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NFL · Week 3 · September 23, 2012 · 12 min read

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Las Vegas Raiders: 2012 Week 3 Recap

Raiders defeat Steelers 34–31 in Week 3

B.Roethlisberger led Fantasy Impact as Raiders prevailed in a 31–34 Week 3 finish.

Pittsburgh Steelers 31 1–2
Final 31–34
Las Vegas Raiders 34 1–2 Winner
Winner
Las Vegas Raiders
Final score
31–34
Halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers 24–21 Las Vegas Raiders
Top passer
B. Roethlisberger
FantasyHQ MVP
B.Roethlisberger
Game date
September 23, 2012

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • B.Roethlisberger 36/51 · 387 YDS · 4 TD +21.6 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Wallace 8 REC · 123 YDS · 1 TD +12.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Herb Miller
    Herb Miller 8 REC · 60 YDS · 2 TD +6.5 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Raiders

  • C.Palmer 24/37 · 208 YDS · 3 TD +8.4 Fantasy Impact
  • B.Myers 4 REC · 55 YDS +3.7 Fantasy Impact
  • R.Streater 2 REC · 22 YDS +2.2 Fantasy Impact
View Steelers vs Raiders box score View all 2012 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 34–31 in Week 3 of the 2012 NFL season on 2012-09-23, a matchup that came down to the wire. The decisive swing (+22.3% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Las Vegas Raiders swung the momentum.

In Week 3 of the 2012 NFL season on 2012-09-23, the Las Vegas Raiders took care of business against the Pittsburgh Steelers, pulling away with a 34–31 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 35 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) paced the passing game, with +21.59 total EPA, and +12.4% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +21.59 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+22.3% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Las Vegas Raiders changed the game: (:03) 11-S.Janikowski 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Pittsburgh Steelers213140031
Las Vegas Raiders147716034

Stars of the game

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

  1. 1 B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +21.59 total EPA · 51 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
  2. 2 M. Wallace · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +12.80 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.16 EPA/play
  3. 3 C. Palmer · Las Vegas Raiders · Passing · +8.42 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
  4. 4 H. Miller · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +6.55 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
  5. 5 B. Myers · Las Vegas Raiders · Receiving · +3.67 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play
  6. 6 R. Streater · Las Vegas Raiders · Receiving · +2.24 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
  7. 7 E. Sanders · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +2.21 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
  8. 8 D. Hagan · Las Vegas Raiders · Receiving · +2.14 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.54 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 (+21.59) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 51 counted snaps, they averaged +0.42 EPA per play.

The signature play (-5.53 EPA) came from Las Vegas Raiders: (14:52) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle intended for 17-D.Moore INTERCEPTED by 25-R.Clark at PIT 38. 25-R.Clark to LV 36 for 26 yards (20-D.McFadden).

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 56:37)
  • Las Vegas Raiders — D. McFadden (Q1 55:44)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 48:53)
  • Las Vegas Raiders — D. Heyward-Bey (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 32:00)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Wallace (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 26:50)
  • Las Vegas Raiders — R. Gordon (C. Palmer pass) (Q3 21:39)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 16:32)
  • Las Vegas Raiders — D. Moore (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 12:19)

Field goals

  • Pittsburgh Steelers — S. Suisham (Q2 30:02)
  • Las Vegas Raiders — S. Janikowski (Q4 6:34)
  • Las Vegas Raiders — S. Janikowski (Q4 0:03)
  • Las Vegas Raiders — unlisted player (Q4 0:00)

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 21–14. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LV 4 (Q1 56:37) — (11:37) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 83-H.Miller for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LV 2 (Q1 56:33) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler.; Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the PIT 64 (Q1 55:44) — (10:44) (No Huddle) 20-D.McFadden right tackle for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 55:33) — 11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LV 61 (Q1 53:51) — (8:51) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass incomplete short left to 88-E.Sanders.; Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the LV 61 (Q1 53:51) — (8:51) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass incomplete short left to 88-E.Sanders.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LV 4 (Q1 48:53) — (3:53) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 83-H.Miller for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LV 2 (Q1 48:49) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler..

The second quarter: Las Vegas Raiders won the period 7–3. Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the PIT 3 (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 85-D.Heyward-Bey for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q2 31:54) — 11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the LV 16 (Q2 30:02) — (:02) 6-S.Suisham 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler..

