FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Wild Card · January 11, 2009 · 12 min read

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 2008 Wild Card Recap

Steelers defeat Chargers 35–24 in Wild Card

Philip Rivers led Fantasy Impact as Steelers prevailed in a 24–35 Wild Card finish.

Los Angeles Chargers 24 9–9
Final 24–35
Pittsburgh Steelers 35 13–4 Winner
Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
24–35
Halftime
Los Angeles Chargers 10–14 Pittsburgh Steelers
Top passer
Philip Rivers
FantasyHQ MVP
Philip Rivers
Game date
January 11, 2009

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

  • Philip Rivers
    Philip Rivers 21/39 · 275 YDS · 3 TD +9.8 Fantasy Impact
  • D.Sproles 5 REC · 91 YDS · 1 TD +8.5 Fantasy Impact
  • C.Chambers 4 REC · 72 YDS +6.3 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • B.Roethlisberger 17/29 · 177 YDS · 1 TD +9.3 Fantasy Impact
  • H.Ward 4 REC · 70 YDS +7.4 Fantasy Impact
  • W.Parker 28 CAR · 146 YDS · 2 TD +5.2 Fantasy Impact

Quick answer

Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
Pittsburgh Steelers 35–24 Los Angeles Chargers
Halftime
Los Angeles Chargers 10–14 Pittsburgh Steelers at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Philip Rivers
Top passer
Philip Rivers
Biggest EPA play
(2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date
2009-01-11

Game summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 35–24 on 2009-01-11. Philip Rivers posted a game-high +9.81 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 28 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4T
Los Angeles Chargers73014024
Pittsburgh Steelers77714035

Scoring Map

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

LACLos Angeles Chargers
PITPittsburgh Steelers

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

17 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q1 13:08TD
    VJV. Jackson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    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, enforced between downs.

  2. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q1 12:59XP
    NKN. Kaeding

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    7-0

    10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.

  3. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 8:00TD
    SHS. Holmes

    Points+6

    Yard line
    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.

  4. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 7:41XP
    JRJ. Retkofsky

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 2
    Score
    7-7

    3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.

  5. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q2 2:00FG
    NKN. Kaeding

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 24
    Score
    10-7

    (2:00) 10-N.Kaeding 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.

  6. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 0:45TD
    WPW. Parker

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LAC 3
    Score
    10-13

    (:45) 39-W.Parker left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. toss play

  7. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 0:40XP
    JRJ. Retkofsky

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 2
    Score
    10-14

    3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.

  8. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q3 7:10TD
    Herb Miller

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LAC 8
    Score
    10-20

    (7:10) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 83-H.Miller for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q3 7:04XP
    JRJ. Retkofsky

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 2
    Score
    10-21

    3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.

  10. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 12:56TD
    GRG. Russell

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LAC 1
    Score
    10-27

    (12:56) 33-G.Russell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 12:52XP
    JRJ. Retkofsky

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 2
    Score
    10-28

    3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.

  12. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q4 9:13TD
    LNL. Naanee

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 4
    Score
    16-28

    (9:13) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 11-L.Naanee for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q4 9:09XP
    NKN. Kaeding

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    17-28

    10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.

  14. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 4:17TD
    WPW. Parker

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LAC 16
    Score
    17-34

    (4:17) 39-W.Parker right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  15. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 4:11XP
    JRJ. Retkofsky

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 2
    Score
    17-35

    3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.

  16. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q4 2:03TD
    DSD. Sproles

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 62
    Score
    23-35

    (2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  17. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q4 1:53XP
    NKN. Kaeding

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    24-35

    10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Philip RiversPhilip Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +9.81 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
  2. 2B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +9.30 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
  3. 3D. Sproles · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +8.51 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.70 EPA/play
  4. 4H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +7.40 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.85 EPA/play
  5. 5C. Chambers · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.28 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play
  6. 6A. Gates · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +5.59 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
  7. 7W. Parker · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +5.23 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
  8. 8V. Jackson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.48 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.24 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Philip Rivers

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Philip Rivers — LAC · Passing

Philip Rivers posted the highest total EPA (+9.81) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Los Angeles Chargers. Across 39 counted snaps, they averaged +0.25 EPA per play.

