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NFL · Week 4 · September 29, 2013 · 12 min read

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2013 Week 4 Recap

Vikings defeat Steelers 34–27 in Week 4

M.Cassel led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 27–34 Week 4 finish.

Pittsburgh Steelers 27 0–4
Final 27–34
Minnesota Vikings 34 1–3 Winner
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
27–34
Halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers 10–20 Minnesota Vikings
Top passer
B. Roethlisberger
FantasyHQ MVP
M.Cassel
Game date
September 29, 2013

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • B.Roethlisberger 36/55 · 357 YDS · 1 TD +13.6 Fantasy Impact
  • J.Cotchery 5 REC · 103 YDS · 1 TD +9.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Anthony Brown
    Anthony Brown 12 REC · 88 YDS +6.0 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • M.Cassel 16/27 · 255 YDS · 2 TD +15.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Gary Jennings
    Gary Jennings 3 REC · 92 YDS · 2 TD +7.9 Fantasy Impact
  • John Simpson
    John Simpson 7 REC · 124 YDS +7.0 Fantasy Impact
View Steelers vs Vikings box score View all 2013 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 34–27 in Week 4 of the 2013 NFL season on 2013-09-29, a matchup that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half. The decisive swing (-16.0% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers swung the momentum.

In Week 4 of the 2013 NFL season on 2013-09-29, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Pittsburgh Steelers, pulling away with a 34–27 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) paced the passing game, with +13.55 total EPA, and +10.8% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, M. Cassel (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +15.55 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-16.0% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers changed the game: (:19) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger sacked at MIN 10 for -4 yards (97-E.Griffen). FUMBLES (97-E.Griffen) [97-E.Griffen], RECOVERED by MIN-93-K.Williams at MIN 11. 93-K.Williams to MIN 11 for no gain (7

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Pittsburgh Steelers73710027
Minnesota Vikings1010140034

Stars of the game

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

  1. 1 M. Cassel · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +15.55 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
  2. 2 B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +13.55 total EPA · 55 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
  3. 3 J. Cotchery · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +9.76 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.63 EPA/play
  4. 4 G. Jennings · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.87 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.97 EPA/play
  5. 5 J. Simpson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.01 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
  6. 6 A. Brown · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.97 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
  7. 7 A. Peterson · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +4.48 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
  8. 8 H. Miller · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.76 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

M. Cassel — MIN · Passing

M. Cassel posted the highest total EPA (+15.55) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 27 counted snaps, they averaged +0.58 EPA per play.

The signature play (+7.02 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: (8:19) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 15-G.Jennings for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Minnesota Vikings — G. Jennings (M. Cassel pass) (Q1 53:19)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — L. Bell (Q1 49:08)
  • Minnesota Vikings — A. Peterson (Q2 42:52)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — L. Bell (Q3 26:32)
  • Minnesota Vikings — A. Peterson (Q3 22:56)
  • Minnesota Vikings — G. Jennings (M. Cassel pass) (Q3 20:16)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Cotchery (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 12:47)

Field goals

  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q1 57:12)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — S. Suisham (Q2 33:43)
  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q2 30:41)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — S. Suisham (Q4 3:40)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

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

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–7. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the PIT 36 (Q1 57:12) — (12:12) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the PIT 70 (Q1 53:19) — (8:19) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 15-G.Jennings for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 53:06) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the MIN 8 (Q1 49:08) — (4:08) 26-L.Bell right tackle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q1 49:02) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko..

The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–3. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the PIT 60 (Q2 42:52) — (12:52) 28-A.Peterson right guard for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q2 42:42) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the MIN 8 (Q2 33:43) — (3:43) 6-S.Suisham 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the PIT 19 (Q2 30:41) — (:41) 3-B.Walsh 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke..

The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q3 26:32) — (11:32) 26-L.Bell left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 26:28) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the PIT 7 (Q3 22:56) — (7:56) 28-A.Peterson left guard for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 22:52) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the PIT 16 (Q3 20:16) — (5:16) 16-M.Cassel pass deep left to 15-G.Jennings for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 20:11) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke..

The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 10–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the MIN 15 (Q4 12:47) — (12:47) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 89-J.Cotchery for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q4 12:42) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the MIN 11 (Q4 3:40) — (3:40) 6-S.Suisham 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko..

