Quick answer
- Winner
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Final score
- Cincinnati Bengals 38–31 Pittsburgh Steelers
- Halftime
- Cincinnati Bengals 21–17 Pittsburgh Steelers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- H. Ward
- Top passer
- B. Roethlisberger
- Biggest EPA play
- 3-J.Reed kicks 67 yards from PIT 30 to CIN 3. 88-T.Perry to PIT 3 for 94 yards (24-I.Taylo…
- Game date
- 2005-12-04
Game summary
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 38–31 on 2005-12-04. H. Ward posted a game-high +13.06 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 21 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 38 | |
| 14 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +13.06 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.45 EPA/play - 2
T. Houshmandzadeh · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +11.19 total EPA · 5 snaps · +2.24 EPA/play - 3
B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +7.77 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play - 4
C. Palmer · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +7.30 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play - 5

Roschon Johnson · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +6.36 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play - 6
C. Henry · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +6.25 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.25 EPA/play - 7
A.Randle El · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.27 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play - 8
Q. Morgan · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.80 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.80 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
H. Ward — PIT · Receiving
H. Ward posted the highest total EPA (+13.06) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +1.45 EPA per play.
H. Ward's top snap (-4.09 EPA): (9:08) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 86-H.Ward INTERCEPTED by 51-O.Thurman at CIN 46. 51-O.Thurman to PIT 49 for 5 yards (86-H.Ward).
Biggest single play (+5.88 EPA): Joe Reed — 3-J.Reed kicks 67 yards from PIT 30 to CIN 3. 88-T.Perry to PIT 3 for 94 yards (24-I.Taylor).
Quarterback report card
B. Roethlisberger led all passers in efficiency for Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 46 dropbacks · 63.0% completion · +0.17 EPA/play · +7.77 total EPA
C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) · 39 dropbacks · 56.4% completion · +0.19 EPA/play · +7.30 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.233 | +0.086 |
| Offensive success rate | 52.9% | 59.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.187 | +0.169 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.304 | -0.207 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.086 | -0.233 |
| Defensive success rate | 40.7% | 47.1% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Cincinnati Bengals generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.23 vs +0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Cincinnati Bengals: +0.23 EPA/play (93rd percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
- Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.09 EPA/play (72nd percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: 13 drives, +19.79 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 13 drives, +7.85 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis
Cincinnati Bengals — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass)
Pittsburgh Steelers — Q. Morgan (B. Roethlisberger pass) 
Cincinnati Bengals — Ryan Kelly (C. Palmer pass)
Cincinnati Bengals — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass)
Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass) 
Cincinnati Bengals — Roschon Johnson 
Cincinnati Bengals — Roschon Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass)
Field goals

Pittsburgh Steelers — Joe Reed
Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q1 4:50) — (4:50) #72 Brooks is an eligible receiver 36-J.Bettis left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q1 4:45) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 43 (Q1 3:29) — (3:29) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 3:22) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 25 (Q1 0:19) — (:19) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 11-Q.Morgan for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q1 0:13) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..
The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 14–3. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q2 10:12) — (10:12) #76 Jones is an eligible receiver 9-C.Palmer pass to 82-R.Kelly for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q2 10:08) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 6 (Q2 7:02) — (7:02) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q2 6:57) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 5 (Q2 0:02) — (:02) 3-J.Reed 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..
The third quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 10–7. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the PIT 12 (Q3 11:01) — (11:01) 17-S.Graham 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 20 (Q3 9:11) — (9:11) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q3 9:05) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q3 8:01) — (8:01) 32-R.Johnson right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 7:57) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 14 (Q4 6:16) — (6:16) 32-R.Johnson right end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 6:09) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 6 (Q4 3:04) — (3:04) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q4 2:59) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 9:05) — 3-J.Reed kicks 67 yards from PIT 30 to CIN 3. 88-T.Perry to PIT 3 for 94 yards (24-I.Taylor).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 9:11) — (9:11) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 3:29) — (3:29) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 9:08) — (9:08) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 86-H.Ward INTERCEPTED by 51-O.Thurman at CIN 46. 51-O.Thurman to PIT 49 for 5 yards (86-H.Ward).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 9:15) — (9:15) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 11-Q.Morgan INTERCEPTED by 56-B.Simmons at CIN 47. 56-B.Simmons to PIT 37 for 16 yards (66-A.Faneca). PENALTY on PIT-82-A.Randle El, Low Block, 15
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 9:05) — 3-J.Reed kicks 67 yards from PIT 30 to CIN 3. 88-T.Perry to PIT 3 for 94 yards (24-I.Taylor).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 3:29) — (3:29) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 9:08) — (9:08) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 86-H.Ward INTERCEPTED by 51-O.Thurman at CIN 46. 51-O.Thurman to PIT 49 for 5 yards (86-H.Ward).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 9:15) — (9:15) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 11-Q.Morgan INTERCEPTED by 56-B.Simmons at CIN 47. 56-B.Simmons to PIT 37 for 16 yards (66-A.Faneca). PENALTY on PIT-82-A.Randle El, Low Block, 15
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 4:50 · CIN 1 · Score 0-6
(4:50) #72 Brooks is an eligible receiver 36-J.Bettis left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 4:45 · CIN 2 · Score 0-7
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 3:29 · PIT 43 · Score 6-7
(3:29) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 3:22 · PIT 2 · Score 7-7
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 0:19 · CIN 25 · Score 7-13
(:19) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 11-Q.Morgan for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 0:13 · CIN 2 · Score 7-14
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 10:12 · PIT 1 · Score 13-14
(10:12) #76 Jones is an eligible receiver 9-C.Palmer pass to 82-R.Kelly for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 10:08 · PIT 2 · Score 14-14
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 7:02 · PIT 6 · Score 20-14
(7:02) 9-C.Palmer pass to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 6:57 · PIT 2 · Score 21-14
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 0:02 · CIN 5 · Score 21-17
(:02) 3-J.Reed 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q3 11:01 · PIT 12 · Score 24-17
(11:01) 17-S.Graham 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 9:11 · CIN 20 · Score 24-23
(9:11) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 9:05 · CIN 2 · Score 24-24
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 8:01 · PIT 1 · Score 30-24
(8:01) 32-R.Johnson right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q3 7:57 · PIT 2 · Score 31-24
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 6:16 · PIT 14 · Score 37-24
(6:16) 32-R.Johnson right end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 6:09 · PIT 2 · Score 38-24
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 3:04 · CIN 6 · Score 38-30
(3:04) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 2:59 · CIN 2 · Score 38-31
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Cincinnati Bengals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- H. Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers on 2005-12-04?
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 38-31 in Week 13, 2005.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 14; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 14, Pittsburgh Steelers 3; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 10, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 38, Pittsburgh Steelers 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q1 4:50) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 3:29) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — Q. Morgan (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 0:19) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — R. Kelly (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 10:12) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 7:02) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 9:11) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — R. Johnson (Q3 8:01) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — R. Johnson (Q4 6:16) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 3:04) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q2 0:02, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q3 11:01, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 63.0% completion, +0.17 EPA per dropback, +7.77 total passing EPA. C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), 56.4% completion, +0.19 EPA per dropback, +7.30 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
H. Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +13.06 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 9 snaps. Their top snap (-4.09 EPA): (9:08) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 86-H.Ward INTERCEPTED by 51-O.Thurman at CIN 46. 51-O.Thurman to PIT 49 for 5 yards (86-H.Ward)..
Was Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Cincinnati Bengals won 38-31 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 8-3 Now 9-3 W
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 7-4 Now 7-5 L