Quick answer
- Winner
- New England Patriots
- Final score
- New England Patriots 27–24 Pittsburgh Steelers
- Halftime
- New England Patriots 10–17 Pittsburgh Steelers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- B. Roethlisberger
- Top passer
- T. Brady
- Biggest EPA play
- (4:40) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 87-R.Gronkowski INTERCEPTED by …
- Game date
- 2017-12-17
Game summary
The New England Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27–24 on 2017-12-17, overcoming Pittsburgh Steelers's 17–10 halftime lead. B. Roethlisberger posted a game-high +11.95 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 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New England Patriots | 7 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 0 | 27 |
 Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
NENew England Patriots(9:03) 34-R.Burkhead right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
(5:37) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 17-E.Rogers for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
(12:20) (Field Goal formation) 9-C.Boswell 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
(9:08) (Field Goal formation) 3-S.Gostkowski 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
(:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-M.Bryant for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
(8:56) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right to 14-B.Cooks for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(1:38) (Shotgun) 26-L.Bell left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
(4:00) (Field Goal formation) 3-S.Gostkowski 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
(1:00) 33-D.Lewis up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 12-T.Brady pass to 87-R.Gronkowski is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
PITPittsburgh SteelersFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 9:03TD RBR. BurkheadPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 1
- Score
- 6-0
(9:03) 34-R.Burkhead right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 9:00XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- PIT 15
- Score
- 7-0
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 5:37TD Eric RogersPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 18
- Score
- 7-6
(5:37) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 17-E.Rogers for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 5:32XP Chris BoswellPoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 15
- Score
- 7-7
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q2 12:20FG Chris BoswellPoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 33
- Score
- 7-10
(12:20) (Field Goal formation) 9-C.Boswell 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 9:08FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- PIT 14
- Score
- 10-10
(9:08) (Field Goal formation) 3-S.Gostkowski 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q2 0:30TD Myles BryantPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 4
- Score
- 10-16
(:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-M.Bryant for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q2 0:25XP Chris BoswellPoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 15
- Score
- 10-17
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 8:56TD Brandin CooksPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 4
- Score
- 16-17
(8:56) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right to 14-B.Cooks for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 1:38TD LBLevi BellPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 3
- Score
- 16-23
(1:38) (Shotgun) 26-L.Bell left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 1:33XP Chris BoswellPoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 15
- Score
- 16-24
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 4:00FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- PIT 28
- Score
- 19-24
(4:00) (Field Goal formation) 3-S.Gostkowski 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 1:00TD Damien LewisPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 8
- Score
- 25-24
(1:00) 33-D.Lewis up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 0:56Safety TBT. BradyPoints+2
- Yard line
- PIT 2
- Score
- 27-24
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 12-T.Brady pass to 87-R.Gronkowski is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +11.95 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 2T. Brady · New England Patriots · Passing · +10.36 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 3R. Gronkowski · New England Patriots · Receiving · +7.69 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
- 4
JuJu Smith-Schuster · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +7.55 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.26 EPA/play - 5Myles Bryant · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +6.82 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.14 EPA/play
- 6Brandin Cooks · New England Patriots · Receiving · +4.74 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.68 EPA/play
- 7Damien Lewis · New England Patriots · Rushing · +4.16 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 8Levi Bell · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +2.41 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.40 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 (+11.95) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 35 counted snaps, they averaged +0.34 EPA per play.
B. Roethlisberger's top snap (+3.87 EPA): (:52) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 19-J.Smith-Schuster to NE 10 for 69 yards (30-D.Harmon).
Biggest single play (-5.17 EPA): T. Brady — (4:40) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 87-R.Gronkowski INTERCEPTED by 98-V.Williams [79-J.Hargrave] at NE 35. 98-V.Williams to NE 22 for 13 yards (28-J.White).
Quarterback report card
T. Brady led all passers in efficiency for New England Patriots, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T. Brady (New England Patriots) · 40 dropbacks · 55.0% completion · +2.8% CPOE · +0.26 EPA/play · +10.36 total EPA
- B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 35 dropbacks · 62.9% completion · +11.0% CPOE · +0.34 EPA/play · +11.95 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | New England Patriots | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.228 | +0.110 |
| Offensive success rate | 53.5% | 45.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.259 | +0.341 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.297 | -0.089 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.110 | -0.228 |
| Defensive success rate | 54.2% | 46.5% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, New England Patriots generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.23 vs +0.11), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- New England Patriots: +0.23 EPA/play (96th percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.11 EPA/play (82nd percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- New England Patriots: 10 drives, +16.20 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 9 drives, +9.11 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New England Patriots — R. Burkhead
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Eric Rogers (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Myles Bryant (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- New England Patriots — Brandin Cooks (T. Brady pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Levi Bell
- New England Patriots — Damien Lewis
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New England Patriots found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q1 9:03) — (9:03) 34-R.Burkhead right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q1 9:00) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the NE 18 (Q1 5:37) — (5:37) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 17-E.Rogers for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q1 5:32) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 10–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the NE 33 (Q2 12:20) — (12:20) (Field Goal formation) 9-C.Boswell 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the PIT 14 (Q2 9:08) — (9:08) (Field Goal formation) 3-S.Gostkowski 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the NE 4 (Q2 0:30) — (:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-M.Bryant for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q2 0:25) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–6. New England Patriots found the end zone from the PIT 4 (Q3 8:56) — (8:56) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right to 14-B.Cooks for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the NE 3 (Q3 1:38) — (1:38) (Shotgun) 26-L.Bell left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q3 1:33) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry..
