Quick answer
- Winner
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Final score
- Los Angeles Chargers 27–20 Houston Texans
- Halftime
- Los Angeles Chargers 10–13 Houston Texans at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- D. Brees
- Top passer
- Derek Carr
- Biggest EPA play
- (3:57) 37-D.Davis up the middle to LAC 14 for 3 yards (58-R.Godfrey). FUMBLES (58-R.Godfre…
- Game date
- 2004-09-12
Game summary
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Houston Texans 27–20 on 2004-09-12, overcoming Houston Texans's 13–10 halftime lead. D. Brees posted a game-high +13.93 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Los Angeles Chargers | 3 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 27 |
 Houston Texans | 3 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
(11:53) 3-K.Brown 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.
(6:40) 10-N.Kaeding 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
(14:10) 3-K.Brown 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.
(9:55) 21-L.Tomlinson left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
(4:47) 37-D.Davis left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.
(9:20) 9-D.Brees pass to 82-R.Caldwell for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
(4:36) 37-D.Davis left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.
(:02) 10-N.Kaeding 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
(8:41) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by HOU and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by HOU at 08:34.)
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
HOUHouston TexansFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q1 11:53FG Points+3
- Yard line
- LAC 19
- Score
- 0-3
(11:53) 3-K.Brown 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q1 6:40FG NKN. KaedingPoints+3
- Yard line
- HOU 30
- Score
- 3-3
(6:40) 10-N.Kaeding 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q2 14:10FG Points+3
- Yard line
- LAC 2
- Score
- 3-6
(14:10) 3-K.Brown 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q2 9:55TD Laken TomlinsonPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 1
- Score
- 9-6
(9:55) 21-L.Tomlinson left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q2 9:51XP NKN. KaedingPoints+1
- Yard line
- HOU 2
- Score
- 10-6
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q2 4:47TD Domenique DavisPoints+6
- Yard line
- LAC 2
- Score
- 10-12
(4:47) 37-D.Davis left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q2 4:43XP Points+1
- Yard line
- LAC 2
- Score
- 10-13
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q3 9:20TD RCR. CaldwellPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 36
- Score
- 16-13
(9:20) 9-D.Brees pass to 82-R.Caldwell for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q3 9:12XP NKN. KaedingPoints+1
- Yard line
- HOU 2
- Score
- 17-13
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q3 4:36TD Domenique DavisPoints+6
- Yard line
- LAC 1
- Score
- 17-19
(4:36) 37-D.Davis left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q3 4:36XP Points+1
- Yard line
- LAC 2
- Score
- 17-20
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q3 0:02FG NKN. KaedingPoints+3
- Yard line
- HOU 11
- Score
- 20-20
(:02) 10-N.Kaeding 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q4 8:41TD EPE. ParkerPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 19
- Score
- 26-20
(8:41) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by HOU and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by HOU at 08:34.)
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q4 8:34XP NKN. KaedingPoints+1
- Yard line
- HOU 2
- Score
- 27-20
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1D. Brees · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +13.93 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
- 2A. Gates · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +11.35 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.42 EPA/play
- 3
Austin Johnson · Houston Texans · Receiving · +6.15 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.54 EPA/play - 4R. Caldwell · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.92 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.48 EPA/play
- 5J. Gaffney · Houston Texans · Receiving · +4.84 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.21 EPA/play
- 6E. Parker · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.86 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.93 EPA/play
- 7
Derek Carr · Houston Texans · Passing · +3.29 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play - 8T. Hollings · Houston Texans · Receiving · +2.90 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.90 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
D. Brees — LAC · Passing
D. Brees posted the highest total EPA (+13.93) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Los Angeles Chargers. Across 27 counted snaps, they averaged +0.52 EPA per play.
D. Brees's top snap (+3.87 EPA): (8:41) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by HOU and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by HOU at 08:34.)
Biggest single play (-5.10 EPA): Domenique Davis — (3:57) 37-D.Davis up the middle to LAC 14 for 3 yards (58-R.Godfrey). FUMBLES (58-R.Godfrey), RECOVERED by LAC-53-S.Foley at LAC 14. 53-S.Foley to LAC 14 for no gain (37-D.Davis).
Quarterback report card
Derek Carr led all passers in efficiency for Houston Texans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Derek Carr (Houston Texans) · 28 dropbacks · 67.9% completion · +0.12 EPA/play · +3.29 total EPA
- D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) · 27 dropbacks · 63.0% completion · +0.52 EPA/play · +13.93 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Houston Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.119 | +0.012 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.3% | 54.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.502 | +0.074 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.095 | -0.226 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.012 | -0.119 |
| Defensive success rate | 45.8% | 55.7% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.12 vs +0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Los Angeles Chargers: +0.12 EPA/play (76th percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)
- Houston Texans: +0.01 EPA/play (52nd percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)
- Houston Texans: 10 drives, +0.88 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, +9.42 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — Laken Tomlinson
- Houston Texans — Domenique Davis
- Los Angeles Chargers — R. Caldwell (D. Brees pass)
- Houston Texans — Domenique Davis
- Los Angeles Chargers — E. Parker (D. Brees pass)
Field goals
- Houston Texans — Kyron Brown
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Houston Texans — Kyron Brown
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the LAC 19 (Q1 11:53) — (11:53) 3-K.Brown 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the HOU 30 (Q1 6:40) — (6:40) 10-N.Kaeding 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The second quarter: Houston Texans won the period 10–7. Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the LAC 2 (Q2 14:10) — (14:10) 3-K.Brown 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the HOU 1 (Q2 9:55) — (9:55) 21-L.Tomlinson left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the HOU 2 (Q2 9:51) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the LAC 2 (Q2 4:47) — (4:47) 37-D.Davis left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 4:43) — 3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the HOU 36 (Q3 9:20) — (9:20) 9-D.Brees pass to 82-R.Caldwell for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the HOU 2 (Q3 9:12) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q3 4:36) — (4:36) 37-D.Davis left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 4:36) — 3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the HOU 11 (Q3 0:02) — (:02) 10-N.Kaeding 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the HOU 19 (Q4 8:41) — (8:41) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by HOU and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by HOU at 08:34.); Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the HOU 2 (Q4 8:34) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 8:41) — (8:41) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by HOU and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by HOU at 08:34.)
