FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 17 · January 2, 2011 · 11 min read

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns: 2010 Week 17 Recap

Steelers defeat Browns 41–9 in Week 17

B.Roethlisberger led Fantasy Impact as Steelers prevailed in a 41–9 Week 17 finish.

Pittsburgh Steelers 41 12–4 Winner
Final 41–9
Cleveland Browns 9 5–11
Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
41–9
Halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers 31–3 Cleveland Browns
Top passer
Colt McCoy
FantasyHQ MVP
B.Roethlisberger
Game date
January 2, 2011

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • B.Roethlisberger 15/24 · 298 YDS · 2 TD +22.3 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Wallace 3 REC · 105 YDS · 1 TD +9.0 Fantasy Impact
  • H.Ward 5 REC · 45 YDS · 1 TD +5.7 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Browns

  • J.Cribbs 3 REC · 37 YDS +2.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Colt McCoy
    Colt McCoy 2 CAR · 4 YDS +1.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Markquese Bell
    Markquese Bell 4 REC · 14 YDS +0.9 Fantasy Impact

Game story

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 41–9 in Week 17 of the 2010 NFL season on 2011-01-02, a matchup that controlled the game from start to finish. The decisive swing (+14.4% win probability) came in the opening quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers swung the momentum.

In Week 17 of the 2010 NFL season on 2011-01-02, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Cleveland Browns, pulling away with a 41–9 final that controlled the game from start to finish.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

C. McCoy (Cleveland Browns) paced the passing game, with -6.41 total EPA, and -10.1% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +22.28 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+14.4% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers changed the game: (14:25) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-M.Wallace for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4T
Pittsburgh Steelers141773041
Cleveland Browns030609

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +22.28 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
  2. 2 M. Wallace · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +9.02 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.80 EPA/play
  3. 3 H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.74 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
  4. 4 A. Brown · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.38 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.10 EPA/play
  5. 5 H. Miller · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.23 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
  6. 6 B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +3.50 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.75 EPA/play
  7. 7 A.Randle El · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.24 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.08 EPA/play
  8. 8 A.Randle El · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +2.52 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.52 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 (+22.28) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 24 counted snaps, they averaged +0.93 EPA per play.

The signature play (+5.32 EPA) came from Pittsburgh Steelers: (14:25) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-M.Wallace for 56 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 — M. Wallace (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 59:25)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — R. Mendenhall (Q1 52:00)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — R. Mendenhall (Q2 37:55)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 34:58)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Ward (Q3 22:24)
  • Cleveland Browns — B. Robiskie (C. McCoy pass) (Q4 6:43)

Field goals

  • Cleveland Browns — P. Dawson (Q2 44:45)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — S. Suisham (Q2 31:34)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — S. Suisham (Q4 12:35)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CLE 56 (Q1 59:25) — (14:25) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-M.Wallace for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q1 59:17) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CLE 1 (Q1 52:00) — (7:00) 34-R.Mendenhall right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q1 51:57) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos..

The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 17–3. Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the PIT 2 (Q2 44:45) — (14:45) (Field Goal formation) 4-P.Dawson 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-2-R.Hodges.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CLE 1 (Q2 37:55) — (7:55) 34-R.Mendenhall right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q2 37:51) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CLE 4 (Q2 34:58) — (4:58) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 83-H.Miller for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q2 34:53) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 23 (Q2 31:34) — (1:34) (Field Goal formation) 6-S.Suisham 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos..

The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CLE 3 (Q3 22:24); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q3 22:18) — (Kick formation) 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos..

The fourth quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 6–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 6 (Q4 12:35) — (12:35) (Field Goal formation) 6-S.Suisham 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the PIT 20 (Q4 6:43) — (6:43) (Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass deep right to 80-B.Robiskie for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 59:25) — (14:25) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-M.Wallace for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.4% · EPA +5.32]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q1 59:33) — (14:33) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass short right intended for 82-B.Watson INTERCEPTED by 43-T.Polamalu at PIT 44. 43-T.Polamalu to PIT 44 for no gain (82-B.Watson). [WPA -11.4% · EPA -4.42]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q1 46:16) — (1:16) (Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass short left to 11-M.Massaquoi to PIT 5 for 31 yards (92-J.Harrison). [WPA +7.6% · EPA +3.33]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 55:53) — (10:53) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 86-H.Ward to PIT 40 for 8 yards (20-M.Adams). [WPA +7.0% · EPA +1.58]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 54:10) — (9:10) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 17-M.Wallace to CLE 12 for 41 yards (26-A.Elam, 36-C.Francies). [WPA +6.7% · EPA +3.66]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 59:25) — (14:25) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-M.Wallace for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.4% · EPA +5.32]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q1 59:33) — (14:33) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass short right intended for 82-B.Watson INTERCEPTED by 43-T.Polamalu at PIT 44. 43-T.Polamalu to PIT 44 for no gain (82-B.Watson). [WPA -11.4% · EPA -4.42]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q4 6:43) — (6:43) (Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass deep right to 80-B.Robiskie for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +0.0% · EPA +4.14]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q2 36:39) — (6:39) (Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass deep right intended for 11-M.Massaquoi INTERCEPTED by 25-R.Clark at CLE 47. 25-R.Clark to CLE 24 for 23 yards (82-B.Watson). Cleveland challenged the incomplete pass r [WPA -5.9% · EPA -3.93]

