Game story
In Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-11-26, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 16–10 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 12 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
K. Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers) paced the passing game, with +10.78 total EPA, and +9.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, P. Freiermuth (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.81 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-32.1% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Cincinnati Bengals changed the game: (6:30) 10-B.Robbins punts 44 yards to PIT 40, Center-48-C.Adomitis. 19-C.Austin pushed ob at PIT 45 for 5 yards (80-A.Iosivas).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 3 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 P. Freiermuth · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +10.81 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play
- 2 K. Pickett · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +10.78 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
- 3 G. Pickens · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +2.92 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 4 T. Irwin · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.59 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.59 EPA/play
- 5 N. Harris · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +2.30 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
- 6 D. Sample · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.08 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.08 EPA/play
- 7 A. Iosivas · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.05 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 8 J. Mixon · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.93 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
P. Freiermuth — PIT · Receiving
P. Freiermuth posted the highest total EPA (+10.81) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 11 counted snaps, they averaged +0.98 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.63 EPA) came from Pittsburgh Steelers: (4:45) (Shotgun) 30-J.Warren left guard to CIN 13 for 2 yards (98-D.Reader, 95-Z.Carter). FUMBLES (95-Z.Carter), touched at CIN 14, RECOVERED by CIN-20-D.Turner at CIN 11. 20-D.Turner to CIN 39 for 28 yards (83-Co.Heywar
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cincinnati Bengals — D. Sample (J. Browning pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — N. Harris
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Boswell
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Boswell
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Boswell
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Boswell
- Cincinnati Bengals — E. McPherson
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 7–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 23 (Q2 42:44) — (12:44) 9-C.Boswell 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 11 (Q2 40:36) — (10:36) 6-J.Browning pass short left to 89-D.Sample for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q2 40:30) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 5 (Q3 16:38) — (1:38) 22-N.Harris left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q3 16:34) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin..
The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 9–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 16 (Q4 8:08) — (8:08) 9-C.Boswell 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 15 (Q4 2:55) — (2:55) 9-C.Boswell 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the PIT 35 (Q4 2:51) — 9-C.Boswell kicks 65 yards from PIT 35 to end zone, Touchback.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the PIT 28 (Q4 2:09) — (2:09) 2-E.McPherson 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 36:30) — (6:30) 10-B.Robbins punts 44 yards to PIT 40, Center-48-C.Adomitis. 19-C.Austin pushed ob at PIT 45 for 5 yards (80-A.Iosivas).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2) — Timeout.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 49:45) — (4:45) (Shotgun) 30-J.Warren left guard to CIN 13 for 2 yards (98-D.Reader, 95-Z.Carter). FUMBLES (95-Z.Carter), touched at CIN 14, RECOVERED by CIN-20-D.Turner at CIN 11. 20-D.Turner to CIN 39 for 28
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 52:08) — (7:08) (Shotgun) 8-K.Pickett pass deep middle to 88-P.Freiermuth to CIN 33 for 29 yards (33-N.Scott).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 44:21) — (14:21) (Shotgun) 8-K.Pickett pass deep right to 18-D.Johnson to CIN 23 for 39 yards (20-D.Turner).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 49:45) — (4:45) (Shotgun) 30-J.Warren left guard to CIN 13 for 2 yards (98-D.Reader, 95-Z.Carter). FUMBLES (95-Z.Carter), touched at CIN 14, RECOVERED by CIN-20-D.Turner at CIN 11. 20-D.Turner to CIN 39 for 28
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2) — Timeout.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 24:30) — (9:30) (Shotgun) 6-J.Browning pass short left intended for 1-J.Chase INTERCEPTED by 17-T.Thompson at PIT 15. 17-T.Thompson pushed ob at PIT 21 for 6 yards (1-J.Chase).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 36:30) — (6:30) 10-B.Robbins punts 44 yards to PIT 40, Center-48-C.Adomitis. 19-C.Austin pushed ob at PIT 45 for 5 yards (80-A.Iosivas).
Quarterback report card
K.Pickett led all passers in efficiency for Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- K.Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 40 dropbacks · 60.0% completion · +9.2% CPOE · +0.27 EPA/play · +10.78 total EPA
- J.Browning (Cincinnati Bengals) · 33 dropbacks · 57.6% completion · +2.3% CPOE · -0.13 EPA/play · -4.16 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.030 | -0.118 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.4% | 38.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.270 | -0.126 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.234 | -0.539 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.118 | -0.030 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.7% | 56.6% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.03 vs -0.12), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 10 drives, -7.09 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 drives, +2.45 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.
- P. Freiermuth (Pittsburgh Steelers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- K. Pickett (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 FG (+3) — Q2 42:44 · CIN 23 · Score 3-0
(12:44) 9-C.Boswell 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 40:36 · PIT 11 · Score 3-6
(10:36) 6-J.Browning pass short left to 89-D.Sample for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 40:30 · PIT 15 · Score 3-7
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 16:38 · CIN 5 · Score 9-7
(1:38) 22-N.Harris left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 16:34 · CIN 15 · Score 10-7
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 8:08 · CIN 16 · Score 13-7
(8:08) 9-C.Boswell 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 2:55 · CIN 15 · Score 16-7
(2:55) 9-C.Boswell 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 2:51 · PIT 35 · Score 16-7
9-C.Boswell kicks 65 yards from PIT 35 to end zone, Touchback. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 2:09 · PIT 28 · Score 16-10
(2:09) 2-E.McPherson 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-10-B.Robbins.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 16-10 in Week 12, 2023 on 2023-11-26.
What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Cincinnati Bengals 10 (PIT 16-10 CIN) in Week 12, 2023 on 2023-11-26.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cincinnati Bengals 7; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 9, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Cincinnati Bengals 10.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — D. Sample (J. Browning pass) (Q2 40:36) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — N. Harris (Q3 16:38) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 42:44, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q4 8:08, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q4 2:55, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q4 2:51, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — E. McPherson (Q4 2:09, 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?
K. Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers), 60.0% completion, +9.2% CPOE, +0.27 EPA per dropback, +10.78 total passing EPA. J. Browning (Cincinnati Bengals), 57.6% completion, +2.3% CPOE, -0.13 EPA per dropback, -4.16 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
P. Freiermuth (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +10.81 on receiving plays. across 11 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.63 EPA): (4:45) (Shotgun) 30-J.Warren left guard to CIN 13 for 2 yards (98-D.Reader, 95-Z.Carter). FUMBLES (95-Z.Carter), touched at CIN 14, RECOVERED by CIN-20-D.Turner at CIN 11. 20-D.Tur. The biggest win-probability swing was -32.1%.
Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 16-10 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 6-4 Now 7-4 W
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 5-5 Now 5-6 L
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