Turning points

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

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:19) — (:19) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger sacked at MIN 10 for -4 yards (97-E.Griffen). FUMBLES (97-E.Griffen) [97-E.Griffen], RECOVERED by MIN-93-K.Williams at MIN 11. 93-K.Williams to MIN 11 for no gain (7 [WPA -16.0% · EPA -3.49]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 53:19) — (8:19) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 15-G.Jennings for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.2% · EPA +7.02]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 37:38) — (7:38) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 83-H.Miller to MIN 30 for 28 yards (22-H.Smith). PENALTY on MIN-22-H.Smith, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at MIN 30. [WPA +11.4% · EPA +4.23]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 27:20) — (12:20) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass incomplete deep middle to 84-A.Brown (21-J.Robinson). PENALTY on MIN-21-J.Robinson, Defensive Pass Interference, 48 yards, enforced at MIN 49 - No Play. [WPA +10.6% · EPA +3.97]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 42:52) — (12:52) 28-A.Peterson right guard for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.5% · EPA +5.55]

Impact plays

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

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 53:19) — (8:19) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 15-G.Jennings for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.2% · EPA +7.02]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 42:52) — (12:52) 28-A.Peterson right guard for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.5% · EPA +5.55]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 25:31) — (10:31) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass deep right to 81-J.Simpson to PIT 25 for 51 yards (28-C.Allen). [WPA +10.4% · EPA +4.39]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 37:38) — (7:38) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 83-H.Miller to MIN 30 for 28 yards (22-H.Smith). PENALTY on MIN-22-H.Smith, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at MIN 30. [WPA +11.4% · EPA +4.23]

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) · 55 dropbacks · 65.5% completion · +10.8% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +13.55 total EPA
  • M.Cassel (Minnesota Vikings) · 27 dropbacks · 59.3% completion · -0.3% CPOE · +0.58 EPA/play · +15.55 total EPA

Team stats comparison

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

StatPittsburgh SteelersMinnesota Vikings
Offensive EPA/play+0.171+0.338
Offensive success rate51.5%50.7%
Pass EPA/play+0.246+0.576
Rush EPA/play+0.079+0.187
Defensive EPA/play-0.338-0.171
Defensive success rate49.3%48.5%

By the numbers

Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.34 vs +0.17), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

  • Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, +23.34 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 12 drives, +16.63 total EPA, 5 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

  • Minnesota Vikings 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.
  • M. Cassel (Minnesota Vikings) 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.

  1. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q1 57:12 · PIT 36 · Score 0-3
    (12:12) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.
  2. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 53:19 · PIT 70 · Score 0-9
    (8:19) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 15-G.Jennings for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 53:06 · PIT 2 · Score 0-10
    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 49:08 · MIN 8 · Score 6-10
    (4:08) 26-L.Bell right tackle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 49:02 · MIN 2 · Score 7-10
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko.
  6. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 42:52 · PIT 60 · Score 7-16
    (12:52) 28-A.Peterson right guard for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 42:42 · PIT 2 · Score 7-17
    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 33:43 · MIN 8 · Score 10-17
    (3:43) 6-S.Suisham 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko.
  9. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 30:41 · PIT 19 · Score 10-20
    (:41) 3-B.Walsh 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 26:32 · MIN 1 · Score 16-20
    (11:32) 26-L.Bell left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 26:28 · MIN 2 · Score 17-20
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko.
  12. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 22:56 · PIT 7 · Score 17-26
    (7:56) 28-A.Peterson left guard for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 22:52 · PIT 2 · Score 17-27
    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.
  14. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 20:16 · PIT 16 · Score 17-33
    (5:16) 16-M.Cassel pass deep left to 15-G.Jennings for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 20:11 · PIT 2 · Score 17-34
    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-12-J.Locke.
  16. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 12:47 · MIN 15 · Score 23-34
    (12:47) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 89-J.Cotchery for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  17. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 12:42 · MIN 2 · Score 24-34
    6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko.
  18. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 3:40 · MIN 11 · Score 27-34
    (3:40) 6-S.Suisham 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-Z.Mesko.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-27 in Week 4, 2013 on 2013-09-29.

What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings?

The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Minnesota Vikings 34 (PIT 27-34 MIN) in Week 4, 2013 on 2013-09-29.

What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings?

Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Minnesota Vikings 10; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Minnesota Vikings 10; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Minnesota Vikings 14; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Minnesota Vikings 34.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — G. Jennings (M. Cassel pass) (Q1 53:19) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — L. Bell (Q1 49:08) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Peterson (Q2 42:52) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — L. Bell (Q3 26:32) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Peterson (Q3 22:56) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — G. Jennings (M. Cassel pass) (Q3 20:16) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Cotchery (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 12:47) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q1 57:12, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — S. Suisham (Q2 33:43, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 30:41, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — S. Suisham (Q4 3:40, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 65.5% completion, +10.8% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +13.55 total passing EPA. M. Cassel (Minnesota Vikings), 59.3% completion, -0.3% CPOE, +0.58 EPA per dropback, +15.55 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings?

M. Cassel (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +15.55 on passing plays. across 27 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+7.02 EPA): (8:19) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 15-G.Jennings for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -16.0%.

Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings a close game?

Yes — the margin was 7 points. Minnesota Vikings won 34-27 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

Season records after this game

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 0-3 Now 0-4 L

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 0-3 Now 1-3 W

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