FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 4 · September 30, 2018 · 12 min read

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers: 2018 Week 4 Recap

Chargers defeat 49ers 29–27 in Week 4

George Kittle led Fantasy Impact as Chargers prevailed in a 27–29 Week 4 finish.

San Francisco 49ers 27 1–3
Final 27–29
Los Angeles Chargers 29 2–2 Winner
Winner
Los Angeles Chargers
Final score
27–29
Halftime
Tied 17–17 at halftime
Top passer
C.J. Beathard
FantasyHQ MVP
George Kittle
Game date
September 30, 2018

Top fantasy performers · 49ers

  • George Kittle
    George Kittle 6 REC · 125 YDS · 1 TD +10.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Kendrick Bourne
    Kendrick Bourne 3 REC · 34 YDS · 1 TD +3.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Marquise Goodwin
    Marquise Goodwin 2 REC · 24 YDS +1.8 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

  • Ty.Williams 3 REC · 48 YDS +3.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Austin Ekeler
    Austin Ekeler 2 REC · 31 YDS · 1 TD +3.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Melvin Gordon
    Melvin Gordon 7 REC · 55 YDS · 1 TD +2.8 Fantasy Impact

Quick answer

Winner
Los Angeles Chargers
Final score
Los Angeles Chargers 29–27 San Francisco 49ers
Halftime
Tied 17–17 at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
George Kittle
Top passer
C.J. Beathard
Biggest EPA play
(9:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 88-G.Celek INTERCEPTED by 24-T.…
Game date
2018-09-30

Game summary

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the San Francisco 49ers 29–27 on 2018-09-30. George Kittle posted a game-high +10.55 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 20 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4T
San Francisco 49ers14373027
Los Angeles Chargers61193029

Scoring Map

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

SFSan Francisco 49ers
LACLos Angeles Chargers

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. SFSan Francisco 49ers
    Q1 14:12TD
    AEA. Exum

    Points+6

    Yard line
    SF 75
    Score
    6-0

    (14:12) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 38-A.Exum at LAC 32. 38-A.Exum for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. SFSan Francisco 49ers
    Q1 14:03XP
    RGR. Gould

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 15
    Score
    7-0

    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.

  3. SFSan Francisco 49ers
    Q1 3:57TD
    Kendrick Bourne

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LAC 2
    Score
    13-0

    (3:57) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short middle to 84-K.Bourne for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. SFSan Francisco 49ers
    Q1 3:53XP
    RGR. Gould

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 15
    Score
    14-0

    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.

  5. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q1 0:48TD
    AGA. Gates

    Points+6

    Yard line
    SF 5
    Score
    14-6

    (:48) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 85-A.Gates for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. SFSan Francisco 49ers
    Q2 5:02FG
    RGR. Gould

    Points+3

    Yard line
    LAC 3
    Score
    17-6

    (5:02) 9-R.Gould 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.

  7. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q2 0:53TD
    Austin Ekeler

    Points+6

    Yard line
    SF 22
    Score
    17-12

    (:53) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 30-A.Ekeler for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q2 0:47Safety
    Philip Rivers

    Points+2

    Yard line
    SF 2
    Score
    17-14

    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-P.Rivers pass to 28-M.Gordon is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

  9. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q2 0:04FG
    CSC. Sturgis

    Points+3

    Yard line
    SF 30
    Score
    17-17

    (:04) 6-C.Sturgis 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.

  10. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q3 10:40TD
    Melvin Gordon

    Points+6

    Yard line
    SF 6
    Score
    17-23

    (10:40) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 28-M.Gordon for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q3 7:48FG
    CSC. Sturgis

    Points+3

    Yard line
    SF 7
    Score
    17-26

    (7:48) 6-C.Sturgis 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.

  12. SFSan Francisco 49ers
    Q3 2:58TD
    George Kittle

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LAC 82
    Score
    23-26

    (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane].

  13. SFSan Francisco 49ers
    Q3 2:50XP
    RGR. Gould

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 15
    Score
    24-26

    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.

  14. SFSan Francisco 49ers
    Q4 12:43FG
    RGR. Gould

    Points+3

    Yard line
    LAC 15
    Score
    27-26

    (12:43) 9-R.Gould 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.

