Quick answer
- Winner
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Final score
- Cincinnati Bengals 26–23 Pittsburgh Steelers
- Halftime
- Pittsburgh Steelers 17–10 Cincinnati Bengals at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- J. Kitna
- Top passer
- J. Kitna
- Biggest EPA play
- (4:54) (Field Goal formation) 4-J.Miller FUMBLES (Aborted) at CIN 33, RECOVERED by CIN-23-…
- Game date
- 2001-12-30
Game summary
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 26–23 on 2001-12-30, overcoming Pittsburgh Steelers's 17–10 halftime lead. J. Kitna posted a game-high +6.62 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pittsburgh Steelers | 14 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
 Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 10 | 0 | 13 | 3 | 26 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
PITPittsburgh Steelers(6:32) 10-K.Stewart pass to 80-P.Burress for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
(2:49) 10-K.Stewart pass to 80-P.Burress for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
(4:54) (Field Goal formation) 4-J.Miller FUMBLES (Aborted) at CIN 33, RECOVERED by CIN-23-R.Bean at CIN 34. 23-R.Bean to CIN 44 for 10 yards. Lateral to 56-B.Simmons for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.
(1:05) 3-K.Brown 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
(:03) 5-N.Rackers 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.
(3:54) (Shotgun) 10-K.Stewart pass to 45-C.Fuamatu-Ma'afala for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CIN-99-O.Gibson, Personal Foul, offsetting. Penalty on PIT-72-W.Gandy, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, offsetting.
(2:51) {No huddle} 3-J.Kitna pass to 81-R.Dugans for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.
(:45) 3-J.Kitna pass to 83-D.Farmer for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(4:17) 5-N.Rackers 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.
CINCincinnati BengalsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 6:32TD PBP. BurressPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 42
- Score
- 6-0
(6:32) 10-K.Stewart pass to 80-P.Burress for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 6:22XP Points+1
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 7-0
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 2:49TD PBP. BurressPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 28
- Score
- 13-0
(2:49) 10-K.Stewart pass to 80-P.Burress for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 2:43XP Points+1
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 14-0
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 4:54TD BSB. SimmonsPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 25
- Score
- 14-6
(4:54) (Field Goal formation) 4-J.Miller FUMBLES (Aborted) at CIN 33, RECOVERED by CIN-23-R.Bean at CIN 34. 23-R.Bean to CIN 44 for 10 yards. Lateral to 56-B.Simmons for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 4:41XP NRN. RackersPoints+1
- Yard line
- PIT 2
- Score
- 14-7
5-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q2 1:05FG Points+3
- Yard line
- CIN 20
- Score
- 17-7
(1:05) 3-K.Brown 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 0:03FG NRN. RackersPoints+3
- Yard line
- PIT 17
- Score
- 17-10
(:03) 5-N.Rackers 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 3:54TD CFC. Fuamatu-Ma'afalaPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 37
- Score
- 23-10
(3:54) (Shotgun) 10-K.Stewart pass to 45-C.Fuamatu-Ma'afala for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CIN-99-O.Gibson, Personal Foul, offsetting. Penalty on PIT-72-W.Gandy, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, offsetting.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 2:51TD RDR. DugansPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 6
- Score
- 23-16
(2:51) {No huddle} 3-J.Kitna pass to 81-R.Dugans for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 2:46XP NRN. RackersPoints+1
- Yard line
- PIT 2
- Score
- 23-17
5-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 0:45TD DFD. FarmerPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 18
- Score
- 23-23
(:45) 3-J.Kitna pass to 83-D.Farmer for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
OT 4:17FG NRN. RackersPoints+3
- Yard line
- PIT 13
- Score
- 23-26
(4:17) 5-N.Rackers 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1J. Kitna · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +6.62 total EPA · 75 snaps · +0.09 EPA/play
- 2P. Burress · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.04 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 3T. Houshmandzadeh · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.88 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 4R. Dugans · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +3.36 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.36 EPA/play
- 5C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.25 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
- 6K. Stewart · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +2.93 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.08 EPA/play
- 7
Delontae Scott · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.86 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play - 8P. Warrick · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.44 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
J. Kitna — CIN · Passing
J. Kitna posted the highest total EPA (+6.62) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cincinnati Bengals. Across 75 counted snaps, they averaged +0.09 EPA per play.