The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LV 22 (Q3 26:50); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LV 2 (Q3 26:40) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler.; Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q3 21:39) — (6:39) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle to 82-R.Gordon for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 21:35) — 11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LV 11 (Q3 16:32); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LV 2 (Q3 16:31) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler..

The fourth quarter: Las Vegas Raiders won the period 16–0. Las Vegas Raiders found the end zone from the PIT 6 (Q4 12:19) — (12:19) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 17-D.Moore for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Las Vegas Raiders added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 12:13) — 11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Las Vegas Raiders connected on a field goal from the PIT 14 (Q4 6:34) — (6:34) 11-S.Janikowski 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Las Vegas Raiders connected on a field goal from the PIT 26 (Q4 0:03) — (:03) 11-S.Janikowski 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Las Vegas Raiders connected on a field goal (Q4 0:00) — END GAME.

Turning points

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

  • Las Vegas Raiders (Q4 0:03) — (:03) 11-S.Janikowski 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler. [WPA +22.3% · EPA +0.73]
  • Las Vegas Raiders (Q1 55:44) — (10:44) (No Huddle) 20-D.McFadden right tackle for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +16.9% · EPA +4.92]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 34:26) — (4:26) 27-J.Dwyer up the middle to PIT 30 for -4 yards (90-D.Bryant). FUMBLES (90-D.Bryant), touched at PIT 30, RECOVERED by LV-23-J.Hanson at PIT 31. 23-J.Hanson to PIT 30 for 1 yard (77-M.Gilbert). [WPA -14.6% · EPA -3.67]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 10:57) — (10:57) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 84-A.Brown to LV 44 for 20 yards (26-P.Lee). FUMBLES (26-P.Lee), RECOVERED by LV-52-P.Wheeler at LV 36. 52-P.Wheeler to LV 36 for n [WPA -13.2% · EPA -3.25]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 3:51) — (3:51) 33-I.Redman up the middle to PIT 35 for 6 yards (52-P.Wheeler; 27-M.Giordano). [WPA +11.7% · EPA +1.95]

Impact plays

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

  • Las Vegas Raiders (Q1 59:52) — (14:52) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle intended for 17-D.Moore INTERCEPTED by 25-R.Clark at PIT 38. 25-R.Clark to LV 36 for 26 yards (20-D.McFadden). [WPA -9.6% · EPA -5.53]
  • Las Vegas Raiders (Q1 55:44) — (10:44) (No Huddle) 20-D.McFadden right tackle for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +16.9% · EPA +4.92]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 34:26) — (4:26) 27-J.Dwyer up the middle to PIT 30 for -4 yards (90-D.Bryant). FUMBLES (90-D.Bryant), touched at PIT 30, RECOVERED by LV-23-J.Hanson at PIT 31. 23-J.Hanson to PIT 30 for 1 yard (77-M.Gilbert). [WPA -14.6% · EPA -3.67]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 26:50) — (11:50) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-M.Wallace for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. LV-27-M.Giordano was injured during the play. His return is Questionable. [WPA +9.7% · EPA +3.42]

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) · 51 dropbacks · 70.6% completion · +12.4% CPOE · +0.42 EPA/play · +21.59 total EPA
  • C.Palmer (Las Vegas Raiders) · 37 dropbacks · 64.9% completion · +7.3% CPOE · +0.23 EPA/play · +8.42 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

StatPittsburgh SteelersLas Vegas Raiders
Offensive EPA/play+0.180+0.210
Offensive success rate51.1%51.3%
Pass EPA/play+0.423+0.228
Rush EPA/play-0.234-0.025
Defensive EPA/play-0.210-0.180
Defensive success rate48.7%48.9%

By the numbers

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Pittsburgh Steelers +0.18, Las Vegas Raiders +0.21) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

  • Las Vegas Raiders: 10 drives, +16.34 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 drives, +16.22 total EPA, 5 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

