (NE) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 48:18 · NE 19 · Score 3-0
(3:18) 6-J.Slye 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 42:10 · NE 9 · Score 9-0
(12:10) 8-B.Robinson right end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 42:05 · NE 15 · Score 10-0
6-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 39:31 · WAS 14 · Score 10-6
(9:31) (No Huddle) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 85-H.Henry for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 39:26 · WAS 15 · Score 10-7
37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 36:16 · WAS 64 · Score 10-13
(6:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 38-R.Stevenson right guard for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 36:06 · WAS 15 · Score 10-14
37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer. PENALTY on WAS, Illegal Formation, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q3 25:17 · WAS 24 · Score 10-17
(10:17) 37-C.Ryland 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 21:58 · NE 33 · Score 16-17
(6:58) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass deep middle to 1-J.Dotson for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 21:51 · NE 15 · Score 17-17
6-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 16:52 · NE 11 · Score 20-17
(1:52) 6-J.Slye 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Washington Commanders vs New England Patriots?
The Washington Commanders beat the New England Patriots 20-17 in Week 9, 2023 on 2023-11-05.
What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs New England Patriots?
The final score was Washington Commanders 20, New England Patriots 17 (WAS 20-17 NE) in Week 9, 2023 on 2023-11-05.
What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs New England Patriots?
Q1: Washington Commanders 3, New England Patriots 0; Q2: Washington Commanders 7, New England Patriots 14; Q3: Washington Commanders 10, New England Patriots 3; Final: Washington Commanders 20, New England Patriots 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs New England Patriots?
Washington Commanders touchdown — B. Robinson (Q2 42:10) New England Patriots touchdown — H. Henry (M. Jones pass) (Q2 39:31) New England Patriots touchdown — R. Stevenson (Q2 36:16) Washington Commanders touchdown — J. Dotson (S. Howell pass) (Q3 21:58) Washington Commanders field goal — J. Slye (Q1 48:18, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — C. Ryland (Q3 25:17, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — J. Slye (Q3 16:52, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs New England Patriots?
S. Howell (Washington Commanders), 55.8% completion, +1.7% CPOE, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +8.07 total passing EPA. M. Jones (New England Patriots), 51.1% completion, -12.1% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -3.95 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs New England Patriots?
S. Howell (Washington Commanders) led the game in total EPA with +8.07 on passing plays. across 52 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.48 EPA): (:23) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 23-K.Dugger at NE -6. 23-K.Dugger to NE 14 for 20 yards (3-B.Pringle).. The biggest win-probability swing was -30.5%.
Was Washington Commanders vs New England Patriots a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Washington Commanders won 20-17 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Washington Commanders
Entered 3-5 Now 4-5 W
New England Patriots
Entered 2-6 Now 2-7 L
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
