Chargers 20–16 Commanders: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 1, 2021

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), 59.6% completion, +3.6% CPOE, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +9.40 total passing EPA. T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders), 52.4% completion, +18.0% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +5.25 total passing EPA.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +9.40 total EPA on Passing plays. across 52 snaps. Their top snap (-5.84 EPA): (6:00) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at WAS 15 for -8 yards (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat) [90-M.Sweat], ball out of bounds in End Zone, Touchback. The Replay Official reviewed.

Quick answer

Winner: Los Angeles Chargers
Final score: Los Angeles Chargers 20–16 Washington Commanders
Halftime: Los Angeles Chargers 13–9 Washington Commanders at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Justin Herbert
Top passer: Justin Herbert
Biggest EPA play: (12:16) 71-W.Schweitzer reported in as eligible. 24-A.Gibson right end to WAS 4 for no gai…
Game date: 2021-09-12

Game summary

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Washington Commanders 20–16 on 2021-09-12. Justin Herbert posted a game-high +9.40 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 12 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Los Angeles Chargers	7	6	0	7	0	20
Washington Commanders	3	6	7	0	0	16

Scoring Map

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

LACLos Angeles Chargers

WAS 3

+3LAC 25

+3WAS 9

+3LAC 30

WAS 3

WASWashington Commanders

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

11 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q1 9:18TD
Austin Ekeler
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 3
Score
6-0
(9:18) (Shotgun) 30-A.Ekeler left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q1 9:14XP
TVT. Vizcaino
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
7-0
16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
WASWashington Commanders
Q1 3:00FG
Dustin Hopkins
Points+3
Yard line
LAC 12
Score
7-3
(3:00) 3-D.Hopkins 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 13:40FG
Dustin Hopkins
Points+3
Yard line
LAC 25
Score
7-6
(13:40) 3-D.Hopkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q2 9:09FG
TVT. Vizcaino
Points+3
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
10-6
(9:09) 16-T.Vizcaino 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q2 0:48FG
TVT. Vizcaino
Points+3
Yard line
WAS 9
Score
13-6
(:48) 16-T.Vizcaino 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 0:05FG
Dustin Hopkins
Points+3
Yard line
LAC 30
Score
13-9
(:05) 3-D.Hopkins 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
WASWashington Commanders
Q3 11:26TD
Logan Thomas
Points+6
Yard line
LAC 11
Score
13-15
(11:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
WASWashington Commanders
Q3 11:20XP
Dustin Hopkins
Points+1
Yard line
LAC 15
Score
13-16
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q4 11:25TD
Mykel Williams
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 3
Score
19-16
(11:25) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 81-M.Williams for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q4 11:21XP
TVT. Vizcaino
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
20-16
16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Justin Herbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +9.40 total EPA · 52 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
2Kyle Allen · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +8.65 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.67 EPA/play
3Mykel Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.94 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
4Taylor Heinicke · Washington Commanders · Passing · +5.25 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
5Terry McLaurin · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.94 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.24 EPA/play
6James Cook III · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.15 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
7Logan Thomas · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.90 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
8Jalen Guyton · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.17 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.43 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

Justin Herbert — LAC · Passing

Justin Herbert posted the highest total EPA (+9.40) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Los Angeles Chargers. Across 52 counted snaps, they averaged +0.18 EPA per play.

Justin Herbert's top snap (-5.84 EPA): (6:00) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at WAS 15 for -8 yards (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat) [90-M.Sweat], ball out of bounds in End Zone, Touchback. The Replay Official reviewed the fumble ruling, and the play was Uph

Biggest single play (-6.02 EPA): Wes Schweitzer — (12:16) 71-W.Schweitzer reported in as eligible. 24-A.Gibson right end to WAS 4 for no gain (44-K.White; 26-A.Samuel). FUMBLES (44-K.White), RECOVERED by LAC-52-K.Fackrell at WAS 3.

Quarterback report card

Justin Herbert led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) · 52 dropbacks · 59.6% completion · +3.6% CPOE · +0.18 EPA/play · +9.40 total EPA
Taylor Heinicke (Washington Commanders) · 21 dropbacks · 52.4% completion · +18.0% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +5.25 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Los Angeles Chargers	Washington Commanders
Offensive EPA/play	+0.017	-0.066
Offensive success rate	46.2%	41.7%
Pass EPA/play	+0.181	+0.067
Rush EPA/play	-0.078	-0.188
Defensive EPA/play	+0.066	-0.017
Defensive success rate	58.3%	53.8%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.07), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Los Angeles Chargers: +0.02 EPA/play (54th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
Washington Commanders: -0.07 EPA/play (35th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)

Los Angeles Chargers: 9 drives, +1.57 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Washington Commanders: 9 drives, -4.73 total EPA, 4 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

Los Angeles Chargers — Austin Ekeler (Q1 9:18)
Washington Commanders — Logan Thomas (Taylor Heinicke pass) (Q3 11:26)
Los Angeles Chargers — Mykel Williams (Justin Herbert pass) (Q4 11:25)

Field goals

Washington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q1 3:00)
Washington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q2 13:40)
Los Angeles Chargers — T. Vizcaino (Q2 9:09)
Los Angeles Chargers — T. Vizcaino (Q2 0:48)
Washington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q2 0:05)

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 WAS 3 (Q1 9:18) — (9:18) (Shotgun) 30-A.Ekeler left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q1 9:14) — 16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LAC 12 (Q1 3:00) — (3:00) 3-D.Hopkins 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 6–6. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LAC 25 (Q2 13:40) — (13:40) 3-D.Hopkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the WAS 15 (Q2 9:09) — (9:09) 16-T.Vizcaino 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the WAS 9 (Q2 0:48) — (:48) 16-T.Vizcaino 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the LAC 30 (Q2 0:05) — (:05) 3-D.Hopkins 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..