The fourth quarter: New England Patriots won the period 11–0. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the PIT 28 (Q4 4:00) — (4:00) (Field Goal formation) 3-S.Gostkowski 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the PIT 8 (Q4 1:00) — (1:00) 33-D.Lewis up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots registered a safety from the PIT 2 (Q4 0:56) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 12-T.Brady pass to 87-R.Gronkowski is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:09) — (:09) (No Huddle) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle intended for 17-E.Rogers INTERCEPTED by 30-D.Harmon (25-E.Rowe) [98-T.Flowers] at NE -2. Touchback.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:52) — (:52) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 19-J.Smith-Schuster to NE 10 for 69 yards (30-D.Harmon).
- New England Patriots (Q3 4:40) — (4:40) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 87-R.Gronkowski INTERCEPTED by 98-V.Williams [79-J.Hargrave] at NE 35. 98-V.Williams to NE 22 for 13 yards (28-J.White).
- New England Patriots (Q4 1:55) — (1:55) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep middle to 87-R.Gronkowski to PIT 25 for 26 yards (23-M.Mitchell).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 10-M.Bryant to NE 17 for 39 yards (24-S.Gilmore) [91-D.Wise].
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New England Patriots (Q3 4:40) — (4:40) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 87-R.Gronkowski INTERCEPTED by 98-V.Williams [79-J.Hargrave] at NE 35. 98-V.Williams to NE 22 for 13 yards (28-J.White).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:52) — (:52) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 19-J.Smith-Schuster to NE 10 for 69 yards (30-D.Harmon).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 10-M.Bryant to NE 17 for 39 yards (24-S.Gilmore) [91-D.Wise].
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 0:30) — (:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-M.Bryant for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 9:03 · PIT 1 · Score 6-0
(9:03) 34-R.Burkhead right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 9:00 · PIT 15 · Score 7-0
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 5:37 · NE 18 · Score 7-6
(5:37) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 17-E.Rogers for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 5:32 · NE 15 · Score 7-7
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 12:20 · NE 33 · Score 7-10
(12:20) (Field Goal formation) 9-C.Boswell 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 9:08 · PIT 14 · Score 10-10
(9:08) (Field Goal formation) 3-S.Gostkowski 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 0:30 · NE 4 · Score 10-16
(:30) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 10-M.Bryant for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 0:25 · NE 15 · Score 10-17
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 8:56 · PIT 4 · Score 16-17
(8:56) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short right to 14-B.Cooks for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 1:38 · NE 3 · Score 16-23
(1:38) (Shotgun) 26-L.Bell left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 1:33 · NE 15 · Score 16-24
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q4 4:00 · PIT 28 · Score 19-24
(4:00) (Field Goal formation) 3-S.Gostkowski 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 1:00 · PIT 8 · Score 25-24
(1:00) 33-D.Lewis up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots Safety (+2) — Q4 0:56 · PIT 2 · Score 27-24
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 12-T.Brady pass to 87-R.Gronkowski is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New England Patriots 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.
- B. Roethlisberger (PIT) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers on 2017-12-17?
The New England Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 in Week 15, 2017.
What was the score by quarter in New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Q1: New England Patriots 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q2: New England Patriots 3, Pittsburgh Steelers 10; Q3: New England Patriots 6, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q4: New England Patriots 11, Pittsburgh Steelers 0; Final: New England Patriots 27, Pittsburgh Steelers 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
New England Patriots touchdown — R. Burkhead (Q1 9:03) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — E. Rogers (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 5:37) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — M. Bryant (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 0:30) New England Patriots touchdown — B. Cooks (T. Brady pass) (Q3 8:56) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — L. Bell (Q3 1:38) New England Patriots touchdown — D. Lewis (Q4 1:00) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 12:20, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q2 9:08, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q4 4:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
T. Brady (New England Patriots), 55.0% completion, +2.8% CPOE, +0.26 EPA per dropback, +10.36 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 62.9% completion, +11.0% CPOE, +0.34 EPA per dropback, +11.95 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +11.95 total EPA on Passing plays. across 35 snaps. Their top snap (+3.87 EPA): (:52) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 19-J.Smith-Schuster to NE 10 for 69 yards (30-D.Harmon)..
Was New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. New England Patriots won 27-24 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
New England Patriots
Entered 10-3 Now 11-3 W
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 11-2 Now 11-3 L
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