Quarterback report card

C.McCoy led all passers in efficiency for Cleveland Browns, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • C.McCoy (Cleveland Browns) · 49 dropbacks · 40.8% completion · -10.1% CPOE · -0.13 EPA/play · -6.41 total EPA
  • B.Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 24 dropbacks · 62.5% completion · +9.8% CPOE · +0.93 EPA/play · +22.28 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatPittsburgh SteelersCleveland Browns
Offensive EPA/play+0.373-0.101
Offensive success rate54.5%40.2%
Pass EPA/play+0.770-0.157
Rush EPA/play+0.049-0.171
Defensive EPA/play+0.101-0.373
Defensive success rate59.8%45.5%

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.37 vs -0.10), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

  • Cleveland Browns: 10 drives, -8.28 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 9 drives, +28.72 total EPA, 7 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.
  • B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • C. McCoy (CLE) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
  • 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.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 59:25 · CLE 56 · Score 6-0
    (14:25) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-M.Wallace for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 59:17 · CLE 2 · Score 7-0
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 52:00 · CLE 1 · Score 13-0
    (7:00) 34-R.Mendenhall right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 51:57 · CLE 2 · Score 14-0
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.
  5. Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q2 44:45 · PIT 2 · Score 14-3
    (14:45) (Field Goal formation) 4-P.Dawson 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-2-R.Hodges.
  6. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 37:55 · CLE 1 · Score 20-3
    (7:55) 34-R.Mendenhall right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 37:51 · CLE 2 · Score 21-3
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 34:58 · CLE 4 · Score 27-3
    (4:58) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 83-H.Miller for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 34:53 · CLE 2 · Score 28-3
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 31:34 · CLE 23 · Score 31-3
    (1:34) (Field Goal formation) 6-S.Suisham 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.
  11. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 22:24 · CLE 3 · Score 37-3
    (7:24) 82-A.Randle El pass short right to 86-H.Ward for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PIT 82 (A. Randle El) End Around from Pitch Out from PIT 7 (B. Roethlisberger), PIT
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 22:18 · CLE 2 · Score 38-3
    (Kick formation) 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.
  13. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 12:35 · CLE 6 · Score 41-3
    (12:35) (Field Goal formation) 6-S.Suisham 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-13-J.Kapinos.
  14. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 6:43 · PIT 20 · Score 41-9
    (6:43) (Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass deep right to 80-B.Robiskie for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 41-9 in Week 17, 2010 on 2011-01-02.

What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?

The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 41, Cleveland Browns 9 (PIT 41-9 CLE) in Week 17, 2010 on 2011-01-02.

What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?

Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Cleveland Browns 0; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Cleveland Browns 3; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Cleveland Browns 0; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cleveland Browns 6; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 41, Cleveland Browns 9.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?

Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — M. Wallace (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 59:25) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — R. Mendenhall (Q1 52:00) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — R. Mendenhall (Q2 37:55) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 34:58) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Ward (Q3 22:24) Cleveland Browns touchdown — B. Robiskie (C. McCoy pass) (Q4 6:43) Cleveland Browns field goal — P. Dawson (Q2 44:45, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — S. Suisham (Q2 31:34, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — S. Suisham (Q4 12:35, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?

C. McCoy (Cleveland Browns), 40.8% completion, -10.1% CPOE, -0.13 EPA per dropback, -6.41 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 62.5% completion, +9.8% CPOE, +0.93 EPA per dropback, +22.28 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +22.28 on passing plays. across 24 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.32 EPA): (14:25) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-M.Wallace for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +14.4%.

Season records after this game

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 11-4 Now 12-4 W

Cleveland Browns

Entered 5-10 Now 5-11 L