Game story
In Week 18 of the 2015 NFL season on 2016-01-09, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 18–16 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 19 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
A. McCarron (Cincinnati Bengals) paced the passing game, with -6.78 total EPA, and -5.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Green (Cincinnati Bengals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.58 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-31.4% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers changed the game: (1:43) (Shotgun) 3-L.Jones pass short middle intended for 11-M.Wheaton INTERCEPTED by 55-V.Burfict at PIT 26. 55-V.Burfict to PIT 26 for no gain (11-M.Wheaton). CIN-95-W.Gilberry was injured during th
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 6 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Green · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.58 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
- 2 A. Brown · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.32 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
- 3 M. Bryant · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +2.96 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.96 EPA/play
- 4 F. Toussaint · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +2.61 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 5 M. Sanu · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.44 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 6 M. Bryant · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +1.00 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 7 T. Eifert · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +0.70 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.08 EPA/play
- 8 J. Hill · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +0.48 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Green — CIN · Receiving
A. Green posted the highest total EPA (+5.58) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Cincinnati Bengals's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +0.70 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.70 EPA) came from Cincinnati Bengals: (12:20) (Shotgun) 5-A.McCarron sacked at PIT 37 for -8 yards (95-J.Jones). FUMBLES (95-J.Jones), RECOVERED by PIT-93-C.Thomas at PIT 40. 93-C.Thomas to CIN 49 for 11 yards (65-C.Boling). FUMBLES (65-C.Boling), recovered
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Bryant (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Hill
- Cincinnati Bengals — A. Green (A. McCarron pass)
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Boswell
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Boswell
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Boswell
- Cincinnati Bengals — M. Nugent
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Boswell
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 6–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 21 (Q2 32:32) — (2:32) 9-C.Boswell 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 12 (Q2 30:37) — (:37) 9-C.Boswell 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 9–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 17 (Q3 25:13) — (10:13) 9-C.Boswell 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 10 (Q3 20:08).
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 16–3. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q4 14:00) — (14:00) 32-J.Hill right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q4 13:57) — 2-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the PIT 17 (Q4 5:17) — (5:17) 2-M.Nugent 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 25 (Q4 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 5-A.McCarron pass deep left to 18-A.Green for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 17 (Q4 0:18) — (:18) 9-C.Boswell 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 1:43) — (1:43) (Shotgun) 3-L.Jones pass short middle intended for 11-M.Wheaton INTERCEPTED by 55-V.Burfict at PIT 26. 55-V.Burfict to PIT 26 for no gain (11-M.Wheaton). CIN-95-W.Gilberry was injured during th
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:28) — (:28) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 84-A.Brown to CIN 47 for 12 yards (29-L.Hall).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 1:36) — (1:36) 32-J.Hill right guard to PIT 20 for 6 yards (50-R.Shazier; 95-J.Jones). FUMBLES (50-R.Shazier), RECOVERED by PIT-31-R.Cockrell at PIT 12. 31-R.Cockrell to PIT 9 for -3 yards (65-C.Boling; 18-A.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 5-A.McCarron pass deep left to 18-A.Green for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 5-A.McCarron pass incomplete deep right to 18-A.Green (50-R.Shazier).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 27:20) — (12:20) (Shotgun) 5-A.McCarron sacked at PIT 37 for -8 yards (95-J.Jones). FUMBLES (95-J.Jones), RECOVERED by PIT-93-C.Thomas at PIT 40. 93-C.Thomas to CIN 49 for 11 yards (65-C.Boling). FUMBLES (65-C
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 35:56) — (5:56) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 11-M.Wheaton to CIN 48 for -2 yards (55-V.Burfict). FUMBLES (55-V.Burfict), RECOVERED by CIN-43-G.Iloka at CIN 47. 43-G.Iloka to CIN 47 for no g
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 21:43) — (6:43) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 84-A.Brown to CIN 10 for 60 yards (43-G.Iloka; 27-D.Kirkpatrick).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 16:43) — (1:43) (Shotgun) 5-A.McCarron pass short right to 25-G.Bernard to PIT 21 for 2 yards (50-R.Shazier). Pittsburgh challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 5
Quarterback report card
A.McCarron led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- A.McCarron (Cincinnati Bengals) · 50 dropbacks · 46.0% completion · -5.2% CPOE · -0.14 EPA/play · -6.78 total EPA
- B.Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 38 dropbacks · 47.4% completion · -6.0% CPOE · -0.00 EPA/play · -0.19 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.120 | -0.170 |
| Offensive success rate | 38.5% | 35.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.202 | -0.136 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.028 | -0.306 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.170 | +0.120 |
| Defensive success rate | 64.8% | 61.5% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.12 vs -0.17), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 15 drives, -14.97 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 14 drives, -10.92 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.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- A. Green (Cincinnati Bengals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- A. McCarron (CIN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- B. Roethlisberger (PIT) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 32:32 · CIN 21 · Score 3-0
(2:32) 9-C.Boswell 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 30:37 · CIN 12 · Score 6-0
(:37) 9-C.Boswell 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q3 25:13 · CIN 17 · Score 9-0
(10:13) 9-C.Boswell 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 20:08 · CIN 10 · Score 15-0
(5:08) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 10-M.Bryant for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the pl - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 14:00 · PIT 1 · Score 15-6
(14:00) 32-J.Hill right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 13:57 · PIT 15 · Score 15-7
2-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 5:17 · PIT 17 · Score 15-10
(5:17) 2-M.Nugent 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 1:56 · PIT 25 · Score 15-16
(1:56) (Shotgun) 5-A.McCarron pass deep left to 18-A.Green for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 0:18 · CIN 17 · Score 18-16
(:18) 9-C.Boswell 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 18-16 in Week 18, 2015 on 2016-01-09.
What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 18, Cincinnati Bengals 16 (PIT 18-16 CIN) in Week 18, 2015 on 2016-01-09.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 6, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 9, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cincinnati Bengals 16; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 18, Cincinnati Bengals 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — M. Bryant (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 20:08) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Hill (Q4 14:00) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — A. Green (A. McCarron pass) (Q4 1:56) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 32:32, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 30:37, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q3 25:13, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — M. Nugent (Q4 5:17, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q4 0:18, 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?
A. McCarron (Cincinnati Bengals), 46.0% completion, -5.2% CPOE, -0.14 EPA per dropback, -6.78 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 47.4% completion, -6.0% CPOE, -0.00 EPA per dropback, -0.19 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
A. Green (Cincinnati Bengals) led the game in total EPA with +5.58 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.70 EPA): (12:20) (Shotgun) 5-A.McCarron sacked at PIT 37 for -8 yards (95-J.Jones). FUMBLES (95-J.Jones), RECOVERED by PIT-93-C.Thomas at PIT 40. 93-C.Thomas to CIN 49 for 11 yards (65-C.Bo. The biggest win-probability swing was -31.4%.
Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 2 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 18-16 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 10-6 Now 11-6 W
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 12-4 Now 12-5 L
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