  15. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q4 7:44FG
    CSC. Sturgis

    Points+3

    Yard line
    SF 3
    Score
    27-29

    (7:44) 6-C.Sturgis 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1George KittleGeorge Kittle · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +10.55 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.32 EPA/play
  2. 2Kendrick BourneKendrick Bourne · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +3.70 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
  3. 3Ty. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.55 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
  4. 4Austin EkelerAustin Ekeler · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.55 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.18 EPA/play
  5. 5Melvin GordonMelvin Gordon · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.75 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
  6. 6Marquise GoodwinMarquise Goodwin · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +1.77 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
  7. 7Melvin GordonMelvin Gordon · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +1.77 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
  8. 8V. Green · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.14 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

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

George Kittle

FantasyHQ Game MVP

George Kittle — SF · Receiving

George Kittle posted the highest total EPA (+10.55) in the game, the strongest overall impact for San Francisco 49ers. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +1.32 EPA per play.

George Kittle's top snap (+7.61 EPA): (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane].

Biggest single play (-10.57 EPA): C.J. Beathard — (9:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 88-G.Celek INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Williams at LAC 2. 24-T.Williams to SF 12 for 86 yards (15-P.Garcon).

Quarterback report card

C.J. Beathard led all passers in efficiency for San Francisco 49ers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • C.J. BeathardC.J. Beathard (San Francisco 49ers) · 43 dropbacks · 53.5% completion · -3.3% CPOE · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.12 total EPA
  • Philip RiversPhilip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 41 dropbacks · 61.0% completion · +0.6% CPOE · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.05 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatSan Francisco 49ersLos Angeles Chargers
Offensive EPA/play-0.102-0.121
Offensive success rate43.0%41.7%
Pass EPA/play-0.026-0.026
Rush EPA/play-0.071+0.034
Defensive EPA/play+0.121+0.102
Defensive success rate58.3%57.0%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (San Francisco 49ers -0.10, Los Angeles Chargers -0.12) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • San Francisco 49ers: -0.10 EPA/play (27th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Los Angeles Chargers: -0.12 EPA/play (24th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Los Angeles Chargers: 13 drives, -10.14 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
  • San Francisco 49ers: 12 drives, -8.08 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • San Francisco 49ers — A. Exum (Q1 14:12)
  • Kendrick BourneSan Francisco 49ers — Kendrick Bourne (C.J. Beathard pass) (Q1 3:57)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — A. Gates (Philip Rivers pass) (Q1 0:48)
  • Austin EkelerLos Angeles Chargers — Austin Ekeler (Philip Rivers pass) (Q2 0:53)
  • Melvin GordonLos Angeles Chargers — Melvin Gordon (Philip Rivers pass) (Q3 10:40)
  • George KittleSan Francisco 49ers — George Kittle (C.J. Beathard pass) (Q3 2:58)

Field goals

  • San Francisco 49ers — R. Gould (Q2 5:02)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — C. Sturgis (Q2 0:04)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — C. Sturgis (Q3 7:48)
  • San Francisco 49ers — R. Gould (Q4 12:43)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — C. Sturgis (Q4 7:44)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 14–6. San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the SF 75 (Q1 14:12); San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 14:03) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LAC 2 (Q1 3:57) — (3:57) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short middle to 84-K.Bourne for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 3:53) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the SF 5 (Q1 0:48) — (:48) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 85-A.Gates for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 11–3. San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the LAC 3 (Q2 5:02) — (5:02) 9-R.Gould 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the SF 22 (Q2 0:53) — (:53) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 30-A.Ekeler for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers registered a safety from the SF 2 (Q2 0:47) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-P.Rivers pass to 28-M.Gordon is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the SF 30 (Q2 0:04) — (:04) 6-C.Sturgis 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser..

The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 9–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the SF 6 (Q3 10:40) — (10:40) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 28-M.Gordon for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the SF 7 (Q3 7:48) — (7:48) 6-C.Sturgis 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LAC 82 (Q3 2:58) — (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane].; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 2:50) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion..