J. Kitna's top snap (-3.81 EPA): (2:56) 3-J.Kitna pass INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Gildon (57-J.Fiala) at CIN 44. 92-J.Gildon to CIN 44 for no gain (83-D.Farmer). NOTE: Kitna (CIN #3) was hit when throwing. Play Challenged by CIN and Upheld. (Timeout #1 at 02:4
Biggest single play (-8.64 EPA): Jordan Miller — (4:54) (Field Goal formation) 4-J.Miller FUMBLES (Aborted) at CIN 33, RECOVERED by CIN-23-R.Bean at CIN 34. 23-R.Bean to CIN 44 for 10 yards. Lateral to 56-B.Simmons for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
J. Kitna led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J. Kitna (Cincinnati Bengals) · 75 dropbacks · 46.7% completion · +0.09 EPA/play · +6.62 total EPA
- K. Stewart (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 39 dropbacks · 48.7% completion · +0.08 EPA/play · +2.93 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.128 | -0.080 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.0% | 42.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.075 | +0.088 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.546 | -0.283 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.080 | +0.128 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.7% | 56.0% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Pittsburgh Steelers -0.13, Cincinnati Bengals -0.08) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Pittsburgh Steelers: -0.13 EPA/play (21st percentile vs. 2001 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: -0.08 EPA/play (31st percentile vs. 2001 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: 17 drives, -9.83 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 16 drives, -10.72 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — P. Burress (K. Stewart pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — P. Burress (K. Stewart pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — B. Simmons
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala (K. Stewart pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — R. Dugans (J. Kitna pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — D. Farmer (J. Kitna pass)
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Kyron Brown
- Cincinnati Bengals — N. Rackers
- Cincinnati Bengals — N. Rackers
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 42 (Q1 6:32) — (6:32) 10-K.Stewart pass to 80-P.Burress for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q1 6:22) — 3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 28 (Q1 2:49) — (2:49) 10-K.Stewart pass to 80-P.Burress for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q1 2:43) — 3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller..
The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 10–3. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CIN 25 (Q2 4:54); Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q2 4:41) — 5-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 20 (Q2 1:05) — (1:05) 3-K.Brown 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the PIT 17 (Q2 0:03) — (:03) 5-N.Rackers 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 6–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 37 (Q3 3:54).
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 13–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 6 (Q4 2:51) — (2:51) {No huddle} 3-J.Kitna pass to 81-R.Dugans for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 2:46) — 5-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 18 (Q4 0:45) — (:45) 3-J.Kitna pass to 83-D.Farmer for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Overtime: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 3–0. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the PIT 13 (OT 4:17) — (4:17) 5-N.Rackers 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (OT 9:56) — (9:56) 4-J.Miller punts 38 yards to CIN 1, Center-54-M.Schneck, downed by PIT-83-L.Jackson.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:45) — (:45) 3-J.Kitna pass to 83-D.Farmer for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (OT 6:58) — (6:58) (Shotgun) 3-J.Kitna pass to 80-P.Warrick to PIT 26 for 13 yards (55-J.Porter).
