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NFL · Week 2 · September 17, 2017 · 12 min read

Washington Commanders vs. Los Angeles Rams: 2017 Week 2 Recap

Commanders defeat Rams 27–20 in Week 2

Cody Thompson led Fantasy Impact as Commanders prevailed in a 27–20 Week 2 finish.

Washington Commanders 27 1–1 Winner
Final 27–20
Los Angeles Rams 20 1–1
Winner
Washington Commanders
Final score
27–20
Halftime
Washington Commanders 20–10 Los Angeles Rams
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
FantasyHQ MVP
Cody Thompson
Game date
September 17, 2017

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

  • Cody Thompson
    Cody Thompson 3 CAR · 77 YDS · 2 TD +9.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Kirk Cousins
    Kirk Cousins 18/32 · 163 YDS · 1 TD +6.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Jamison Crowder
    Jamison Crowder 4 REC · 47 YDS +4.8 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Rams

  • Gerald Everett
    Gerald Everett 3 REC · 95 YDS +5.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Johnny Hekker
    Johnny Hekker 1/1 · 28 YDS +4.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Josh Reynolds
    Josh Reynolds 1 REC · 28 YDS +4.4 Fantasy Impact
View Commanders vs Rams box score View all 2017 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Washington Commanders
Final score
Washington Commanders 27–20 LA
Halftime
Washington Commanders 20–10 LA at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Cody Thompson
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
Biggest EPA play
(1:56) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson up the middle for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date
2017-09-17

Game summary

The Washington Commanders beat the LA 27–20 on 2017-09-17. Cody Thompson posted a game-high +9.26 total EPA in the rushing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 27 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Washington Commanders31707027
LA01073020

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

WASWashington Commanders
LALA

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

14 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. WASWashington Commanders
    Q1 4:48FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    LA 22
    Score
    3-0

    (4:48) 3-D.Hopkins 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. Penalty on LA-90-M.Brockers, Illegal Formation, declined.

  2. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 15:00TD
    Cody Thompson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LA 7
    Score
    9-0

    (15:00) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

  3. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 14:54XP
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LA 15
    Score
    10-0

    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  4. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 12:10FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    LA 4
    Score
    13-0

    (12:10) 3-D.Hopkins 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  5. LALA
    Q2 10:04TD
    TGT. Gurley

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 1
    Score
    13-6

    (10:04) 30-T.Gurley up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. LALA
    Q2 9:59XP
    Greg Zuerlein

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 15
    Score
    13-7

    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  7. LALA
    Q2 3:07FG
    Greg Zuerlein

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 14
    Score
    13-10

    (3:07) 4-G.Zuerlein 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  8. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 1:56TD
    Cody Thompson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LA 61
    Score
    19-10

    (1:56) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson up the middle for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 1:44XP
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LA 15
    Score
    20-10

    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  10. LALA
    Q3 8:54TD
    TGT. Gurley

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 18
    Score
    20-16

    (8:54) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 30-T.Gurley for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. LALA
    Q3 8:43XP
    Greg Zuerlein

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 15
    Score
    20-17

    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  12. LALA
    Q4 7:21FG
    Greg Zuerlein

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 22
    Score
    20-20

    (7:21) 4-G.Zuerlein 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  13. WASWashington Commanders
    Q4 1:55TD
    Richie Grant

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LA 11
    Score
    26-20

    (1:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-R.Grant for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

  14. WASWashington Commanders
    Q4 1:49XP
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LA 15
    Score
    27-20

    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Cody ThompsonCody Thompson · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +9.26 total EPA · 3 snaps · +3.09 EPA/play
  2. 2Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins · Washington Commanders · Passing · +6.63 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
  3. 3Gerald EverettGerald Everett · LA · Receiving · +5.44 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.81 EPA/play
  4. 4Jamison CrowderJamison Crowder · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.83 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
  5. 5Johnny HekkerJohnny Hekker · LA · Passing · +4.41 total EPA · 1 snaps · +4.41 EPA/play
  6. 6Josh ReynoldsJosh Reynolds · LA · Receiving · +4.41 total EPA · 1 snaps · +4.41 EPA/play
  7. 7T. Gurley · LA · Receiving · +3.57 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
  8. 8R. Kelley · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +3.16 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Cody Thompson

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Cody Thompson — WAS · Rushing

Cody Thompson posted the highest total EPA (+9.26) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Washington Commanders. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +3.09 EPA per play.