  • Las Vegas Raiders 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.
  • C. Palmer (LV) 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 56:37 · LV 4 · Score 6-0
    (11:37) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 83-H.Miller for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 56:33 · LV 2 · Score 7-0
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler.
  3. Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q1 55:44 · PIT 64 · Score 7-6
    (10:44) (No Huddle) 20-D.McFadden right tackle for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q1 55:33 · PIT 2 · Score 7-7
    11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+7) — Q1 53:51 · LV 61 · Score 7-7
    (8:51) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass incomplete short left to 88-E.Sanders.
  6. Las Vegas Raiders TD (+7) — Q1 53:51 · LV 61 · Score 7-7
    (8:51) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass incomplete short left to 88-E.Sanders.
  7. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 48:53 · LV 4 · Score 13-7
    (3:53) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 83-H.Miller for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 48:49 · LV 2 · Score 14-7
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler.
  9. Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q2 32:00 · PIT 3 · Score 14-13
    (2:00) 3-C.Palmer pass short right to 85-D.Heyward-Bey for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q2 31:54 · PIT 2 · Score 14-14
    11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.
  11. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 30:02 · LV 16 · Score 17-14
    (:02) 6-S.Suisham 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler.
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 26:50 · LV 22 · Score 23-14
    (11:50) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-M.Wallace for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. LV-27-M.Giordano was injured during the play. His retu
  13. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 26:40 · LV 2 · Score 24-14
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler.
  14. Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q3 21:39 · PIT 1 · Score 24-20
    (6:39) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle to 82-R.Gordon for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q3 21:35 · PIT 2 · Score 24-21
    11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.
  16. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 16:32 · LV 11 · Score 30-21
    (1:32) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 84-A.Brown to LV 1 for 10 yards (52-P.Wheeler). FUMBLES (52-P.Wheeler), and recovers at LV 0. TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY o
  17. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 16:31 · LV 2 · Score 31-21
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Butler.
  18. Las Vegas Raiders TD (+6) — Q4 12:19 · PIT 6 · Score 31-27
    (12:19) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 17-D.Moore for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  19. Las Vegas Raiders XP (+1) — Q4 12:13 · PIT 2 · Score 31-28
    11-S.Janikowski extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.
  20. Las Vegas Raiders FG (+3) — Q4 6:34 · PIT 14 · Score 31-31
    (6:34) 11-S.Janikowski 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.
  21. Las Vegas Raiders FG (+3) — Q4 0:03 · PIT 26 · Score 31-34
    (:03) 11-S.Janikowski 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-J.Condo, Holder-9-S.Lechler.
  22. Las Vegas Raiders FG (+3) — Q4 0:00 · Score 31-34
    END GAME

Frequently asked questions

Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders?

The Las Vegas Raiders beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-31 in Week 3, 2012 on 2012-09-23.

What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders?

The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Las Vegas Raiders 34 (PIT 31-34 LV) in Week 3, 2012 on 2012-09-23.

What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders?

Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Las Vegas Raiders 14; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Las Vegas Raiders 7; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Las Vegas Raiders 7; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Las Vegas Raiders 16; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Las Vegas Raiders 34.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders?

Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 56:37) Las Vegas Raiders touchdown — D. McFadden (Q1 55:44) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 48:53) Las Vegas Raiders touchdown — D. Heyward-Bey (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 32:00) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — M. Wallace (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 26:50) Las Vegas Raiders touchdown — R. Gordon (C. Palmer pass) (Q3 21:39) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 16:32) Las Vegas Raiders touchdown — D. Moore (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 12:19) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — S. Suisham (Q2 30:02, 3 pts) Las Vegas Raiders field goal — S. Janikowski (Q4 6:34, 3 pts) Las Vegas Raiders field goal — S. Janikowski (Q4 0:03, 3 pts) Las Vegas Raiders field goal — unlisted player (Q4 0:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 70.6% completion, +12.4% CPOE, +0.42 EPA per dropback, +21.59 total passing EPA. C. Palmer (Las Vegas Raiders), 64.9% completion, +7.3% CPOE, +0.23 EPA per dropback, +8.42 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +21.59 on passing plays. across 51 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.53 EPA): (14:52) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle intended for 17-D.Moore INTERCEPTED by 25-R.Clark at PIT 38. 25-R.Clark to LV 36 for 26 yards (20-D.McFadden).. The biggest win-probability swing was +22.3%.

Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Las Vegas Raiders won 34-31 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 1-1 Now 1-2 L

Las Vegas Raiders

Entered 0-2 Now 1-2 W

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