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NFL · Week 15 · December 18, 2016 · 12 min read

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 2016 Week 15 Recap

Steelers defeat Bengals 24–20 in Week 15

B.Roethlisberger led Fantasy Impact as Steelers prevailed in a 24–20 Week 15 finish.

Pittsburgh Steelers 24 9–5 Winner
Final 24–20
Cincinnati Bengals 20 5–8
Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
24–20
Halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers 9–20 Cincinnati Bengals
Top passer
B. Roethlisberger
FantasyHQ MVP
B.Roethlisberger
Game date
December 18, 2016

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • B.Roethlisberger 21/44 · 285 YDS · 2 TD +14.8 Fantasy Impact
  • L.Green 5 REC · 72 YDS +6.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Eric Rogers
    Eric Rogers 5 REC · 75 YDS · 1 TD +5.7 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Bengals

  • B.LaFell 7 REC · 91 YDS +5.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Andy Dalton
    Andy Dalton 1 CAR · 1 YDS · 1 TD +2.6 Fantasy Impact
  • R.Burkhead 7 CAR · 32 YDS +1.6 Fantasy Impact
View Steelers vs Bengals box score View all 2016 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
Pittsburgh Steelers 24–20 Cincinnati Bengals
Halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers 9–20 Cincinnati Bengals at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
B. Roethlisberger
Top passer
B. Roethlisberger
Biggest EPA play
(:10) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 83-T.Boyd INTERCEPTED by 94-L.Timmons at …
Game date
2016-12-18

Game summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24–20 on 2016-12-18, overcoming Cincinnati Bengals's 20–9 halftime lead. B. Roethlisberger posted a game-high +14.85 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 16 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Pittsburgh Steelers3669024
Cincinnati Bengals101000020

Scoring Map

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

PITPittsburgh Steelers
CINCincinnati Bengals

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 7:42FG
    Randy Bullock

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 5
    Score
    0-3

    (7:42) 4-R.Bullock 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.

  2. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 3:47FG
    Chris Boswell

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CIN 27
    Score
    3-3

    (3:47) 9-C.Boswell 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

  3. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 0:04TD
    Andy Dalton

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 1
    Score
    3-9

    (:04) 14-A.Dalton right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 0:00XP
    Randy Bullock

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 15
    Score
    3-10

    4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.

  5. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 9:06TD
    Julian Hill

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 4
    Score
    3-16

    (9:06) 32-J.Hill right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 9:02XP
    Randy Bullock

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 15
    Score
    3-17

    4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.

  7. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 5:31FG
    Chris Boswell

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CIN 31
    Score
    6-17

    (5:31) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

  8. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 2:55FG
    Randy Bullock

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 4
    Score
    6-20

    (2:55) 4-R.Bullock 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.

  9. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 0:11FG
    Chris Boswell

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CIN 31
    Score
    9-20

    (:11) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

  10. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q3 10:43FG
    Chris Boswell

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CIN 22
    Score
    12-20

    (10:43) 9-C.Boswell 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

  11. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q3 2:09FG
    Chris Boswell

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CIN 31
    Score
    15-20

    (2:09) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

  12. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 12:29FG
    Chris Boswell

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CIN 12
    Score
    18-20

    (12:29) 9-C.Boswell 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.

  13. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 7:36TD
    Eric Rogers

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CIN 24
    Score
    24-20

    (7:36) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-E.Rogers for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +14.85 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
  2. 2L. Green · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +6.12 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
  3. 3Eric RogersEric Rogers · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.74 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
  4. 4B. LaFell · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.27 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
  5. 5Anthony BrownAnthony Brown · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +2.84 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
  6. 6Andy DaltonAndy Dalton · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +2.56 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.56 EPA/play
  7. 7R. Burkhead · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +1.61 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
  8. 8S. Coates · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +0.81 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.41 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 (+14.85) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 44 counted snaps, they averaged +0.34 EPA per play.

B. Roethlisberger's top snap (+3.62 EPA): (7:36) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-E.Rogers for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-5.84 EPA): Andy Dalton — (:10) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 83-T.Boyd INTERCEPTED by 94-L.Timmons at 50. 94-L.Timmons to CIN 34 for 16 yards (77-A.Whitworth).

Quarterback report card

B. Roethlisberger led all passers in efficiency for Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 44 dropbacks · 47.7% completion · +1.2% CPOE · +0.34 EPA/play · +14.85 total EPA
  • Andy DaltonAndy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals) · 30 dropbacks · 53.3% completion · +2.3% CPOE · +0.01 EPA/play · +0.37 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatPittsburgh SteelersCincinnati Bengals
Offensive EPA/play+0.147+0.056
Offensive success rate48.9%49.3%
Pass EPA/play+0.337+0.012
Rush EPA/play-0.075-0.026
Defensive EPA/play-0.056-0.147
Defensive success rate50.7%51.1%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs +0.06), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.15 EPA/play (87th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: +0.06 EPA/play (67th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: 9 drives, +4.08 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 9 drives, +13.26 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Andy DaltonCincinnati Bengals — Andy Dalton (Q1 0:04)
  • Julian HillCincinnati Bengals — Julian Hill (Q2 9:06)
  • Eric RogersPittsburgh Steelers — Eric Rogers (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 7:36)