Cody Thompson's top snap (+6.45 EPA): (1:56) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson up the middle for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Kirk Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins (Washington Commanders) · 32 dropbacks · 56.2% completion · +0.6% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +6.63 total EPA
  • Jared GoffJared Goff (LA) · 30 dropbacks · 46.7% completion · -7.5% CPOE · -0.04 EPA/play · -1.31 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatWashington CommandersLA
Offensive EPA/play+0.082-0.032
Offensive success rate46.1%41.8%
Pass EPA/play+0.207+0.100
Rush EPA/play+0.092-0.216
Defensive EPA/play+0.032-0.082
Defensive success rate58.2%53.9%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.08 vs -0.03), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Washington Commanders: +0.08 EPA/play (76th percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
  • LA: -0.03 EPA/play (48th percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
  • LA: 11 drives, -2.17 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • Washington Commanders: 11 drives, +7.32 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Cody ThompsonWashington Commanders — Cody Thompson (Q2 15:00)
  • LA — T. Gurley (Q2 10:04)
  • Cody ThompsonWashington Commanders — Cody Thompson (Q2 1:56)
  • LA — T. Gurley (Jared Goff pass) (Q3 8:54)
  • Richie GrantWashington Commanders — Richie Grant (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q4 1:55)

Field goals

  • Dustin HopkinsWashington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q1 4:48)
  • Dustin HopkinsWashington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q2 12:10)
  • Greg ZuerleinLA — Greg Zuerlein (Q2 3:07)
  • Greg ZuerleinLA — Greg Zuerlein (Q4 7:21)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 3–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LA 22 (Q1 4:48).

The second quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 17–10. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the LA 7 (Q2 15:00); Washington Commanders added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 14:54) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LA 4 (Q2 12:10) — (12:10) 3-D.Hopkins 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; LA found the end zone from the WAS 1 (Q2 10:04) — (10:04) 30-T.Gurley up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; LA added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 9:59) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; LA connected on a field goal from the WAS 14 (Q2 3:07) — (3:07) 4-G.Zuerlein 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the LA 61 (Q2 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson up the middle for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 1:44) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..