Philip Rivers's top snap (+6.53 EPA): (2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Philip Rivers led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Philip RiversPhilip 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.

StatLos Angeles ChargersPittsburgh Steelers
Offensive EPA/play+0.071+0.148
Offensive success rate44.4%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 rate54.3%55.6%

Drive & efficiency notes

Pittsburgh Steelers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs +0.07), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Los Angeles Chargers: +0.07 EPA/play (68th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.15 EPA/play (84th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
  • Los Angeles Chargers: 12 drives, +5.13 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 13 drives, +13.61 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Los Angeles Chargers — V. Jackson (Philip Rivers pass) (Q1 13:08)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — S. Holmes (Q1 8:00)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — W. Parker (Q2 0:45)
  • Herb MillerPittsburgh Steelers — Herb Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 7:10)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — G. Russell (Q4 12:56)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — L. Naanee (Philip Rivers pass) (Q4 9:13)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — W. Parker (Q4 4:17)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — D. Sproles (Philip Rivers pass) (Q4 2:03)

Field goals

  • Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding (Q2 2:00)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the PIT 41 (Q1 13:08); Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 12:59) — 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 8:00) — (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 7:41) — 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 2:00) — (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 0:45) — (:45) 39-W.Parker left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. toss play; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 0:40) — 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 7:10) — (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 7:04) — 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.

  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 8:00) — (8:00) (Punt formation) 5-M.Scifres punts 53 yards to PIT 33, Center-50-D.Binn. 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -15.5% · EPA -4.56]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 0:54) — (:54) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 86-H.Ward to LAC 3 for 41 yards (27-P.Oliver; 28-S.Gregory). [WPA +11.3% · EPA +4.43]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 4:23) — (4:23) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates to PIT 30 for 15 yards (25-R.Clark). [WPA +11.1% · EPA +2.12]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 13:08) — (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. [WPA +10.6% · EPA +4.03]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 6:53) — (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 [WPA -9.6% · EPA -5.01]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 2:03) — (2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +0.2% · EPA +6.53]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 2:12) — (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. [WPA +7.2% · EPA +5.10]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 6:53) — (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 [WPA -9.6% · EPA -5.01]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 8:00) — (8:00) (Punt formation) 5-M.Scifres punts 53 yards to PIT 33, Center-50-D.Binn. 10-S.Holmes for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -15.5% · EPA -4.56]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 13:08 · 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, enforced between downs.
  2. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 12:59 · PIT 2 · Score 7-0
    10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 8:00 · 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.
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 7:41 · LAC 2 · Score 7-7
    3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.
  5. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 2:00 · PIT 24 · Score 10-7
    (2:00) 10-N.Kaeding 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  6. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 0:45 · LAC 3 · Score 10-13
    (:45) 39-W.Parker left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. toss play
  7. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 0:40 · LAC 2 · Score 10-14
    3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 7:10 · LAC 8 · Score 10-20
    (7:10) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 83-H.Miller for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 7:04 · LAC 2 · Score 10-21
    3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 12:56 · LAC 1 · Score 10-27
    (12:56) 33-G.Russell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 4:17 · LAC 16 · Score 17-34
    (4:17) 39-W.Parker right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.

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.
  • Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • B. Roethlisberger (PIT) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers on 2009-01-11?

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 35-24 in Wild Card, 2008.

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 13:08) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — S. Holmes (Q1 8:00) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — W. Parker (Q2 0:45) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Miller (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 7:10) 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 2:00, 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?

Philip 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 FantasyHQ's player of the game in Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +9.81 total EPA on Passing plays. across 39 snaps. Their top snap (+6.53 EPA): (2:03) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 43-D.Sproles for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Chargers

Entered 9-8 Now 9-9 L

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 12-4 Now 13-4 W