Quick answer
- Winner
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Final score
- Los Angeles Chargers 26–21 Cincinnati Bengals
- Halftime
- Cincinnati Bengals 12–17 Los Angeles Chargers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Jeff Driskel
- Top passer
- Jeff Driskel
- Biggest EPA play
- (12:51) 28-J.Mixon up the middle to CIN 35 for no gain (43-M.Davis, 37-J.Addae).
- Game date
- 2018-12-09
Game summary
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26–21 on 2018-12-09. Jeff Driskel posted a game-high +6.95 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 19 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 21 | |
| 7 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 26 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1

Jeff Driskel · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +6.95 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play - 2
Philip Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +4.46 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play - 3

Tyler Boyd · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.34 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play - 4

C.J. Uzomah · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.26 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play - 5

Austin Ekeler · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +2.19 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play - 6
C. Core · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.17 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play - 7

Mykel Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.50 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play - 8

Kyle Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.39 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.17 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
Jeff Driskel — CIN · Passing
Jeff Driskel posted the highest total EPA (+6.95) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cincinnati Bengals. Across 37 counted snaps, they averaged +0.19 EPA per play.
Jeff Driskel's top snap (+2.80 EPA): (7:59) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass deep middle to 83-T.Boyd to LAC 17 for 19 yards (43-M.Davis).
Biggest single play (-3.38 EPA): Joe Mixon — (12:51) 28-J.Mixon up the middle to CIN 35 for no gain (43-M.Davis, 37-J.Addae).
Quarterback report card
Jeff Driskel led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Jeff Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals) · 37 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · +4.9% CPOE · +0.19 EPA/play · +6.95 total EPA
Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 33 dropbacks · 57.6% completion · -0.7% CPOE · +0.14 EPA/play · +4.46 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.036 | +0.092 |
| Offensive success rate | 45.2% | 48.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.188 | +0.135 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.106 | +0.003 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.092 | -0.036 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.0% | 54.8% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Los Angeles Chargers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.09 vs +0.04), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Cincinnati Bengals: +0.04 EPA/play (58th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- Los Angeles Chargers: +0.09 EPA/play (73rd percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: 10 drives, +3.03 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 10 drives, +6.88 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns

Los Angeles Chargers — Kyle Allen (Philip Rivers pass) 
Los Angeles Chargers — Austin Ekeler 
Cincinnati Bengals — Josh Ross (Jeff Driskel pass) 
Cincinnati Bengals — Joe Mixon
Field goals
Cincinnati Bengals — Randy Bullock
Cincinnati Bengals — Randy Bullock 
Los Angeles Chargers — Michael Badgley 
Los Angeles Chargers — Michael Badgley
Cincinnati Bengals — Randy Bullock 
Los Angeles Chargers — Michael Badgley 
Los Angeles Chargers — Michael Badgley
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–3. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CIN 14 (Q1 11:46) — (11:46) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 13-K.Allen for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q1 11:39) — (Kick formation) 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 29 (Q1 6:28) — (6:28) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–9. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CIN 5 (Q2 14:56) — (14:56) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q2 14:51) — (Kick formation) 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 5 (Q2 5:05) — (5:05) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the LAC 6 (Q2 0:25) — (:25) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass short middle to 15-J.Ross for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 41 (Q2 0:00) — (:00) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 13 (Q3 7:42) — (7:42) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones..
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 9–6. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 28 (Q4 12:17) — (12:17) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 14 (Q4 7:50) — (7:50) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q4 1:54) — (1:54) 66-T.Hopkins and 94-S.Hubbard reported in as eligible. 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 27 (Q4 0:54) — (:54) 4-M.Badgley 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 1:50) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 6-J.Driskel is sacked. ATTEMPT FAILS.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 0:25) — (:25) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass short middle to 15-J.Ross for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:54) — (:54) 4-M.Badgley 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 12:51) — (12:51) 28-J.Mixon up the middle to CIN 35 for no gain (43-M.Davis, 37-J.Addae).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 1:51) — (1:51) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers sacked at LAC 6 for -10 yards (96-C.Dunlap).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 12:51) — (12:51) 28-J.Mixon up the middle to CIN 35 for no gain (43-M.Davis, 37-J.Addae).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 7:59) — (7:59) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass deep middle to 83-T.Boyd to LAC 17 for 19 yards (43-M.Davis).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 9:54) — (9:54) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 81-M.Williams to CIN 21 for 17 yards (20-K.Russell; 30-J.Bates).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 0:25) — (:25) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass short middle to 15-J.Ross for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 11:46 · CIN 14 · Score 0-6
(11:46) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 13-K.Allen for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 11:39 · CIN 15 · Score 0-7
(Kick formation) 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q1 6:28 · LAC 29 · Score 3-7
(6:28) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 14:56 · CIN 5 · Score 3-13
(14:56) 30-A.Ekeler up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 14:51 · CIN 15 · Score 3-14
(Kick formation) 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 5:05 · LAC 5 · Score 6-14
(5:05) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 0:25 · LAC 6 · Score 12-14
(:25) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass short middle to 15-J.Ross for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 0:00 · CIN 41 · Score 12-17
(:00) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 7:42 · CIN 13 · Score 12-20
(7:42) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 12:17 · LAC 28 · Score 15-20
(12:17) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 7:50 · CIN 14 · Score 15-23
(7:50) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Badgley 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 1:54 · LAC 1 · Score 21-23
(1:54) 66-T.Hopkins and 94-S.Hubbard reported in as eligible. 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 0:54 · CIN 27 · Score 21-26
(:54) 4-M.Badgley 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-D.Jones.
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.
- Jeff Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Jeff Driskel (CIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers on 2018-12-09?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21 in Week 14, 2018.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 3, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 9, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 9, Los Angeles Chargers 6; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Los Angeles Chargers 26.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — K. Allen (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 11:46) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (Q2 14:56) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Ross (J. Driskel pass) (Q2 0:25) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Mixon (Q4 1:54) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q1 6:28, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q2 5:05, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q2 0:00, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q3 7:42, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q4 12:17, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q4 7:50, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q4 0:54, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Jeff Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals), 48.6% completion, +4.9% CPOE, +0.19 EPA per dropback, +6.95 total passing EPA. Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 57.6% completion, -0.7% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +4.46 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Jeff Driskel (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +6.95 total EPA on Passing plays. across 37 snaps. Their top snap (+2.80 EPA): (7:59) (Shotgun) 6-J.Driskel pass deep middle to 83-T.Boyd to LAC 17 for 19 yards (43-M.Davis)..
Was Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 5 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 26-21 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 5-7 Now 5-8 L
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 9-3 Now 10-3 W