Game story
In Week 17 of the 2005 NFL season on 2006-01-01, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Detroit Lions, pulling away with a 35–21 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 28 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Harrington (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with +9.92 total EPA.
On the individual side, J. Harrington (Detroit Lions) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.92 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+21.6% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Detroit Lions changed the game: (4:46) 3-J.Harrington pass to 24-S.Bryson to PIT 10 for 63 yards (26-D.Townsend). PENALTY on PIT-26-D.Townsend, Face Mask (15 Yards), 5 yards, enforced at PIT 10.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 14 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 14 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Harrington · Detroit Lions · Passing · +9.92 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
- 2 M. Pollard · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +8.47 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.12 EPA/play
- 3 S. Bryson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +6.60 total EPA · 1 snaps · +6.60 EPA/play
- 4 J. Bettis · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +6.60 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
- 5 R. Williams · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +5.65 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.88 EPA/play
- 6 S. Vines · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.93 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play
- 7 H. Miller · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.78 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.26 EPA/play
- 8 H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.01 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.01 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Harrington — DET · Passing
J. Harrington posted the highest total EPA (+9.92) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Detroit Lions's efficiency. Across 37 counted snaps, they averaged +0.27 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.60 EPA) came from Detroit Lions: (4:46) 3-J.Harrington pass to 24-S.Bryson to PIT 10 for 63 yards (26-D.Townsend). PENALTY on PIT-26-D.Townsend, Face Mask (15 Yards), 5 yards, enforced at PIT 10.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — N. Harris
- Detroit Lions — M. Pollard (J. Harrington pass)
- Detroit Lions — C. Schlesinger (J. Harrington pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis
- Detroit Lions — R. Williams (J. Harrington pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — B. Roethlisberger
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 14–14. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the PIT 66 (Q1 59:01) — (14:01) 2-N.Harris punts 47 yards to PIT 19, Center-67-D.Muhlbach. 82-A.Randle El for 81 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 58:43) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the PIT 11 (Q1 54:49) — (9:49) 3-J.Harrington pass to 81-M.Pollard for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 54:43) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q1 48:37) — (3:37) 3-J.Harrington pass to 30-C.Schlesinger for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 48:33) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q1 45:25) — (:25) #72 is an eligible receiver 36-J.Bettis up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 45:21) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DET 5 (Q2 31:16) — (1:16) 36-J.Bettis up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 31:11) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DET 4 (Q3 26:05) — (11:05) 36-J.Bettis up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q3 26:00) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the PIT 15 (Q3 20:38) — (5:38) (Shotgun) 3-J.Harrington pass to 11-R.Williams for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 20:32) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DET 7 (Q3 15:49) — (:49) 7-B.Roethlisberger left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q3 15:42) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 49:46) — (4:46) 3-J.Harrington pass to 24-S.Bryson to PIT 10 for 63 yards (26-D.Townsend). PENALTY on PIT-26-D.Townsend, Face Mask (15 Yards), 5 yards, enforced at PIT 10.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 32:50) — (2:50) 17-C.Gardocki punts 48 yards to DET 31, Center-60-G.Warren. 18-E.Drummond to DET 38 for 7 yards (29-C.Iwuoma). FUMBLES (29-C.Iwuoma), RECOVERED by PIT-99-B.Keisel at DET 37. 99-B.Keisel to DET
- Detroit Lions (Q1 59:01) — (14:01) 2-N.Harris punts 47 yards to PIT 19, Center-67-D.Muhlbach. 82-A.Randle El for 81 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 45:25) — (:25) #72 is an eligible receiver 36-J.Bettis up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 56:03) — (11:03) (Shotgun) 3-J.Harrington pass to 81-M.Pollard to PIT 23 for 27 yards (55-J.Porter).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 49:46) — (4:46) 3-J.Harrington pass to 24-S.Bryson to PIT 10 for 63 yards (26-D.Townsend). PENALTY on PIT-26-D.Townsend, Face Mask (15 Yards), 5 yards, enforced at PIT 10.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 59:01) — (14:01) 2-N.Harris punts 47 yards to PIT 19, Center-67-D.Muhlbach. 82-A.Randle El for 81 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 56:03) — (11:03) (Shotgun) 3-J.Harrington pass to 81-M.Pollard to PIT 23 for 27 yards (55-J.Porter).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 32:50) — (2:50) 17-C.Gardocki punts 48 yards to DET 31, Center-60-G.Warren. 18-E.Drummond to DET 38 for 7 yards (29-C.Iwuoma). FUMBLES (29-C.Iwuoma), RECOVERED by PIT-99-B.Keisel at DET 37. 99-B.Keisel to DET
Quarterback report card
J.Harrington led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Harrington (Detroit Lions) · 37 dropbacks · 45.9% completion · +0.27 EPA/play · +9.92 total EPA
- B.Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 20 dropbacks · 35.0% completion · +0.14 EPA/play · +2.78 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Detroit Lions | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.096 | +0.243 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.4% | 53.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.268 | +0.139 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.044 | +0.219 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.243 | -0.096 |
| Defensive success rate | 46.1% | 52.6% |
By the numbers
Pittsburgh Steelers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.24 vs +0.10), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Detroit Lions: 10 drives, +7.50 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 12 drives, +18.50 total EPA, 4 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.
