FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 5 · October 12, 2015 · 12 min read

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Chargers: 2015 Week 5 Recap

Steelers defeat Chargers 24–20 in Week 5

A.Gates led Fantasy Impact as Steelers prevailed in a 24–20 Week 5 finish.

Pittsburgh Steelers 24 3–2 Winner
Final 24–20
Los Angeles Chargers 20 2–3
Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
24–20
Halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers 3–7 Los Angeles Chargers
Top passer
Philip Rivers
FantasyHQ MVP
A.Gates
Game date
October 12, 2015

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • Herb Miller
    Herb Miller 3 REC · 46 YDS +3.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Levi Bell 21 CAR · 111 YDS · 1 TD +3.6 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Wheaton 1 REC · 72 YDS · 1 TD +3.1 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

  • A.Gates 9 REC · 92 YDS · 2 TD +8.7 Fantasy Impact
  • L.Green 5 REC · 50 YDS +4.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Philip Rivers
    Philip Rivers 35/53 · 354 YDS · 3 TD +3.7 Fantasy Impact

Quick answer

Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
Pittsburgh Steelers 24–20 Los Angeles Chargers
Halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers 3–7 Los Angeles Chargers at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
A. Gates
Top passer
Philip Rivers
Biggest EPA play
(3:36) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-A.…
Game date
2015-10-12

Game summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 24–20 on 2015-10-12, overcoming Los Angeles Chargers's 7–3 halftime lead. A. Gates posted a game-high +8.67 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 27 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4T
Pittsburgh Steelers03714024
Los Angeles Chargers70013020

Scoring Map

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

PITPittsburgh Steelers
LACLos Angeles Chargers

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q1 9:55TD
    AGA. Gates

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 12
    Score
    0-6

    (9:55) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q1 9:50XP
    JLJ. Lambo

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 15
    Score
    0-7

    2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.

  3. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 4:28FG
    Chris Boswell

    Points+3

    Yard line
    LAC 29
    Score
    3-7

    (4:28) 9-C.Boswell 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

  4. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q3 3:36TD
    ABA. Blake

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 46
    Score
    9-7

    (3:36) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Blake at PIT 30. 41-A.Blake for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q3 3:21XP
    Chris Boswell

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 15
    Score
    10-7

    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

  6. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q4 14:53FG
    JLJ. Lambo

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 22
    Score
    10-10

    (14:53) 2-J.Lambo 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.

  7. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q4 8:07TD
    AGA. Gates

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 11
    Score
    10-16

    (8:07) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q4 8:02XP
    JLJ. Lambo

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 15
    Score
    10-17

    2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.

  9. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 7:55TD
    MWM. Wheaton

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LAC 72
    Score
    16-17

    (7:55) (Shotgun) 2-M.Vick pass deep left to 11-M.Wheaton for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-J.Attaochu]. Penalty on LAC-24-B.Flowers, Defensive Holding, declined.

  10. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 7:42XP
    Chris Boswell

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 15
    Score
    17-17

    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

  11. LACLos Angeles Chargers
    Q4 3:01FG
    JLJ. Lambo

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 36
    Score
    17-20

    (3:01) 2-J.Lambo 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.

  12. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 0:05TD
    LBLevi Bell

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LAC 1
    Score
    23-20

    (:05) (Shotgun) Direct snap to 26-L.Bell. 26-L.Bell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

  13. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 0:00XP
    Chris Boswell

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LAC 15
    Score
    24-20

    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1A. Gates · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +8.67 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
  2. 2L. Green · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.04 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play
  3. 3Herb MillerHerb Miller · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.81 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.27 EPA/play
  4. 4Philip RiversPhilip Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +3.68 total EPA · 53 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
  5. 5Levi Bell · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +3.61 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
  6. 6M. Wheaton · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.11 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.04 EPA/play
  7. 7D. Woodhead · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.98 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
  8. 8Melvin GordonMelvin Gordon · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +0.36 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.04 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

A. Gates — LAC · Receiving

A. Gates posted the highest total EPA (+8.67) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Los Angeles Chargers. Across 11 counted snaps, they averaged +0.79 EPA per play.

A. Gates's top snap (+2.19 EPA): (9:55) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-8.51 EPA): Philip Rivers — (3:36) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Blake at PIT 30. 41-A.Blake for 70 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) · 53 dropbacks · 66.0% completion · +5.0% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +3.68 total EPA
  • M. Vick (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 30 dropbacks · 43.3% completion · -3.3% CPOE · -0.07 EPA/play · -2.15 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatPittsburgh SteelersLos Angeles Chargers
Offensive EPA/play+0.037-0.027
Offensive success rate44.6%46.7%
Pass EPA/play-0.072+0.069
Rush EPA/play+0.142-0.464
Defensive EPA/play+0.027-0.037
Defensive success rate53.3%55.4%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.04 vs -0.03), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.04 EPA/play (66th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Los Angeles Chargers: -0.03 EPA/play (46th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Los Angeles Chargers: 13 drives, -2.52 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 13 drives, +2.71 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Los Angeles Chargers — A. Gates (Philip Rivers pass) (Q1 9:55)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — A. Blake (Q3 3:36)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — A. Gates (Philip Rivers pass) (Q4 8:07)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Wheaton (M. Vick pass) (Q4 7:55)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — Levi Bell (Q4 0:05)

Field goals

  • Chris BoswellPittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell (Q2 4:28)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — J. Lambo (Q4 14:53)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — J. Lambo (Q4 3:01)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the PIT 12 (Q1 9:55) — (9:55) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q1 9:50) — 2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres..