The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the LAC 15 (Q4 12:43) — (12:43) 9-R.Gould 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the SF 3 (Q4 7:44) — (7:44) 6-C.Sturgis 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • San Francisco 49ers (Q3 9:00) — (9:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 88-G.Celek INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Williams at LAC 2. 24-T.Williams to SF 12 for 86 yards (15-P.Garcon). [WPA -26.7% · EPA -10.57]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q4 2:38) — (2:38) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 46-A.Morris INTERCEPTED by 98-I.Rochell [33-D.James] at SF 23. 98-I.Rochell to SF 19 for 4 yards (58-W.Richburg). [WPA -23.2% · EPA -4.98]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 14:12) — (14:12) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 38-A.Exum at LAC 32. 38-A.Exum for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -17.1% · EPA -7.09]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q3 2:58) — (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane]. [WPA +15.9% · EPA +7.61]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 3:57) — (3:57) 8-D.Kaser punts 30 yards to SF 7, Center-47-M.Windt, downed by LAC-30-A.Ekeler. [WPA -11.7% · EPA -1.28]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • San Francisco 49ers (Q3 9:00) — (9:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 88-G.Celek INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Williams at LAC 2. 24-T.Williams to SF 12 for 86 yards (15-P.Garcon). [WPA -26.7% · EPA -10.57]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q3 2:58) — (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane]. [WPA +15.9% · EPA +7.61]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 14:12) — (14:12) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 38-A.Exum at LAC 32. 38-A.Exum for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -17.1% · EPA -7.09]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q4 2:38) — (2:38) 3-C.Beathard pass short left intended for 46-A.Morris INTERCEPTED by 98-I.Rochell [33-D.James] at SF 23. 98-I.Rochell to SF 19 for 4 yards (58-W.Richburg). [WPA -23.2% · EPA -4.98]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q1 14:12 · SF 75 · Score 6-0
    (14:12) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 38-A.Exum at LAC 32. 38-A.Exum for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q1 14:03 · LAC 15 · Score 7-0
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
  3. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q1 3:57 · LAC 2 · Score 13-0
    (3:57) (Shotgun) 3-C.Beathard pass short middle to 84-K.Bourne for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q1 3:53 · LAC 15 · Score 14-0
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
  5. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 0:48 · SF 5 · Score 14-6
    (:48) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 85-A.Gates for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q2 5:02 · LAC 3 · Score 17-6
    (5:02) 9-R.Gould 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
  7. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 0:53 · SF 22 · Score 17-12
    (:53) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 30-A.Ekeler for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Los Angeles Chargers Safety (+2) — Q2 0:47 · SF 2 · Score 17-14
    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-P.Rivers pass to 28-M.Gordon is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  9. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 0:04 · SF 30 · Score 17-17
    (:04) 6-C.Sturgis 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.
  10. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 10:40 · SF 6 · Score 17-23
    (10:40) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 28-M.Gordon for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 7:48 · SF 7 · Score 17-26
    (7:48) 6-C.Sturgis 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.
  12. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q3 2:58 · LAC 82 · Score 23-26
    (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane].
  13. San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q3 2:50 · LAC 15 · Score 24-26
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
  14. San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q4 12:43 · LAC 15 · Score 27-26
    (12:43) 9-R.Gould 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-K.Nelson, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
  15. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 7:44 · SF 3 · Score 27-29
    (7:44) 6-C.Sturgis 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-8-D.Kaser.

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.
  • George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • C.J. Beathard (SF) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers on 2018-09-30?

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the San Francisco 49ers 29-27 in Week 4, 2018.

What was the score by quarter in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Q1: San Francisco 49ers 14, Los Angeles Chargers 6; Q2: San Francisco 49ers 3, Los Angeles Chargers 11; Q3: San Francisco 49ers 7, Los Angeles Chargers 9; Q4: San Francisco 49ers 3, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Final: San Francisco 49ers 27, Los Angeles Chargers 29.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?

San Francisco 49ers touchdown — A. Exum (Q1 14:12) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — K. Bourne (C. Beathard pass) (Q1 3:57) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 0:48) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (P. Rivers pass) (Q2 0:53) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Gordon (P. Rivers pass) (Q3 10:40) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — G. Kittle (C. Beathard pass) (Q3 2:58) San Francisco 49ers field goal — R. Gould (Q2 5:02, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Sturgis (Q2 0:04, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Sturgis (Q3 7:48, 3 pts) San Francisco 49ers field goal — R. Gould (Q4 12:43, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — C. Sturgis (Q4 7:44, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?

C.J. Beathard (San Francisco 49ers), 53.5% completion, -3.3% CPOE, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.12 total passing EPA. Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 61.0% completion, +0.6% CPOE, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.05 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers?

George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.55 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 8 snaps. Their top snap (+7.61 EPA): (2:58) 3-C.Beathard pass deep right to 85-G.Kittle for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN [92-B.Mebane]..

Was San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?

Yes — the margin was 2 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 29-27 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

San Francisco 49ers

Entered 1-2 Now 1-3 L

Los Angeles Chargers

Entered 1-2 Now 2-2 W