- J. Harrington (Detroit Lions) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 59:01 · PIT 66 · Score 0-6
(14:01) 2-N.Harris punts 47 yards to PIT 19, Center-67-D.Muhlbach. 82-A.Randle El for 81 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 58:43 · DET 2 · Score 0-7
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q1 54:49 · PIT 11 · Score 6-7
(9:49) 3-J.Harrington pass to 81-M.Pollard for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q1 54:43 · PIT 2 · Score 7-7
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q1 48:37 · PIT 1 · Score 13-7
(3:37) 3-J.Harrington pass to 30-C.Schlesinger for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q1 48:33 · PIT 2 · Score 14-7
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 45:25 · DET 1 · Score 14-13
(:25) #72 is an eligible receiver 36-J.Bettis up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 45:21 · DET 2 · Score 14-14
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 31:16 · DET 5 · Score 14-20
(1:16) 36-J.Bettis up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 31:11 · DET 2 · Score 14-21
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 26:05 · DET 4 · Score 14-27
(11:05) 36-J.Bettis up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 26:00 · DET 2 · Score 14-28
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 20:38 · PIT 15 · Score 20-28
(5:38) (Shotgun) 3-J.Harrington pass to 11-R.Williams for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 20:32 · PIT 2 · Score 21-28
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 15:49 · DET 7 · Score 21-34
(:49) 7-B.Roethlisberger left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 15:42 · DET 2 · Score 21-35
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Detroit Lions 35-21 in Week 17, 2005 on 2006-01-01.
What was the final score of Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The final score was Detroit Lions 21, Pittsburgh Steelers 35 (DET 21-35 PIT) in Week 17, 2005 on 2006-01-01.
What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Q1: Detroit Lions 14, Pittsburgh Steelers 14; Q2: Detroit Lions 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q3: Detroit Lions 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 14; Final: Detroit Lions 21, Pittsburgh Steelers 35.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — N. Harris (Q1 59:01) Detroit Lions touchdown — M. Pollard (J. Harrington pass) (Q1 54:49) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Schlesinger (J. Harrington pass) (Q1 48:37) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q1 45:25) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q2 31:16) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q3 26:05) Detroit Lions touchdown — R. Williams (J. Harrington pass) (Q3 20:38) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — B. Roethlisberger (Q3 15:49) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
J. Harrington (Detroit Lions), 45.9% completion, +0.27 EPA per dropback, +9.92 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 35.0% completion, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +2.78 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
J. Harrington (Detroit Lions) led the game in total EPA with +9.92 on passing plays. across 37 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.60 EPA): (4:46) 3-J.Harrington pass to 24-S.Bryson to PIT 10 for 63 yards (26-D.Townsend). PENALTY on PIT-26-D.Townsend, Face Mask (15 Yards), 5 yards, enforced at PIT 10.. The biggest win-probability swing was +21.6%.
Season records after this game
Detroit Lions
Entered 5-10 Now 5-11 L
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 10-5 Now 11-5 W
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