Field goals

  • Randy BullockCincinnati Bengals — Randy Bullock (Q1 7:42)
  • Chris BoswellPittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell (Q1 3:47)
  • Chris BoswellPittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell (Q2 5:31)
  • Randy BullockCincinnati Bengals — Randy Bullock (Q2 2:55)
  • Chris BoswellPittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell (Q2 0:11)
  • Chris BoswellPittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell (Q3 10:43)
  • Chris BoswellPittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell (Q3 2:09)
  • Chris BoswellPittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell (Q4 12:29)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 10–3. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the PIT 5 (Q1 7:42) — (7:42) 4-R.Bullock 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 27 (Q1 3:47) — (3:47) 9-C.Boswell 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q1 0:04) — (:04) 14-A.Dalton right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q1 0:00) — 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber..

The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 10–6. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 4 (Q2 9:06) — (9:06) 32-J.Hill right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q2 9:02) — 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 31 (Q2 5:31) — (5:31) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the PIT 4 (Q2 2:55) — (2:55) 4-R.Bullock 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 31 (Q2 0:11) — (:11) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..

The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 6–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 22 (Q3 10:43) — (10:43) 9-C.Boswell 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 31 (Q3 2:09) — (2:09) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..

The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 9–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 12 (Q4 12:29) — (12:29) 9-C.Boswell 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 24 (Q4 7:36) — (7:36) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-E.Rogers for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 7:36) — (7:36) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-E.Rogers for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.8% · EPA +3.62]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 0:10) — (:10) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 83-T.Boyd INTERCEPTED by 94-L.Timmons at 50. 94-L.Timmons to CIN 34 for 16 yards (77-A.Whitworth). [WPA -15.9% · EPA -5.84]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 3:37) — (3:37) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 89-L.Green to CIN 43 for 28 yards (21-D.Dennard; 43-G.Iloka). PIT-89-L.Green was injured during the play. [WPA +11.2% · EPA +2.58]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 2:06) — (2:06) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass incomplete deep left to 11-B.LaFell (23-M.Mitchell). PENALTY on PIT-25-A.Burns, Defensive Pass Interference, 39 yards, enforced at PIT 40 - No Play. [WPA +8.9% · EPA +2.92]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 13:57) — (13:57) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 17-E.Rogers pushed ob at CIN 12 for 17 yards (43-G.Iloka). [WPA +8.0% · EPA +1.51]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 0:10) — (:10) 14-A.Dalton pass short middle intended for 83-T.Boyd INTERCEPTED by 94-L.Timmons at 50. 94-L.Timmons to CIN 34 for 16 yards (77-A.Whitworth). [WPA -15.9% · EPA -5.84]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 7:36) — (7:36) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-E.Rogers for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.8% · EPA +3.62]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 13:56) — (13:56) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 89-L.Green pushed ob at PIT 41 for 23 yards (36-S.Williams). CIN-36-S.Williams was injured during the play. [WPA +5.1% · EPA +3.35]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:34) — (:34) 7-B.Roethlisberger kneels to CIN 9 for -1 yards. [EPA -3.14]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q1 7:42 · PIT 5 · Score 0-3
    (7:42) 4-R.Bullock 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q1 3:47 · CIN 27 · Score 3-3
    (3:47) 9-C.Boswell 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  3. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 0:04 · PIT 1 · Score 3-9
    (:04) 14-A.Dalton right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 0:00 · PIT 15 · Score 3-10
    4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
  5. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 9:06 · PIT 4 · Score 3-16
    (9:06) 32-J.Hill right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 9:02 · PIT 15 · Score 3-17
    4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
  7. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 5:31 · CIN 31 · Score 6-17
    (5:31) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  8. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 2:55 · PIT 4 · Score 6-20
    (2:55) 4-R.Bullock 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 0:11 · CIN 31 · Score 9-20
    (:11) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q3 10:43 · CIN 22 · Score 12-20
    (10:43) 9-C.Boswell 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  11. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q3 2:09 · CIN 31 · Score 15-20
    (2:09) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 12:29 · CIN 12 · Score 18-20
    (12:29) 9-C.Boswell 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
  13. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 7:36 · CIN 24 · Score 24-20
    (7:36) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-E.Rogers for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

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.
  • B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals on 2016-12-18?

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-20 in Week 15, 2016.

What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?

Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cincinnati Bengals 10; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 6, Cincinnati Bengals 10; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 6, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 9, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Cincinnati Bengals 20.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?

Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — A. Dalton (Q1 0:04) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Hill (Q2 9:06) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — E. Rogers (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 7:36) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q1 7:42, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q1 3:47, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 5:31, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — R. Bullock (Q2 2:55, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 0:11, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q3 10:43, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q3 2:09, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q4 12:29, 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?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 47.7% completion, +1.2% CPOE, +0.34 EPA per dropback, +14.85 total passing EPA. Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals), 53.3% completion, +2.3% CPOE, +0.01 EPA per dropback, +0.37 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +14.85 total EPA on Passing plays. across 44 snaps. Their top snap (+3.62 EPA): (7:36) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 17-E.Rogers for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals 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 8-5 Now 9-5 W

Cincinnati Bengals

Entered 5-7 Now 5-8 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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