Unexpected Points

Unexpected Points

Week 3 Sunday Night Broncos-Rams: Advanced Review

The Rams give away a game to the Broncos that they should have won. Or should we say they were robbed?

Kevin Cole's avatar
Kevin Cole
Sep 28, 2026
∙ Paid

The adjusted scores quantify team play quality, with emphasis on stable metrics (success rate) and downplaying higher variance events (turnovers, special team, penalties, fumble luck, etc). Adjusted expected points added (EPA), in conjunction with opportunity-based metrics like total plays and drives, projects adjusted points. Adjusted scores have been tested against actual scores and offer slightly better predictive ability, though their primary benefit is explanatory.

All 2026-2022 and historical Adjusted Scores and other site metrics are available in a downloadable format to paid subscribers via Google Sheet.

Find previous advanced reviews here

Unexpected Points is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

** Adjusted Scores table:

  • “Pass” - Pass rate over expectation (based on context of each play and historical averages

  • “Success” - Success rate on offense, a key metric in adjusted score vs actual

  • “H & A” - Home or away team

Broncos (-1.5) vs Rams

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Kevin Cole.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Kevin · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture