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NFL · Divisional · January 22, 2006 · 12 min read

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos: 2005 Divisional Recap

Steelers defeat Broncos 34–17 in Divisional

B.Roethlisberger led Fantasy Impact as Steelers prevailed in a 34–17 Divisional finish.

Pittsburgh Steelers 34 14–5 Winner
Final 34–17
Denver Broncos 17 14–4
Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
34–17
Halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers 24–3 Denver Broncos
Top passer
Jack Plummer
FantasyHQ MVP
B.Roethlisberger
Game date
January 22, 2006

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • B.Roethlisberger 21/34 · 280 YDS · 3 TD +26.1 Fantasy Impact
  • H.Ward 5 REC · 59 YDS · 1 TD +9.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Cedrick Wilson Jr.
    Cedrick Wilson Jr. 5 REC · 92 YDS · 1 TD +9.8 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Broncos

  • A.Lelie 2 REC · 68 YDS · 1 TD +6.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Travis Bell
    Travis Bell 5 CAR · 31 YDS +4.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Ryan Smith
    Ryan Smith 4 REC · 61 YDS +4.1 Fantasy Impact
View Steelers vs Broncos box score View all 2005 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
Pittsburgh Steelers 34–17 Denver Broncos
Halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers 24–3 Denver Broncos at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
B. Roethlisberger
Top passer
Jack Plummer
Biggest EPA play
(2:55) 16-J.Plummer sacked at DEN 34 for -7 yards (55-J.Porter). FUMBLES (55-J.Porter), RE…
Game date
2006-01-22

Game summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Denver Broncos 34–17 on 2006-01-22. B. Roethlisberger posted a game-high +26.10 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Pittsburgh Steelers321010034
Denver Broncos0377017

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

PITPittsburgh Steelers
DENDenver Broncos

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 4:15FG
    Joe Reed

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 29
    Score
    3-0

    (4:15) 3-J.Reed 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

  2. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 15:00TD
    Cedrick Wilson Jr.

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 12
    Score
    9-0

    (15:00) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-C.Wilson for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 14:54XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    10-0

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

  4. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 9:27FG
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 5
    Score
    10-3

    (9:27) 1-J.Elam 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.

  5. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 2:00TD
    JBJ. Bettis

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 3
    Score
    16-3

    (2:00) 36-J.Bettis right tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 1:55XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    17-3

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

  7. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 0:15TD
    HWH. Ward

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 17
    Score
    23-3

    (:15) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 0:07XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    24-3

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. PENALTY on DEN-93-T.Pryce, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced between downs.

  9. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 3:43TD
    ALA. Lelie

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 30
    Score
    24-9

    (3:43) 16-J.Plummer pass to 85-A.Lelie for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 3:36XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    24-10

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.

  11. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 13:43FG
    Joe Reed

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 24
    Score
    27-10

    (13:43) 3-J.Reed 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

  12. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 7:58TD
    MAM. Anderson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 3
    Score
    27-16

    (7:58) 38-M.Anderson left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 7:52XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    27-17

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.

  14. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 3:05TD
    BRB. Roethlisberger

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 4
    Score
    33-17

    (3:05) 7-B.Roethlisberger left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  15. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 2:59XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    34-17

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +26.10 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
  2. 2H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +9.90 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.98 EPA/play
  3. 3Cedrick Wilson Jr.Cedrick Wilson Jr. · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +9.81 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.96 EPA/play
  4. 4A. Lelie · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +6.51 total EPA · 2 snaps · +3.25 EPA/play
  5. 5A.Randle El · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +6.08 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
  6. 6Travis BellTravis Bell · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +4.45 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
  7. 7Ryan SmithRyan Smith · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +4.14 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.04 EPA/play
  8. 8J. Putzier · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.53 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.88 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

B. Roethlisberger — PIT · Passing

B. Roethlisberger posted the highest total EPA (+26.10) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.77 EPA per play.

B. Roethlisberger's top snap (+4.28 EPA): (:15) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-4.81 EPA): Jack Plummer — (2:55) 16-J.Plummer sacked at DEN 34 for -7 yards (55-J.Porter). FUMBLES (55-J.Porter), RECOVERED by PIT-98-C.Hampton at DEN 39. 98-C.Hampton to DEN 39 for no gain (50-B.Hamilton).

Quarterback report card

Jack Plummer led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Jack PlummerJack Plummer (Denver Broncos) · 42 dropbacks · 42.9% completion · -0.31 EPA/play · -12.97 total EPA
  • B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 34 dropbacks · 61.8% completion · +0.77 EPA/play · +26.10 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatPittsburgh SteelersDenver Broncos
Offensive EPA/play+0.222-0.019
Offensive success rate45.9%52.2%
Pass EPA/play+0.768-0.309
Rush EPA/play-0.276+0.550
Defensive EPA/play+0.019-0.222
Defensive success rate47.8%54.1%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.22 vs -0.02), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.22 EPA/play (92nd percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
  • Denver Broncos: -0.02 EPA/play (46th percentile vs. 2005 team-game averages)
  • Denver Broncos: 11 drives, -1.32 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 drives, +18.85 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Cedrick Wilson Jr.Pittsburgh Steelers — Cedrick Wilson Jr. (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 15:00)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis (Q2 2:00)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 0:15)
  • Denver Broncos — A. Lelie (Jack Plummer pass) (Q3 3:43)
  • Denver Broncos — M. Anderson (Q4 7:58)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — B. Roethlisberger (Q4 3:05)

Field goals

  • Joe ReedPittsburgh Steelers — Joe Reed (Q1 4:15)
  • Denver Broncos — J. Elam (Q2 9:27)
  • Joe ReedPittsburgh Steelers — Joe Reed (Q4 13:43)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 3–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the DEN 29 (Q1 4:15) — (4:15) 3-J.Reed 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..

