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NFL · Week 5 · October 7, 2018 · 11 min read

Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 2018 Week 5 Recap

Steelers defeat Falcons 41–17 in Week 5

B.Roethlisberger led Fantasy Impact as Steelers prevailed in a 17–41 Week 5 finish.

Atlanta Falcons 17 1–4
Final 17–41
Pittsburgh Steelers 41 2–2 Winner
Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
17–41
Halftime
Atlanta Falcons 10–13 Pittsburgh Steelers
Top passer
Matt Ryan
FantasyHQ MVP
B.Roethlisberger
Game date
October 7, 2018

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

  • Austin Hooper
    Austin Hooper 9 REC · 77 YDS +4.2 Fantasy Impact
  • Calvin Ridley
    Calvin Ridley 4 REC · 38 YDS +3.8 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Sanu 4 REC · 73 YDS · 1 TD +3.2 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • B.Roethlisberger 19/33 · 266 YDS · 3 TD +17.9 Fantasy Impact
  • James Conner
    James Conner 4 REC · 75 YDS +6.9 Fantasy Impact
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster
    JuJu Smith-Schuster 4 REC · 34 YDS · 1 TD +3.6 Fantasy Impact
View Falcons vs Steelers box score View all 2018 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 41–17 in Week 5 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-10-07, a matchup that controlled the game from start to finish. The decisive swing (-14.3% win probability) came in the second quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers swung the momentum.

In Week 5 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-10-07, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 41–17 final that controlled the game from start to finish.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with +1.83 total EPA, and +2.4% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +17.91 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-14.3% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers changed the game: (:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle intended for 84-A.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Kazee [50-B.Reed] at ATL -8. Touchback.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Atlanta Falcons01007017
Pittsburgh Steelers1301414041

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +17.91 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
  2. 2 J. Conner · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +6.94 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.74 EPA/play
  3. 3 J. Conner · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +4.65 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
  4. 4 A. Hooper · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.19 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
  5. 5 C. Ridley · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.80 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
  6. 6 J. Smith-Schuster · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.65 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.91 EPA/play
  7. 7 M. Sanu · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.25 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
  8. 8 T. Coleman · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.84 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

B. Roethlisberger — PIT · Passing

B. Roethlisberger posted the highest total EPA (+17.91) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 33 counted snaps, they averaged +0.54 EPA per play.

The signature play (-7.09 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (3:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at ATL 6 for -8 yards (90-T.Watt). FUMBLES (90-T.Watt) [90-T.Watt], touched at ATL 2, RECOVERED by PIT-54-L.Fort at ATL 0. TOUCHDOWN.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Conner (Q1 55:51)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Smith-Schuster (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 45:43)
  • Atlanta Falcons — M. Sanu (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 41:29)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 18:46)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Conner (Q3 16:44)
  • Atlanta Falcons — I. Smith (Q4 12:32)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 9:49)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Ryan (Q4 3:45)

Field goals

  • Atlanta Falcons — M. Bryant (Q2 35:07)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 13–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q1 55:51) — (10:51) 76-C.Okorafor reported in as eligible. 30-J.Conner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the ATL 18 (Q1 45:43) — (:43) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 19-J.Smith-Schuster for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 45:37) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the PIT 43 (Q2 41:29) — (11:29) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 12-M.Sanu for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q2 41:21) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the PIT 29 (Q2 35:07).

The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the ATL 9 (Q3 18:46) — (3:46) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 84-A.Brown for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 18:42) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q3 16:44) — (1:44) 30-J.Conner right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q3 16:39) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry..

The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the PIT 2 (Q4 12:32) — (12:32) 25-I.Smith up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q4 12:28) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the ATL 47 (Q4 9:49) — (9:49) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 9:41) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the PIT 86 (Q4 3:45); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q4 3:35) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 30:30) — (:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle intended for 84-A.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Kazee [50-B.Reed] at ATL -8. Touchback. [WPA -14.3% · EPA -4.65]
  • Atlanta Falcons (Q2 41:29) — (11:29) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 12-M.Sanu for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +12.2% · EPA +3.94]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 21:41) — (6:41) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 30-J.Conner pushed ob at ATL 26 for 28 yards (27-D.Kazee). [WPA +9.3% · EPA +3.56]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 46:30) — (1:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass incomplete deep left to 81-J.James (29-J.Richards). PENALTY on ATL-42-D.Riley, Defensive Pass Interference, 38 yards, enforced at PIT 42 - No Play. [WPA +9.0% · EPA +3.95]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 45:43) — (:43) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 19-J.Smith-Schuster for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +8.4% · EPA +3.34]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Atlanta Falcons (Q4 3:45) — (3:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at ATL 6 for -8 yards (90-T.Watt). FUMBLES (90-T.Watt) [90-T.Watt], touched at ATL 2, RECOVERED by PIT-54-L.Fort at ATL 0. TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -0.2% · EPA -7.09]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 30:30) — (:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle intended for 84-A.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Kazee [50-B.Reed] at ATL -8. Touchback. [WPA -14.3% · EPA -4.65]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 9:49) — (9:49) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +2.8% · EPA +4.03]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 46:30) — (1:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass incomplete deep left to 81-J.James (29-J.Richards). PENALTY on ATL-42-D.Riley, Defensive Pass Interference, 38 yards, enforced at PIT 42 - No Play. [WPA +9.0% · EPA +3.95]

