Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 31–28 Pittsburgh Steelers
- Halftime
- Pittsburgh Steelers 14–17 New Orleans Saints at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- B. Roethlisberger
- Top passer
- B. Roethlisberger
- Biggest EPA play
- (10:35) (Shotgun) 7-T.Hill pass deep middle intended for 19-T.Ginn INTERCEPTED by 21-S.Dav…
- Game date
- 2018-12-23
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–28 on 2018-12-23. B. Roethlisberger posted a game-high +17.59 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 28 | |
| 7 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +17.59 total EPA · 58 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play - 2
D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +16.80 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play - 3

Anthony Brown · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +12.58 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play - 4
Michael Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +7.16 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play - 5

Alvin Kamara · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +5.51 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play - 6

JuJu Smith-Schuster · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +2.83 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play - 7
J. Samuels · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +2.77 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play - 8

Eric Rogers · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +1.02 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.51 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 (+17.59) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 58 counted snaps, they averaged +0.30 EPA per play.
B. Roethlisberger's top snap (+4.08 EPA): (:35) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 89-V.McDonald to NO 13 for 49 yards (43-M.Williams). Pass 28, YAC 21
Biggest single play (-5.29 EPA): Trysten Hill — (10:35) (Shotgun) 7-T.Hill pass deep middle intended for 19-T.Ginn INTERCEPTED by 21-S.Davis at PIT -2. 21-S.Davis to PIT 25 for 27 yards (89-J.Hill). PENALTY on NO-89-J.Hill, Horse Collar Tackle, 15
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) · 58 dropbacks · 56.9% completion · +3.8% CPOE · +0.30 EPA/play · +17.59 total EPA
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 45 dropbacks · 60.0% completion · +1.7% CPOE · +0.37 EPA/play · +16.80 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.083 | +0.093 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.2% | 45.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.303 | +0.250 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.559 | -0.032 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.093 | -0.083 |
| Defensive success rate | 54.8% | 57.8% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Pittsburgh Steelers +0.08, New Orleans Saints +0.09) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.08 EPA/play (70th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: +0.09 EPA/play (73rd percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, +7.83 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 11 drives, +7.50 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
New Orleans Saints — Melvin Ingram 
New Orleans Saints — Alvin Kamara
Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Samuels (B. Roethlisberger pass) 
New Orleans Saints — Alvin Kamara 
Pittsburgh Steelers — Anthony Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) 
Pittsburgh Steelers — Anthony Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass)
New Orleans Saints — Michael Thomas (D. Brees pass)
Field goals

Pittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell 
Pittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell 
New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the NO 31 (Q1 5:37) — (5:37) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q1 3:01) — (3:01) 22-M.Ingram left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q1 2:57) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 11–10. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the NO 12 (Q2 14:10) — (14:10) 9-C.Boswell 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the PIT 8 (Q2 10:27) — (10:27) (Shotgun) 41-A.Kamara right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q2 10:22) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the NO 3 (Q2 0:44) — (:44) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 38-J.Samuels for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers registered a safety from the NO 2 (Q2 0:40) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 17-E.Rogers is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the PIT 25 (Q2 0:07) — (:07) 3-W.Lutz 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. Penalty on PIT-23-J.Haden, Defensive Offside, declined..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q3 9:16) — (9:16) 41-A.Kamara right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q3 9:13) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the NO 3 (Q3 4:53) — (4:53) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 84-A.Brown for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 3, YAC 0; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 4:48) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the NO 20 (Q3 1:05) — (1:05) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 20, YAC 0; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 1:02) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the PIT 2 (Q4 1:28); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q4 1:25) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:41) — (:41) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 19-J.Smith-Schuster to NO 34 for 8 yards (98-S.Rankins). FUMBLES (98-S.Rankins), RECOVERED by NO-56-D.Davis at NO 35. 56-D.Davis to NO 35 for no
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 1:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 19-T.Ginn to PIT 7 for 25 yards (21-S.Davis). Pass 20, YAC 5
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass incomplete short left to 13-M.Thomas (23-J.Haden). PENALTY on PIT-23-J.Haden, Defensive Pass Interference, 4 yards, enforced at PIT 26 - No Play.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 1:09) — (1:09) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown pushed ob at PIT 39 for 19 yards (23-M.Lattimore). Pass 19, YAC 0 The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 10:21) — (10:21) 76-C.Okorafor reported in as eligible. 22-S.Ridley right guard to NO 35 for -1 yards (29-K.Coleman, 94-C.Jordan). FUMBLES (29-K.Coleman), RECOVERED by NO-57-A.Okafor at NO 35. The Replay Offic
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 10:35) — (10:35) (Shotgun) 7-T.Hill pass deep middle intended for 19-T.Ginn INTERCEPTED by 21-S.Davis at PIT -2. 21-S.Davis to PIT 25 for 27 yards (89-J.Hill). PENALTY on NO-89-J.Hill, Horse Collar Tackle, 15
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 10:21) — (10:21) 76-C.Okorafor reported in as eligible. 22-S.Ridley right guard to NO 35 for -1 yards (29-K.Coleman, 94-C.Jordan). FUMBLES (29-K.Coleman), RECOVERED by NO-57-A.Okafor at NO 35. The Replay Offic
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 3:10) — (3:10) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass incomplete deep right to 41-A.Kamara [98-V.Williams]. PENALTY on PIT-23-J.Haden, Defensive Pass Interference, 33 yards, enforced at PIT 34 - No Play.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 0:35) — (:35) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 89-V.McDonald to NO 13 for 49 yards (43-M.Williams). Pass 28, YAC 21
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q1 5:37 · NO 31 · Score 3-0
(5:37) 9-C.Boswell 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 3:01 · PIT 1 · Score 3-6
(3:01) 22-M.Ingram left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 2:57 · PIT 15 · Score 3-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 14:10 · NO 12 · Score 6-7
(14:10) 9-C.Boswell 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 10:27 · PIT 8 · Score 6-13
(10:27) (Shotgun) 41-A.Kamara right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 10:22 · PIT 15 · Score 6-14
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 0:44 · NO 3 · Score 12-14
(:44) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 38-J.Samuels for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Pittsburgh Steelers Safety (+2) — Q2 0:40 · NO 2 · Score 14-14
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 17-E.Rogers is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 0:07 · PIT 25 · Score 14-17
(:07) 3-W.Lutz 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. Penalty on PIT-23-J.Haden, Defensive Offside, declined.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 9:16 · PIT 1 · Score 14-23
(9:16) 41-A.Kamara right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 9:13 · PIT 15 · Score 14-24
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 4:53 · NO 3 · Score 20-24
(4:53) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 84-A.Brown for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 3, YAC 0
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 4:48 · NO 15 · Score 21-24
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 1:05 · NO 20 · Score 27-24
(1:05) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 20, YAC 0
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 1:02 · NO 15 · Score 28-24
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.
New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 1:28 · PIT 2 · Score 28-30
(1:28) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 13-M.Thomas to PIT 1 for 1 yard (23-J.Haden). The Replay Official reviewed the short of the goal line ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 9-D.Br
New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 1:25 · PIT 15 · Score 28-31
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New Orleans Saints 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 Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints on 2018-12-23?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-28 in Week 16, 2018.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, New Orleans Saints 7; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 11, New Orleans Saints 10; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, New Orleans Saints 7; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, New Orleans Saints 7; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 28, New Orleans Saints 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Ingram (Q1 3:01) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (Q2 10:27) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Samuels (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 0:44) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (Q3 9:16) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 4:53) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 1:05) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Thomas (D. Brees pass) (Q4 1:28) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q1 5:37, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 14:10, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 0:07, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints?
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 56.9% completion, +3.8% CPOE, +0.30 EPA per dropback, +17.59 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 60.0% completion, +1.7% CPOE, +0.37 EPA per dropback, +16.80 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints?
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +17.59 total EPA on Passing plays. across 58 snaps. Their top snap (+4.08 EPA): (:35) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 89-V.McDonald to NO 13 for 49 yards (43-M.Williams). Pass 28, YAC 21.
Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. New Orleans Saints won 31-28 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 8-5 Now 8-6 L
New Orleans Saints
Entered 12-2 Now 13-2 W