The third quarter: LA won the period 7–0. LA found the end zone from the WAS 18 (Q3 8:54) — (8:54) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 30-T.Gurley for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; LA added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q3 8:43) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–3. LA connected on a field goal from the WAS 22 (Q4 7:21) — (7:21) 4-G.Zuerlein 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the LA 11 (Q4 1:55); Washington Commanders added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 1:49) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • LA (Q4 10:05) — (10:05) (Punt formation) 6-J.Hekker pass short left to 83-J.Reynolds to WAS 17 for 28 yards (80-J.Crowder). [WPA +22.5% · EPA +4.41]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 1:55) — (1:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-R.Grant for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. [WPA +16.2% · EPA +3.14]
  • Washington Commanders (Q2 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson up the middle for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.9% · EPA +6.45]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 3:06) — (3:06) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 11-T.Pryor to LA 17 for 23 yards (31-M.Alexander). [WPA +14.2% · EPA +1.89]
  • Washington Commanders (Q1 6:24) — (6:24) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 80-J.Crowder to LA 24 for 21 yards (31-M.Alexander). [WPA +12.3% · EPA +3.24]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Washington Commanders (Q2 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson up the middle for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.9% · EPA +6.45]
  • LA (Q2 14:47) — (14:47) 30-T.Gurley right tackle to LA 30 for 2 yards (24-J.Norman). FUMBLES (24-J.Norman), RECOVERED by WAS-97-T.McClain at LA 30. 97-T.McClain to LA 30 for no gain (79-R.Havenstein). [WPA -6.7% · EPA -5.01]
  • LA (Q4 1:44) — (1:44) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left intended for 18-C.Kupp INTERCEPTED by 54-M.Foster at LA 29. 54-M.Foster to LA 19 for 10 yards (18-C.Kupp). [WPA -10.2% · EPA -4.96]
  • LA (Q4 10:05) — (10:05) (Punt formation) 6-J.Hekker pass short left to 83-J.Reynolds to WAS 17 for 28 yards (80-J.Crowder). [WPA +22.5% · EPA +4.41]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 4:48 · LA 22 · Score 3-0
    (4:48) 3-D.Hopkins 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. Penalty on LA-90-M.Brockers, Illegal Formation, declined.
  2. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 15:00 · LA 7 · Score 9-0
    (15:00) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
  3. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 14:54 · LA 15 · Score 10-0
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  4. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 12:10 · LA 4 · Score 13-0
    (12:10) 3-D.Hopkins 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  5. LA TD (+6) — Q2 10:04 · WAS 1 · Score 13-6
    (10:04) 30-T.Gurley up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. LA XP (+1) — Q2 9:59 · WAS 15 · Score 13-7
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  7. LA FG (+3) — Q2 3:07 · WAS 14 · Score 13-10
    (3:07) 4-G.Zuerlein 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  8. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 1:56 · LA 61 · Score 19-10
    (1:56) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson up the middle for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 1:44 · LA 15 · Score 20-10
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  10. LA TD (+6) — Q3 8:54 · WAS 18 · Score 20-16
    (8:54) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 30-T.Gurley for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. LA XP (+1) — Q3 8:43 · WAS 15 · Score 20-17
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  12. LA FG (+3) — Q4 7:21 · WAS 22 · Score 20-20
    (7:21) 4-G.Zuerlein 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  13. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 1:55 · LA 11 · Score 26-20
    (1:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 14-R.Grant for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the score ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
  14. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 1:49 · LA 15 · Score 27-20
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Washington Commanders earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • Cody Thompson (Washington Commanders) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Jared Goff (LA) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Washington Commanders vs LA on 2017-09-17?

The Washington Commanders beat the LA 27-20 in Week 2, 2017.

What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs LA?

Q1: Washington Commanders 3, LA 0; Q2: Washington Commanders 17, LA 10; Q3: Washington Commanders 0, LA 7; Q4: Washington Commanders 7, LA 3; Final: Washington Commanders 27, LA 20.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs LA?

Washington Commanders touchdown — C. Thompson (Q2 15:00) LA touchdown — T. Gurley (Q2 10:04) Washington Commanders touchdown — C. Thompson (Q2 1:56) LA touchdown — T. Gurley (J. Goff pass) (Q3 8:54) Washington Commanders touchdown — R. Grant (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 1:55) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 4:48, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 12:10, 3 pts) LA field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q2 3:07, 3 pts) LA field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q4 7:21, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs LA?

Kirk Cousins (Washington Commanders), 56.2% completion, +0.6% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +6.63 total passing EPA. Jared Goff (LA), 46.7% completion, -7.5% CPOE, -0.04 EPA per dropback, -1.31 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Washington Commanders vs LA?

Cody Thompson (Washington Commanders) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +9.26 total EPA on Rushing plays. across 3 snaps. Their top snap (+6.45 EPA): (1:56) (Shotgun) 25-C.Thompson up the middle for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Was Washington Commanders vs LA a close game?

Yes — the margin was 7 points. Washington Commanders won 27-20 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Washington Commanders

Entered 0-1 Now 1-1 W

Los Angeles Rams

Entered 1-0 Now 1-1 L

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