Game story
In Week 17 of the 2006 NFL season on 2006-12-31, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 23–17 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) paced the passing game, with +12.49 total EPA, and +1.7% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +14.22 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+44.4% win probability) landed in overtime when Pittsburgh Steelers changed the game: (13:38) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q4 | OT | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +14.22 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 2 C. Palmer · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +12.49 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 3 S. Holmes · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +10.11 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.53 EPA/play
- 4 C. Henry · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +7.66 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.92 EPA/play
- 5 C. Johnson · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.94 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.48 EPA/play
- 6 H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.86 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.17 EPA/play
- 7 T. Houshmandzadeh · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.82 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.21 EPA/play
- 8 C. Wilson · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +2.99 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.00 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 (+14.22) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 31 counted snaps, they averaged +0.46 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.95 EPA) came from Pittsburgh Steelers: (13:38) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — W. Parker
- Cincinnati Bengals — C. Henry (C. Palmer pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — W. Parker
- Cincinnati Bengals — T. Stewart (C. Palmer pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — S. Holmes (B. Roethlisberger pass)
Field goals
- Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Reed
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–3. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q2 41:05) — (11:05) 39-W.Parker left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q2 41:01) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the PIT 16 (Q2 30:11) — (:11) 17-S.Graham 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 14–10. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 66 (Q4 12:33) — (12:33) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 15-C.Henry for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 12:20) — 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 1 (Q4 7:31) — (7:31) 39-W.Parker right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q4 7:27) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 5 (Q4 2:54) — (2:54) 9-C.Palmer pass to 86-T.Stewart for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 2:47); Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 17 (Q4 1:07) — (1:07) 3-J.Reed 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..
Overtime: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 6–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 67 (OT 13:38) — (13:38) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (OT 13:38) — (13:38) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 12:33) — (12:33) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 15-C.Henry for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:12) — (:12) 17-S.Graham 39 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 4:17) — (4:17) 9-C.Palmer pass incomplete deep middle to 15-C.Henry. PENALTY on PIT-26-D.Townsend, Defensive Pass Interference, 21 yards, enforced at PIT 28 - No Play.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 2:07) — (2:07) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 10-S.Holmes to CIN 28 for 34 yards (34-K.Kaesviharn; 28-D.Jackson).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (OT 13:38) — (13:38) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 13:34) — (13:34) 39-W.Parker up the middle to CIN 2 for 7 yards (59-L.Johnson). FUMBLES (59-L.Johnson), RECOVERED by CIN-28-D.Jackson at CIN -5. Touchback.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 12:33) — (12:33) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 15-C.Henry for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 51:25) — (6:25) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 20-T.James [90-J.Smith] at CIN 20. 20-T.James to CIN 48 for 28 yards (66-A.Faneca; 73-K.Simmons).
Quarterback report card
C.Palmer led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) · 38 dropbacks · 52.6% completion · +1.7% CPOE · +0.33 EPA/play · +12.49 total EPA
- B.Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 31 dropbacks · 61.3% completion · +14.0% CPOE · +0.46 EPA/play · +14.22 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.177 | +0.092 |
| Offensive success rate | 58.4% | 43.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.459 | +0.329 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.015 | -0.184 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.092 | -0.177 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.8% | 41.6% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.18 vs +0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 11 drives, +6.81 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 12 drives, +15.76 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.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- 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.
- Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 41:05 · CIN 1 · Score 6-0
(11:05) 39-W.Parker left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 41:01 · CIN 2 · Score 7-0
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 30:11 · PIT 16 · Score 7-3
(:11) 17-S.Graham 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 12:33 · PIT 66 · Score 7-9
(12:33) 9-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 15-C.Henry for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 12:20 · PIT 2 · Score 7-10
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 7:31 · CIN 1 · Score 13-10
(7:31) 39-W.Parker right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 7:27 · CIN 2 · Score 14-10
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 2:54 · PIT 5 · Score 14-16
(2:54) 9-C.Palmer pass to 86-T.Stewart for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 2:47 · PIT 2 · Score 14-17
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. PENALTY on PIT-26-D.Townsend, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between do - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 1:07 · CIN 17 · Score 17-17
(1:07) 3-J.Reed 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — OT 13:38 · CIN 67 · Score 23-17
(13:38) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-17 in Week 17, 2006 on 2006-12-31.
What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 23, Cincinnati Bengals 17 (PIT 23-17 CIN) in Week 17, 2006 on 2006-12-31.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 10, Cincinnati Bengals 14; Q5: Pittsburgh Steelers 6, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 23, Cincinnati Bengals 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — W. Parker (Q2 41:05) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Henry (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 12:33) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — W. Parker (Q4 7:31) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Stewart (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 2:54) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — S. Holmes (B. Roethlisberger pass) (OT 13:38) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q2 30:11, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q4 1:07, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), 52.6% completion, +1.7% CPOE, +0.33 EPA per dropback, +12.49 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 61.3% completion, +14.0% CPOE, +0.46 EPA per dropback, +14.22 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +14.22 on passing plays. across 31 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.95 EPA): (13:38) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +44.4%.
Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 23-17 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 7-8 Now 8-8 W
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 8-7 Now 8-8 L
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