The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the LAC 11 (Q3 11:26) — (11:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 11:20) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..

The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the WAS 3 (Q4 11:25) — (11:25) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 81-M.Williams for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 11:21) — 16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Washington Commanders (Q4 12:16) — (12:16) 71-W.Schweitzer reported in as eligible. 24-A.Gibson right end to WAS 4 for no gain (44-K.White; 26-A.Samuel). FUMBLES (44-K.White), RECOVERED by LAC-52-K.Fackrell at WAS 3. [WPA -29.9% · EPA -6.02]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 12:23) — (12:23) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right intended for 82-S.Anderson INTERCEPTED by 23-W.Jackson at WAS 4. 23-W.Jackson pushed ob at WAS 4 for no gain (82-S.Anderson). [WPA -25.1% · EPA -4.47]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 6:00) — (6:00) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at WAS 15 for -8 yards (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat) [90-M.Sweat], ball out of bounds in End Zone, Touchback. The Replay Official reviewed the fumble ruling, [WPA -24.6% · EPA -5.84]
Washington Commanders (Q3 11:41) — (11:41) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin ran ob at LAC 11 for 34 yards. Penalty on LAC-43-M.Davis, Illegal Contact, declined. [WPA +14.7% · EPA +3.24]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 9:33) — (9:33) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 87-J.Cook to WAS 34 for 23 yards (25-B.St-Juste). [WPA +13.8% · EPA +2.86]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Washington Commanders (Q4 12:16) — (12:16) 71-W.Schweitzer reported in as eligible. 24-A.Gibson right end to WAS 4 for no gain (44-K.White; 26-A.Samuel). FUMBLES (44-K.White), RECOVERED by LAC-52-K.Fackrell at WAS 3. [WPA -29.9% · EPA -6.02]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 6:00) — (6:00) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at WAS 15 for -8 yards (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat) [90-M.Sweat], ball out of bounds in End Zone, Touchback. The Replay Official reviewed the fumble ruling, [WPA -24.6% · EPA -5.84]
Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 12:23) — (12:23) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right intended for 82-S.Anderson INTERCEPTED by 23-W.Jackson at WAS 4. 23-W.Jackson pushed ob at WAS 4 for no gain (82-S.Anderson). [WPA -25.1% · EPA -4.47]
Washington Commanders (Q3 11:41) — (11:41) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin ran ob at LAC 11 for 34 yards. Penalty on LAC-43-M.Davis, Illegal Contact, declined. [WPA +14.7% · EPA +3.24]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 9:18 · WAS 3 · Score 6-0
(9:18) (Shotgun) 30-A.Ekeler left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 9:14 · WAS 15 · Score 7-0
16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 3:00 · LAC 12 · Score 7-3
(3:00) 3-D.Hopkins 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 13:40 · LAC 25 · Score 7-6
(13:40) 3-D.Hopkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 9:09 · WAS 15 · Score 10-6
(9:09) 16-T.Vizcaino 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 0:48 · WAS 9 · Score 13-6
(:48) 16-T.Vizcaino 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 0:05 · LAC 30 · Score 13-9
(:05) 3-D.Hopkins 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 11:26 · LAC 11 · Score 13-15
(11:26) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 11:20 · LAC 15 · Score 13-16
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 11:25 · WAS 3 · Score 19-16
(11:25) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 81-M.Williams for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 11:21 · WAS 15 · Score 20-16
16-T.Vizcaino extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.

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.
Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Justin Herbert (LAC) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders on 2021-09-12?

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Washington Commanders 20-16 in Week 1, 2021.

What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Washington Commanders 3; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 6, Washington Commanders 6; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Washington Commanders 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Washington Commanders 0; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 20, Washington Commanders 16.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (Q1 9:18) Washington Commanders touchdown — L. Thomas (T. Heinicke pass) (Q3 11:26) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 11:25) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 3:00, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 13:40, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — T. Vizcaino (Q2 9:09, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — T. Vizcaino (Q2 0:48, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 0:05, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), 59.6% completion, +3.6% CPOE, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +9.40 total passing EPA. Taylor Heinicke (Washington Commanders), 52.4% completion, +18.0% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +5.25 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders?

Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +9.40 total EPA on Passing plays. across 52 snaps. Their top snap (-5.84 EPA): (6:00) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at WAS 15 for -8 yards (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat) [90-M.Sweat], ball out of bounds in End Zone, Touchback. The Replay Official reviewed.

Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Commanders a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 20-16 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Chargers

Now 1-0 W

Washington Commanders

Now 0-1 L

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Washington Commanders: 2021 Week 1 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

Quick answer

Game summary