Game story
In Week 11 of the 2008 NFL season on 2008-11-16, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 11–10 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 7 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) paced the passing game, with +4.84 total EPA, and +12.0% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, H. Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.94 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-22.3% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (:05) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 21-L.Tomlinson to LAC 24 for 3 yards. Lateral to 89-C.Chambers to LAC 26 for 2 yards (43-T.Polamalu). FUMBLES (43-T.Polamalu), RECOVERED by PIT-43-T.Po
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 0 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 11 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +8.94 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play
- 2 B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +4.84 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 3 L. Tomlinson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.40 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.47 EPA/play
- 4 M. Spaeth · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.14 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
- 5 S. Holmes · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.13 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play
- 6 M. Floyd · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.91 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.45 EPA/play
- 7 V. Jackson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.63 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.32 EPA/play
- 8 B. Manumaleuna · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.19 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.19 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
H. Ward — PIT · Receiving
H. Ward posted the highest total EPA (+8.94) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 11 counted snaps, they averaged +0.81 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.64 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (1:33) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Harrison at PIT 10. 92-J.Harrison to PIT 43 for 33 yards (73-M.McNeill).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — L. Tomlinson
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Retkofsky
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Retkofsky
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Retkofsky
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the PIT 3 (Q1 51:50) — (6:50) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 51:46) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 5–0. Pittsburgh Steelers registered a safety from the PIT 97 (Q2 44:54); Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the LAC 3 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-5-P.Ernster..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 3–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the LAC 23 (Q3 23:45) — (8:45) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-5-P.Ernster..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the PIT 4 (Q4 6:44) — (6:44) (Field Goal formation) 10-N.Kaeding 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the LAC 14 (Q4 0:15) — (:15) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-5-P.Ernster..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:05) — (:05) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 21-L.Tomlinson to LAC 24 for 3 yards. Lateral to 89-C.Chambers to LAC 26 for 2 yards (43-T.Polamalu). FUMBLES (43-T.Polamalu), RECOVERED by PIT-43-T.Po
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 31:33) — (1:33) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Harrison at PIT 10. 92-J.Harrison to PIT 43 for 33 yards (73-M.McNeill).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 19:26) — (4:26) (Field Goal formation) 10-N.Kaeding 42 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:15) — (:15) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-5-P.Ernster.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 22:49) — (7:49) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short right to 21-L.Tomlinson pushed ob at PIT 42 for 26 yards (43-T.Polamalu).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 31:33) — (1:33) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Harrison at PIT 10. 92-J.Harrison to PIT 43 for 33 yards (73-M.McNeill).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 58:09) — (13:09) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right intended for 83-V.Jackson INTERCEPTED by 43-T.Polamalu (24-I.Taylor) at PIT 37. 43-T.Polamalu to LAC 42 for 21 yards (61-N.Hardwick). Penalty on PIT-51-J.Farrior, I
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 19:26) — (4:26) (Field Goal formation) 10-N.Kaeding 42 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 45:16) — (:16) #78 Starks reports as eligible receiver. 21-M.Moore left guard to LAC 2 for -1 yards (59-B.Siler, 23-Q.Jammer).
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) · 45 dropbacks · 68.9% completion · +12.0% CPOE · +0.11 EPA/play · +4.84 total EPA
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 31 dropbacks · 48.4% completion · -4.6% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.18 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.057 | -0.061 |
| Offensive success rate | 52.4% | 48.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.006 | +0.108 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.064 | -0.145 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.061 | +0.057 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.6% | 47.6% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Los Angeles Chargers -0.06, Pittsburgh Steelers -0.06) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 9 drives, -3.60 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 9 drives, -5.55 total EPA, 3 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.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- H. Ward (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.
- P. Rivers (LAC) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 51:50 · PIT 3 · Score 6-0
(6:50) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 51:46 · PIT 2 · Score 7-0
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Pittsburgh Steelers Safety (+2) — Q2 44:54 · PIT 97 · Score 7-2
(14:54) 17-P.Rivers sacked at LAC 0 for -3 yards (92-J.Harrison). FUMBLES (92-J.Harrison), recovered by LAC-73-M.McNeill at LAC 0. 73-M.McNeill tackled in End Z - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · LAC 3 · Score 7-5
(:03) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-5-P.Ernster. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q3 23:45 · LAC 23 · Score 7-8
(8:45) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-5-P.Ernster. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 6:44 · PIT 4 · Score 10-8
(6:44) (Field Goal formation) 10-N.Kaeding 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 0:15 · LAC 14 · Score 10-11
(:15) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-5-P.Ernster.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 11-10 in Week 11, 2008 on 2008-11-16.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 10, Pittsburgh Steelers 11 (LAC 10-11 PIT) in Week 11, 2008 on 2008-11-16.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 0; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 5; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 3; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Pittsburgh Steelers 3; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Pittsburgh Steelers 11.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Tomlinson (Q1 51:50) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Retkofsky (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Retkofsky (Q3 23:45, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q4 6:44, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Retkofsky (Q4 0:15, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 68.9% completion, +12.0% CPOE, +0.11 EPA per dropback, +4.84 total passing EPA. P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 48.4% completion, -4.6% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.18 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
H. Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +8.94 on receiving plays. across 11 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.64 EPA): (1:33) 17-P.Rivers pass short left intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Harrison at PIT 10. 92-J.Harrison to PIT 43 for 33 yards (73-M.McNeill).. The biggest win-probability swing was -22.3%.
Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 11-10 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 4-5 Now 4-6 L
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 6-3 Now 7-3 W
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