- Houston Texans (Q4 3:57) — (3:57) 37-D.Davis up the middle to LAC 14 for 3 yards (58-R.Godfrey). FUMBLES (58-R.Godfrey), RECOVERED by LAC-53-S.Foley at LAC 14. 53-S.Foley to LAC 14 for no gain (37-D.Davis).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 2:44) — (2:44) 9-D.Brees pass incomplete to 88-E.Parker (23-D.Robinson). PENALTY on HOU-23-D.Robinson, Defensive Pass Interference, 40 yards, enforced at LAC 41 - No Play.
- Houston Texans (Q2 12:21) — (12:21) 8-D.Carr pass to 37-D.Davis to HOU 45 for 4 yards (20-J.Wilson). FUMBLES (20-J.Wilson), RECOVERED by LAC-48-T.Kiel at HOU 45. 48-T.Kiel to HOU 45 for no gain (37-D.Davis).
- Houston Texans (Q3 11:37) — (11:37) 8-D.Carr pass intended for 80-A.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 53-S.Foley (59-D.Edwards) at HOU 49. 53-S.Foley to HOU 49 for no gain (78-S.Wand).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Houston Texans (Q4 3:57) — (3:57) 37-D.Davis up the middle to LAC 14 for 3 yards (58-R.Godfrey). FUMBLES (58-R.Godfrey), RECOVERED by LAC-53-S.Foley at LAC 14. 53-S.Foley to LAC 14 for no gain (37-D.Davis).
- Houston Texans (Q2 12:21) — (12:21) 8-D.Carr pass to 37-D.Davis to HOU 45 for 4 yards (20-J.Wilson). FUMBLES (20-J.Wilson), RECOVERED by LAC-48-T.Kiel at HOU 45. 48-T.Kiel to HOU 45 for no gain (37-D.Davis).
- Houston Texans (Q3 11:37) — (11:37) 8-D.Carr pass intended for 80-A.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 53-S.Foley (59-D.Edwards) at HOU 49. 53-S.Foley to HOU 49 for no gain (78-S.Wand).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 8:41) — (8:41) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by HOU and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by HOU at 08:34.)
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q1 11:53 · LAC 19 · Score 0-3
(11:53) 3-K.Brown 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q1 6:40 · HOU 30 · Score 3-3
(6:40) 10-N.Kaeding 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q2 14:10 · LAC 2 · Score 3-6
(14:10) 3-K.Brown 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 9:55 · HOU 1 · Score 9-6
(9:55) 21-L.Tomlinson left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 9:51 · HOU 2 · Score 10-6
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q2 4:47 · LAC 2 · Score 10-12
(4:47) 37-D.Davis left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q2 4:43 · LAC 2 · Score 10-13
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 9:20 · HOU 36 · Score 16-13
(9:20) 9-D.Brees pass to 82-R.Caldwell for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 9:12 · HOU 2 · Score 17-13
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q3 4:36 · LAC 1 · Score 17-19
(4:36) 37-D.Davis left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q3 4:36 · LAC 2 · Score 17-20
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 0:02 · HOU 11 · Score 20-20
(:02) 10-N.Kaeding 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 8:41 · HOU 19 · Score 26-20
(8:41) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by HOU and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by HOU at 08:34.) - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 8:34 · HOU 2 · Score 27-20
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Los Angeles Chargers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans on 2004-09-12?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Houston Texans 27-20 in Week 1, 2004.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Houston Texans 3; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Houston Texans 10; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Houston Texans 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Houston Texans 0; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 27, Houston Texans 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Tomlinson (Q2 9:55) Houston Texans touchdown — D. Davis (Q2 4:47) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — R. Caldwell (D. Brees pass) (Q3 9:20) Houston Texans touchdown — D. Davis (Q3 4:36) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — E. Parker (D. Brees pass) (Q4 8:41) Houston Texans field goal — K. Brown (Q1 11:53, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q1 6:40, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Brown (Q2 14:10, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q3 0:02, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans?
Derek Carr (Houston Texans), 67.9% completion, +0.12 EPA per dropback, +3.29 total passing EPA. D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers), 63.0% completion, +0.52 EPA per dropback, +13.93 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans?
D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +13.93 total EPA on Passing plays. across 27 snaps. Their top snap (+3.87 EPA): (8:41) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by HOU and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by HOU at 08:34.).
Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 27-20 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Now 1-0 W
Houston Texans
Now 0-1 L
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