- Cincinnati Bengals (OT 9:01) — (9:01) 36-B.Bennett right guard to CIN 46 for 36 yards (41-L.Flowers).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:21) — (:21) (Shotgun) 10-K.Stewart pass INTERCEPTED by 34-K.Kaesviharn at CIN 21. 34-K.Kaesviharn to CIN 21 for no gain (86-H.Ward).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 4:54) — (4:54) (Field Goal formation) 4-J.Miller FUMBLES (Aborted) at CIN 33, RECOVERED by CIN-23-R.Bean at CIN 34. 23-R.Bean to CIN 44 for 10 yards. Lateral to 56-B.Simmons for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 3:54) — (3:54) (Shotgun) 10-K.Stewart pass to 45-C.Fuamatu-Ma'afala for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CIN-99-O.Gibson, Personal Foul, offsetting. Penalty on PIT-72-W.Gandy, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, offsetti
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 6:32) — (6:32) 10-K.Stewart pass to 80-P.Burress for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 15:00) — 3-K.Brown kicks 54 yards from PIT 30 to CIN 16. 84-T.Houshmandzadeh to CIN 39 for 23 yards (51-M.Jones). FUMBLES (51-M.Jones), RECOVERED by PIT-31-M.Logan at CIN 39. 31-M.Logan ran ob at CIN 24 for 15
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 6:32 · CIN 42 · Score 6-0
(6:32) 10-K.Stewart pass to 80-P.Burress for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 6:22 · CIN 2 · Score 7-0
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 2:49 · CIN 28 · Score 13-0
(2:49) 10-K.Stewart pass to 80-P.Burress for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 2:43 · CIN 2 · Score 14-0
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 4:54 · CIN 25 · Score 14-6
(4:54) (Field Goal formation) 4-J.Miller FUMBLES (Aborted) at CIN 33, RECOVERED by CIN-23-R.Bean at CIN 34. 23-R.Bean to CIN 44 for 10 yards. Lateral to 56-B.Simmons for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 4:41 · PIT 2 · Score 14-7
5-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 1:05 · CIN 20 · Score 17-7
(1:05) 3-K.Brown 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 0:03 · PIT 17 · Score 17-10
(:03) 5-N.Rackers 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 3:54 · CIN 37 · Score 23-10
(3:54) (Shotgun) 10-K.Stewart pass to 45-C.Fuamatu-Ma'afala for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CIN-99-O.Gibson, Personal Foul, offsetting. Penalty on PIT-72-W.Gandy, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, offsetti - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 2:51 · PIT 6 · Score 23-16
(2:51) {No huddle} 3-J.Kitna pass to 81-R.Dugans for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 2:46 · PIT 2 · Score 23-17
5-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 0:45 · PIT 18 · Score 23-23
(:45) 3-J.Kitna pass to 83-D.Farmer for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — OT 4:17 · PIT 13 · Score 23-26
(4:17) 5-N.Rackers 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-R.Chevrier, Holder-8-N.Harris.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Cincinnati Bengals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- J. Kitna (Cincinnati Bengals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals on 2001-12-30?
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-23 in Week 16, 2001.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cincinnati Bengals 10; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 6, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Cincinnati Bengals 13; Q5: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 23, Cincinnati Bengals 26.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — P. Burress (K. Stewart pass) (Q1 6:32) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — P. Burress (K. Stewart pass) (Q1 2:49) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — B. Simmons (Q2 4:54) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala (K. Stewart pass) (Q3 3:54) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — R. Dugans (J. Kitna pass) (Q4 2:51) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — D. Farmer (J. Kitna pass) (Q4 0:45) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — K. Brown (Q2 1:05, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — N. Rackers (Q2 0:03, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — N. Rackers (OT 4:17, 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?
J. Kitna (Cincinnati Bengals), 46.7% completion, +0.09 EPA per dropback, +6.62 total passing EPA. K. Stewart (Pittsburgh Steelers), 48.7% completion, +0.08 EPA per dropback, +2.93 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
J. Kitna (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +6.62 total EPA on Passing plays. across 75 snaps. Their top snap (-3.81 EPA): (2:56) 3-J.Kitna pass INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Gildon (57-J.Fiala) at CIN 44. 92-J.Gildon to CIN 44 for no gain (83-D.Farmer). NOTE: Kitna (CIN #3) was hit when throwing. Play Challenge.
Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Cincinnati Bengals won 26-23 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 12-2 Now 12-3 L
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 4-10 Now 5-10 W
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