Game story
In the Wild Card of the 2008 NFL season on 2009-01-11, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 35–24 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 28 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +9.81 total EPA, and -0.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.81 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-15.5% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (8:00) (Punt formation) 5-M.Scifres punts 53 yards to PIT 33, Center-50-D.Binn. 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 35 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +9.81 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 2 B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +9.30 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 3 D. Sproles · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +8.51 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.70 EPA/play
- 4 H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +7.40 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.85 EPA/play
- 5 C. Chambers · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.28 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play
- 6 A. Gates · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.59 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
- 7 W. Parker · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +5.23 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 8 V. Jackson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.48 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.24 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
P. Rivers — LAC · Passing
P. Rivers posted the highest total EPA (+9.81) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 39 counted snaps, they averaged +0.25 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.53 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — V. Jackson (P. Rivers pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — S. Holmes
- Pittsburgh Steelers — W. Parker
- Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — G. Russell
- Los Angeles Chargers — L. Naanee (P. Rivers pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — W. Parker
- Los Angeles Chargers — D. Sproles (P. Rivers pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the PIT 41 (Q1 58:08); Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 57:59) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the PIT 86 (Q1 53:00) — (8:00) (Punt formation) 5-M.Scifres punts 53 yards to PIT 33, Center-50-D.Binn. 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q1 52:41) — 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–3. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the PIT 24 (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) 10-N.Kaeding 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LAC 3 (Q2 30:45) — (:45) 39-W.Parker left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. toss play; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 30:40) — 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LAC 8 (Q3 22:10) — (7:10) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 83-H.Miller for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 22:04) — 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 14–14. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q4 12:56) — (12:56) 33-G.Russell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q4 12:52) — 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the PIT 4 (Q4 9:13) — (9:13) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 11-L.Naanee for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 9:09) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LAC 16 (Q4 4:17) — (4:17) 39-W.Parker right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q4 4:11) — 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the PIT 62 (Q4 2:03) — (2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 1:53) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 53:00) — (8:00) (Punt formation) 5-M.Scifres punts 53 yards to PIT 33, Center-50-D.Binn. 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 30:54) — (:54) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 86-H.Ward to LAC 3 for 41 yards (27-P.Oliver; 28-S.Gregory).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 34:23) — (4:23) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates to PIT 30 for 15 yards (25-R.Clark).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 58:08) — (13:08) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 83-V.Jackson for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN [56-L.Woodley]. PENALTY on LAC-83-V.Jackson, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 21:53) — (6:53) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 83-V.Jackson INTERCEPTED by 50-L.Foote (99-B.Keisel) at PIT 21. 50-L.Foote to PIT 21 for no gain (68-K.Dielman). Play Challenged by LAC and Upheld. (T
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 2:03) — (2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 17:12) — (2:12) (Punt formation) 17-M.Berger punts 43 yards to LAC 23, Center-61-J.Retkofsky. 32-E.Weddle MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by PIT-22-W.Gay at LAC 23.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 21:53) — (6:53) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 83-V.Jackson INTERCEPTED by 50-L.Foote (99-B.Keisel) at PIT 21. 50-L.Foote to PIT 21 for no gain (68-K.Dielman). Play Challenged by LAC and Upheld. (T
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 53:00) — (8:00) (Punt formation) 5-M.Scifres punts 53 yards to PIT 33, Center-50-D.Binn. 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
P.Rivers led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 39 dropbacks · 53.8% completion · -0.5% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +9.81 total EPA
- B.Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 29 dropbacks · 58.6% completion · +3.6% CPOE · +0.32 EPA/play · +9.30 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.071 | +0.148 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.4% | 45.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.252 | +0.282 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.544 | -0.031 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.148 | -0.071 |
| Defensive success rate | 54.3% | 55.6% |
By the numbers
Pittsburgh Steelers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs +0.07), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 12 drives, +5.13 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 13 drives, +13.61 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.
- P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) 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.
- Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 58:08 · PIT 41 · Score 6-0
(13:08) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 83-V.Jackson for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN [56-L.Woodley]. PENALTY on LAC-83-V.Jackson, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enf - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 57:59 · PIT 2 · Score 7-0
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 53:00 · PIT 86 · Score 7-6
(8:00) (Punt formation) 5-M.Scifres punts 53 yards to PIT 33, Center-50-D.Binn. 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 52:41 · LAC 2 · Score 7-7
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 32:00 · PIT 24 · Score 10-7
(2:00) 10-N.Kaeding 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 30:45 · LAC 3 · Score 10-13
(:45) 39-W.Parker left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. toss play - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 30:40 · LAC 2 · Score 10-14
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 22:10 · LAC 8 · Score 10-20
(7:10) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 83-H.Miller for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 22:04 · LAC 2 · Score 10-21
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 12:56 · LAC 1 · Score 10-27
(12:56) 33-G.Russell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 12:52 · LAC 2 · Score 10-28
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 9:13 · PIT 4 · Score 16-28
(9:13) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 11-L.Naanee for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 9:09 · PIT 2 · Score 17-28
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 4:17 · LAC 16 · Score 17-34
(4:17) 39-W.Parker right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 4:11 · LAC 2 · Score 17-35
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 2:03 · PIT 62 · Score 23-35
(2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 1:53 · PIT 2 · Score 24-35
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 35-24 in Wild Card, 2008 on 2009-01-11.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 35 (LAC 24-35 PIT) in Wild Card, 2008 on 2009-01-11.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 14, Pittsburgh Steelers 14; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 35.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — V. Jackson (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 58:08) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — S. Holmes (Q1 53:00) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — W. Parker (Q2 30:45) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 22:10) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — G. Russell (Q4 12:56) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Naanee (P. Rivers pass) (Q4 9:13) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — W. Parker (Q4 4:17) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — D. Sproles (P. Rivers pass) (Q4 2:03) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q2 32:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 53.8% completion, -0.5% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +9.81 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 58.6% completion, +3.6% CPOE, +0.32 EPA per dropback, +9.30 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +9.81 on passing plays. across 39 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.53 EPA): (2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -15.5%.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 9-8 Now 9-9 L
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 12-4 Now 13-4 W
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