The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 3–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the LAC 29 (Q2 4:28) — (4:28) 9-C.Boswell 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..

The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the PIT 46 (Q3 3:36); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 3:21) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..

The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–13. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the PIT 22 (Q4 14:53) — (14:53) 2-J.Lambo 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the PIT 11 (Q4 8:07) — (8:07) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q4 8:02) — 2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LAC 72 (Q4 7:55); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 7:42) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the PIT 36 (Q4 3:01) — (3:01) 2-J.Lambo 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q4 0:05); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 0:00) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:05) — (:05) (Shotgun) Direct snap to 26-L.Bell. 26-L.Bell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field [WPA +33.3% · EPA +2.71]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 3:36) — (3:36) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Blake at PIT 30. 41-A.Blake for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -29.1% · EPA -8.51]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 7:55) — (7:55) (Shotgun) 2-M.Vick pass deep left to 11-M.Wheaton for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-J.Attaochu]. Penalty on LAC-24-B.Flowers, Defensive Holding, declined. [WPA +24.5% · EPA +5.78]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 3:01) — (3:01) 2-J.Lambo 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. [WPA +18.1% · EPA +2.10]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 8:07) — (8:07) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.6% · EPA +2.15]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 3:36) — (3:36) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Blake at PIT 30. 41-A.Blake for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -29.1% · EPA -8.51]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 7:55) — (7:55) (Shotgun) 2-M.Vick pass deep left to 11-M.Wheaton for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-J.Attaochu]. Penalty on LAC-24-B.Flowers, Defensive Holding, declined. [WPA +24.5% · EPA +5.78]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 13:05) — (13:05) (Shotgun) 28-M.Gordon up the middle to LAC 48 for 2 yards (95-J.Jones). FUMBLES (95-J.Jones), RECOVERED by PIT-29-S.Thomas at LAC 48. 29-S.Thomas to LAC 48 for no gain (28-M.Gordon). [WPA -12.6% · EPA -5.05]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 2:25) — (2:25) (Shotgun) 2-M.Vick pass short right to 84-A.Brown pushed ob at LAC 43 for 39 yards (24-B.Flowers). [WPA +5.0% · EPA +3.64]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 9:55 · PIT 12 · Score 0-6
    (9:55) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 9:50 · PIT 15 · Score 0-7
    2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 4:28 · LAC 29 · Score 3-7
    (4:28) 9-C.Boswell 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 3:36 · PIT 46 · Score 9-7
    (3:36) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 41-A.Blake at PIT 30. 41-A.Blake for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 3:21 · LAC 15 · Score 10-7
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  6. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 14:53 · PIT 22 · Score 10-10
    (14:53) 2-J.Lambo 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  7. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 8:07 · PIT 11 · Score 10-16
    (8:07) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 8:02 · PIT 15 · Score 10-17
    2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 7:55 · LAC 72 · Score 16-17
    (7:55) (Shotgun) 2-M.Vick pass deep left to 11-M.Wheaton for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN [97-J.Attaochu]. Penalty on LAC-24-B.Flowers, Defensive Holding, declined.
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 7:42 · LAC 15 · Score 17-17
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  11. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 3:01 · PIT 36 · Score 17-20
    (3:01) 2-J.Lambo 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 0:05 · LAC 1 · Score 23-20
    (:05) (Shotgun) Direct snap to 26-L.Bell. 26-L.Bell left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field
  13. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 0:00 · LAC 15 · Score 24-20
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

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.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • A. Gates (Los Angeles Chargers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Philip Rivers (LAC) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Los Angeles Chargers on 2015-10-12?

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 24-20 in Week 5, 2015.

What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Los Angeles Chargers 13; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Los Angeles Chargers 20.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass) (Q1 9:55) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Blake (Q3 3:36) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass) (Q4 8:07) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — M. Wheaton (M. Vick pass) (Q4 7:55) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — L. Bell (Q4 0:05) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 4:28, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — J. Lambo (Q4 14:53, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — J. Lambo (Q4 3:01, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Los Angeles Chargers?

Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 66.0% completion, +5.0% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +3.68 total passing EPA. M. Vick (Pittsburgh Steelers), 43.3% completion, -3.3% CPOE, -0.07 EPA per dropback, -2.15 total passing EPA.

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

A. Gates (Los Angeles Chargers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +8.67 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 11 snaps. Their top snap (+2.19 EPA): (9:55) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-20 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 2-2 Now 3-2 W

Los Angeles Chargers

Entered 2-2 Now 2-3 L