The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 21–3. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DEN 12 (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-C.Wilson for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 14:54) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the PIT 5 (Q2 9:27) — (9:27) 1-J.Elam 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DEN 3 (Q2 2:00) — (2:00) 36-J.Bettis right tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 1:55) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DEN 17 (Q2 0:15) — (:15) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 0:07).

The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the PIT 30 (Q3 3:43) — (3:43) 16-J.Plummer pass to 85-A.Lelie for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 3:36) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer..

The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 10–7. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the DEN 24 (Q4 13:43) — (13:43) 3-J.Reed 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the PIT 3 (Q4 7:58) — (7:58) 38-M.Anderson left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 7:52) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DEN 4 (Q4 3:05) — (3:05) 7-B.Roethlisberger left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q4 2:59) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Denver Broncos (Q1 2:55) — (2:55) 16-J.Plummer sacked at DEN 34 for -7 yards (55-J.Porter). FUMBLES (55-J.Porter), RECOVERED by PIT-98-C.Hampton at DEN 39. 98-C.Hampton to DEN 39 for no gain (50-B.Hamilton). [WPA -15.8% · EPA -4.81]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 6:20) — (6:20) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 85-N.Washington pushed ob at DEN 33 for 13 yards (22-D.Foxworth). [WPA +9.4% · EPA +2.25]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 9:18) — (9:18) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-C.Wilson to PIT 37 for 17 yards (22-D.Foxworth). [WPA +8.6% · EPA +1.54]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-C.Wilson for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.4% · EPA +3.37]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 7:04) — (7:04) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward to DEN 24 for 21 yards (56-A.Wilson). [WPA +6.2% · EPA +2.43]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Denver Broncos (Q1 2:55) — (2:55) 16-J.Plummer sacked at DEN 34 for -7 yards (55-J.Porter). FUMBLES (55-J.Porter), RECOVERED by PIT-98-C.Hampton at DEN 39. 98-C.Hampton to DEN 39 for no gain (50-B.Hamilton). [WPA -15.8% · EPA -4.81]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 13:29) — (13:29) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 80-R.Smith INTERCEPTED by 50-L.Foote at PIT 28. 50-L.Foote to PIT 42 for 14 yards (66-T.Nalen). [WPA -2.5% · EPA -4.31]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 0:15) — (:15) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +0.3% · EPA +4.28]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 9:43) — (9:43) 16-J.Plummer pass to 85-A.Lelie pushed ob at PIT 31 for 38 yards (24-I.Taylor). [WPA +1.5% · EPA +3.43]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q1 4:15 · DEN 29 · Score 3-0
    (4:15) 3-J.Reed 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 15:00 · DEN 12 · Score 9-0
    (15:00) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-C.Wilson for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 14:54 · DEN 2 · Score 10-0
    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
  4. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 9:27 · PIT 5 · Score 10-3
    (9:27) 1-J.Elam 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 2:00 · DEN 3 · Score 16-3
    (2:00) 36-J.Bettis right tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 1:55 · DEN 2 · Score 17-3
    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
  7. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 0:15 · DEN 17 · Score 23-3
    (:15) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 0:07 · DEN 2 · Score 24-3
    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. PENALTY on DEN-93-T.Pryce, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
  9. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 3:43 · PIT 30 · Score 24-9
    (3:43) 16-J.Plummer pass to 85-A.Lelie for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 3:36 · PIT 2 · Score 24-10
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
  11. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 13:43 · DEN 24 · Score 27-10
    (13:43) 3-J.Reed 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
  12. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 7:58 · PIT 3 · Score 27-16
    (7:58) 38-M.Anderson left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 7:52 · PIT 2 · Score 27-17
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
  14. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 3:05 · DEN 4 · Score 33-17
    (3:05) 7-B.Roethlisberger left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 2:59 · DEN 2 · Score 34-17
    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

Key takeaways

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

  • Pittsburgh Steelers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Denver Broncos on 2006-01-22?

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Denver Broncos 34-17 in Divisional, 2005.

What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Denver Broncos?

Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Denver Broncos 0; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Denver Broncos 3; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Denver Broncos 7; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 10, Denver Broncos 7; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 34, Denver Broncos 17.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Denver Broncos?

Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — C. Wilson (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 15:00) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q2 2:00) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 0:15) Denver Broncos touchdown — A. Lelie (J. Plummer pass) (Q3 3:43) Denver Broncos touchdown — M. Anderson (Q4 7:58) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — B. Roethlisberger (Q4 3:05) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q1 4:15, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 9:27, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q4 13:43, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Denver Broncos?

Jack Plummer (Denver Broncos), 42.9% completion, -0.31 EPA per dropback, -12.97 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 61.8% completion, +0.77 EPA per dropback, +26.10 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Denver Broncos?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +26.10 total EPA on Passing plays. across 34 snaps. Their top snap (+4.28 EPA): (:15) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 13-5 Now 14-5 W

Denver Broncos

Entered 14-3 Now 14-4 L

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