Quarterback report card

M.Ryan led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 46 dropbacks · 56.5% completion · +2.4% CPOE · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.83 total EPA
  • B.Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 33 dropbacks · 57.6% completion · +3.3% CPOE · +0.54 EPA/play · +17.91 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatAtlanta FalconsPittsburgh Steelers
Offensive EPA/play-0.108+0.213
Offensive success rate35.6%49.3%
Pass EPA/play-0.011+0.543
Rush EPA/play-0.226+0.078
Defensive EPA/play-0.213+0.108
Defensive success rate50.7%64.4%

By the numbers

Pittsburgh Steelers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.21 vs -0.11), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

  • Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, -9.70 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 11 drives, +15.97 total EPA, 5 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

  • Pittsburgh Steelers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
  • B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • B. Roethlisberger (PIT) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 55:51 · ATL 1 · Score 0-6
    (10:51) 76-C.Okorafor reported in as eligible. 30-J.Conner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 45:43 · ATL 18 · Score 0-12
    (:43) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 19-J.Smith-Schuster for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 45:37 · ATL 15 · Score 0-13
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  4. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 41:29 · PIT 43 · Score 6-13
    (11:29) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 12-M.Sanu for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 41:21 · PIT 15 · Score 7-13
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
  6. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 35:07 · PIT 29 · Score 10-13
    (5:07) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. Penalty on PIT-25-A.Burns, Defensive Offside, declin
  7. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 18:46 · ATL 9 · Score 10-19
    (3:46) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 84-A.Brown for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 18:42 · ATL 15 · Score 10-20
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 16:44 · ATL 2 · Score 10-26
    (1:44) 30-J.Conner right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 16:39 · ATL 15 · Score 10-27
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  11. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 12:32 · PIT 2 · Score 16-27
    (12:32) 25-I.Smith up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 12:28 · PIT 15 · Score 17-27
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
  13. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 9:49 · ATL 47 · Score 17-33
    (9:49) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 9:41 · ATL 15 · Score 17-34
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  15. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 3:45 · PIT 86 · Score 17-40
    (3:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at ATL 6 for -8 yards (90-T.Watt). FUMBLES (90-T.Watt) [90-T.Watt], touched at ATL 2, RECOVERED by PIT-54-L.Fort at
  16. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 3:35 · ATL 15 · Score 17-41
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons 41-17 in Week 5, 2018 on 2018-10-07.

What was the final score of Atlanta Falcons vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

The final score was Atlanta Falcons 17, Pittsburgh Steelers 41 (ATL 17-41 PIT) in Week 5, 2018 on 2018-10-07.

What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

Q1: Atlanta Falcons 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 13; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 10, Pittsburgh Steelers 0; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 14; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 14; Final: Atlanta Falcons 17, Pittsburgh Steelers 41.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Conner (Q1 55:51) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Smith-Schuster (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 45:43) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Sanu (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 41:29) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 18:46) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Conner (Q3 16:44) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — I. Smith (Q4 12:32) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 9:49) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — M. Ryan (Q4 3:45) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 35:07, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 56.5% completion, +2.4% CPOE, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +1.83 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 57.6% completion, +3.3% CPOE, +0.54 EPA per dropback, +17.91 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Atlanta Falcons vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +17.91 on passing plays. across 33 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.09 EPA): (3:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at ATL 6 for -8 yards (90-T.Watt). FUMBLES (90-T.Watt) [90-T.Watt], touched at ATL 2, RECOVERED by PIT-54-L.Fort at ATL 0. TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -14.3%.

Season records after this game

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 1-3 Now 1-4 L

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 1-2 Now 2-2 W

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