Game story
In Week 17 of the 2020 NFL season on 2021-01-03, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the Philadelphia Eagles, pulling away with a 20–14 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
A. Smith (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with -8.25 total EPA, and +4.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Arcega-Whiteside (Philadelphia Eagles) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.41 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-24.0% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Philadelphia Eagles changed the game: (9:42) (Shotgun) 7-N.Sudfeld FUMBLES (Aborted) at PHI 42, touched at PHI 42, RECOVERED by WAS-99-C.Young at PHI 35. 99-C.Young pushed ob at PHI 25 for 10 yards (35-B.Scott).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Arcega-Whiteside · Philadelphia Eagles · Receiving · +4.41 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.47 EPA/play
- 2 C. Sims · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.96 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
- 3 J. Hurts · Philadelphia Eagles · Rushing · +2.24 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 4 T. McLaurin · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.09 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 5 S. Sims · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +1.22 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.22 EPA/play
- 6 J. Reagor · Philadelphia Eagles · Receiving · +0.94 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.94 EPA/play
- 7 G. Ward · Philadelphia Eagles · Passing · +0.87 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.87 EPA/play
- 8 P. Barber · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +0.50 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Arcega-Whiteside — PHI · Receiving
J. Arcega-Whiteside posted the highest total EPA (+4.41) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Philadelphia Eagles's efficiency. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +1.47 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.25 EPA) came from Philadelphia Eagles: (9:42) (Shotgun) 7-N.Sudfeld FUMBLES (Aborted) at PHI 42, touched at PHI 42, RECOVERED by WAS-99-C.Young at PHI 35. 99-C.Young pushed ob at PHI 25 for 10 yards (35-B.Scott).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Washington Commanders — T. McLaurin (A. Smith pass)
- Philadelphia Eagles — J. Hurts
- Philadelphia Eagles — J. Hurts
- Washington Commanders — L. Thomas (A. Smith pass)
Field goals
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
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 10–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the PHI 5 (Q1 49:24) — (4:24) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the PHI 15 (Q1 49:19) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the PHI 24 (Q1 47:06) — (2:06) 3-D.Hopkins 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
The second quarter: Philadelphia Eagles won the period 14–7. Philadelphia Eagles found the end zone from the WAS 6 (Q2 40:24) — (10:24) (Shotgun) 2-J.Hurts scrambles right end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Philadelphia Eagles added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 40:18) — 4-J.Elliott extra point is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston.; Philadelphia Eagles found the end zone from the WAS 6 (Q2 34:00) — (4:00) (Shotgun) 2-J.Hurts scrambles left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Philadelphia Eagles added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 33:54) — 4-J.Elliott extra point is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the PHI 13 (Q2 30:26) — (:26) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short right to 82-L.Thomas for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the PHI 15 (Q2 30:20) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 3–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the PHI 24 (Q4 7:46) — (7:46) 3-D.Hopkins 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Philadelphia Eagles (Q4 9:42) — (9:42) (Shotgun) 7-N.Sudfeld FUMBLES (Aborted) at PHI 42, touched at PHI 42, RECOVERED by WAS-99-C.Young at PHI 35. 99-C.Young pushed ob at PHI 25 for 10 yards (35-B.Scott).
- Washington Commanders (Q3 19:58) — (4:58) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 41-J.McKissic INTERCEPTED by 22-M.Epps [75-V.Curry] at WAS 15. 22-M.Epps to WAS 15 for no gain (41-J.McKissic).
- Washington Commanders (Q4 10:23) — (10:23) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left intended for 82-L.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 57-T.Edwards [58-G.Avery] at PHI 28. 57-T.Edwards to PHI 41 for 13 yards (24-A.Gibson).
- Philadelphia Eagles (Q3 17:01) — (2:01) (Shotgun) 2-J.Hurts pass incomplete short left to 80-Q.Watkins.
- Philadelphia Eagles (Q2 34:47) — (4:47) (Shotgun) 2-J.Hurts pass deep middle to 19-J.Arcega-Whiteside to WAS 6 for 30 yards (31-K.Curl).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Philadelphia Eagles (Q4 9:42) — (9:42) (Shotgun) 7-N.Sudfeld FUMBLES (Aborted) at PHI 42, touched at PHI 42, RECOVERED by WAS-99-C.Young at PHI 35. 99-C.Young pushed ob at PHI 25 for 10 yards (35-B.Scott).
- Washington Commanders (Q3 19:58) — (4:58) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 41-J.McKissic INTERCEPTED by 22-M.Epps [75-V.Curry] at WAS 15. 22-M.Epps to WAS 15 for no gain (41-J.McKissic).
- Washington Commanders (Q4 10:23) — (10:23) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left intended for 82-L.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 57-T.Edwards [58-G.Avery] at PHI 28. 57-T.Edwards to PHI 41 for 13 yards (24-A.Gibson).
- Philadelphia Eagles (Q1 49:14) — (4:14) (Shotgun) 2-J.Hurts pass short left intended for 86-Z.Ertz INTERCEPTED by 31-K.Curl at PHI 32. 31-K.Curl to PHI 32 for no gain (86-Z.Ertz).
Quarterback report card
A.Smith led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- A.Smith (Washington Commanders) · 35 dropbacks · 62.9% completion · +4.2% CPOE · -0.24 EPA/play · -8.25 total EPA
- J.Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) · 28 dropbacks · 25.0% completion · -25.9% CPOE · -0.17 EPA/play · -4.84 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Washington Commanders | Philadelphia Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.118 | -0.220 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.2% | 35.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.236 | -0.199 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.214 | -0.280 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.220 | +0.118 |
| Defensive success rate | 64.6% | 58.8% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.12 vs -0.22), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Philadelphia Eagles: 13 drives, -18.02 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 12 drives, -9.40 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.
- J. Arcega-Whiteside (Philadelphia Eagles) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- A. Smith (WAS) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- J. Hurts (PHI) 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 TD (+6) — Q1 49:24 · PHI 5 · Score 6-0
(4:24) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left to 17-T.McLaurin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q1 49:19 · PHI 15 · Score 7-0
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 47:06 · PHI 24 · Score 10-0
(2:06) 3-D.Hopkins 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Philadelphia Eagles TD (+6) — Q2 40:24 · WAS 6 · Score 10-6
(10:24) (Shotgun) 2-J.Hurts scrambles right end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Philadelphia Eagles XP (+1) — Q2 40:18 · WAS 15 · Score 10-7
4-J.Elliott extra point is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston. - Philadelphia Eagles TD (+6) — Q2 34:00 · WAS 6 · Score 10-13
(4:00) (Shotgun) 2-J.Hurts scrambles left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Philadelphia Eagles XP (+1) — Q2 33:54 · WAS 15 · Score 10-14
4-J.Elliott extra point is GOOD, Center-45-R.Lovato, Holder-1-C.Johnston. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 30:26 · PHI 13 · Score 16-14
(:26) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short right to 82-L.Thomas for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 30:20 · PHI 15 · Score 17-14
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q4 7:46 · PHI 24 · Score 20-14
(7:46) 3-D.Hopkins 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles?
The Washington Commanders beat the Philadelphia Eagles 20-14 in Week 17, 2020 on 2021-01-03.
What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles?
The final score was Washington Commanders 20, Philadelphia Eagles 14 (WAS 20-14 PHI) in Week 17, 2020 on 2021-01-03.
What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles?
Q1: Washington Commanders 10, Philadelphia Eagles 0; Q2: Washington Commanders 7, Philadelphia Eagles 14; Q4: Washington Commanders 3, Philadelphia Eagles 0; Final: Washington Commanders 20, Philadelphia Eagles 14.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles?
Washington Commanders touchdown — T. McLaurin (A. Smith pass) (Q1 49:24) Philadelphia Eagles touchdown — J. Hurts (Q2 40:24) Philadelphia Eagles touchdown — J. Hurts (Q2 34:00) Washington Commanders touchdown — L. Thomas (A. Smith pass) (Q2 30:26) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 47:06, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q4 7:46, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles?
A. Smith (Washington Commanders), 62.9% completion, +4.2% CPOE, -0.24 EPA per dropback, -8.25 total passing EPA. J. Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles), 25.0% completion, -25.9% CPOE, -0.17 EPA per dropback, -4.84 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles?
J. Arcega-Whiteside (Philadelphia Eagles) led the game in total EPA with +4.41 on receiving plays. across 3 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.25 EPA): (9:42) (Shotgun) 7-N.Sudfeld FUMBLES (Aborted) at PHI 42, touched at PHI 42, RECOVERED by WAS-99-C.Young at PHI 35. 99-C.Young pushed ob at PHI 25 for 10 yards (35-B.Scott).. The biggest win-probability swing was -24.0%.
Was Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. Washington Commanders won 20-14 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Washington Commanders
Entered 6-9 Now 7-9 W
Philadelphia Eagles
Entered 4-10 Now 4-11 L
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