The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders have long been one of the more intriguing matchups in the NFL. Both teams carry storied histories, passionate fanbases, and rosters filled with standout talent. In recent seasons, these encounters have showcased some thrilling performances with players on both sides leaving their mark on the field. Understanding player stats from these matchups helps illustrate not just the outcomes, but how individual performances shape the game.
Recent Key Matchups
Week 3, 2023: Steelers 23 – Raiders 18
In a tightly contested game, the Steelers eked out a victory, despite the Raiders slightly outgaining them in total yards (362 to 333). Quarterback Kenny Pickett displayed poise, completing 16 of 28 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, while avoiding turnovers. Najee Harris contributed significantly on the ground, rushing 19 times for 65 yards, complementing Pittsburgh’s balanced offensive approach.
The receiving corps stepped up with George Pickens catching four passes for 75 yards and Calvin Austin III hauling in a remarkable 72-yard touchdown. Tight end Pat Freiermuth added three receptions for 41 yards and another score, highlighting the Steelers’ ability to spread the field.
For Las Vegas, Jimmy Garoppolo led a productive passing attack, throwing for 324 yards and two touchdowns, but three interceptions proved costly. Davante Adams shone as the team’s primary weapon, catching 13 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Pittsburgh’s Levi Wallace made a huge impact with two interceptions, directly influencing the final outcome.
Week 6, 2024: Steelers 32 – Raiders 13
The Steelers returned to Las Vegas with a statement win, dominating both time of possession and key statistics. Justin Fields, starting at quarterback, showcased his dual-threat abilities with 145 passing yards and 59 rushing yards, including two rushing touchdowns. Najee Harris also excelled, rushing 14 times for 106 yards and a score, underlining Pittsburgh’s consistent ground game.
Defensively, T.J. Watt proved his worth, recording four tackles for loss and forcing two fumbles. These big plays disrupted the Raiders’ rhythm and helped maintain Steelers’ control throughout the game. Chris Boswell’s perfect field-goal day, hitting all four attempts, added to the steady offensive performance.
The Raiders struggled to keep up despite Aidan O’Connell completing 27 of 40 passes for 227 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Alexander Mattison and Kristian Wilkerson contributed the team’s only scores, but the Steelers’ balanced approach proved decisive.
Player Performance Trends
Looking at these recent games and historical matchups, several trends emerge:
- Steelers’ Balanced Offense: Pittsburgh thrives when combining the running game with effective quarterback play. Harris on the ground and Pickett or Fields in the air create dual threats, making it difficult for defenses to anticipate the next play.
- Raiders’ Reliance on Davante Adams: When the Raiders are competitive, much of the passing attack funnels through Adams. His ability to gain yards after the catch and convert key third downs often determines the team’s success.
- Defensive Game Changers: Players like T.J. Watt and Levi Wallace show how turnovers and defensive disruption can shift momentum. In games against Las Vegas, Pittsburgh’s defense often steps up in critical moments.
- Time of Possession Matters: In the 2024 matchup, controlling the ball and limiting Raiders’ opportunities correlated directly with Pittsburgh’s decisive victory.
Historical Context
Over the course of their rivalry, the Raiders hold a slight edge, leading the all-time series 17–15. Passing and rushing stats over the years highlight the competitiveness of these matchups: Pittsburgh quarterbacks have completed about 58.4% of passes for roughly 5,800 yards, with 39 touchdowns and 36 interceptions, while Raiders quarterbacks complete about 56.4% of passes for 5,562 yards, with 42 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. On the ground, Steelers rushers average 4 yards per carry, compared to 3.8 for the Raiders, showing a marginal advantage in effectiveness.
Insights from Player Stats
The numbers reflect more than just raw yardage. Pittsburgh’s success often comes from balanced distribution and opportunistic defense, while the Raiders tend to rely on explosive plays from a few key individuals, like Adams. The data also reinforces the importance of turnovers and time-of-possession, which have consistently correlated with Steelers’ wins in this rivalry.
FAQs
Q1: Who has been the standout Steelers player in recent games against the Raiders?
A1: Najee Harris has been a key contributor on the ground, with multiple 100-yard rushing games. Justin Fields’ dual-threat capabilities have also provided a spark when starting at quarterback.
Q2: How impactful is Davante Adams for the Raiders in these matchups?
A2: Adams is often the focal point of the Raiders’ passing game. He has posted games with over 170 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns, highlighting his importance to Las Vegas’ offensive success.
Q3: Which defense has made the most difference historically?
A3: Pittsburgh’s defense, led by T.J. Watt and Levi Wallace, has frequently created turnovers and momentum shifts. These plays have been pivotal in several wins for the Steelers.
Q4: Do time-of-possession stats affect game outcomes?
A4: Yes. In games where Pittsburgh controls possession, they are more likely to win, as seen in the 2024 match where a possession advantage helped them dominate both offensively and defensively.
Q5: Is there a historical advantage for either team?
A5: The Raiders lead the all-time series 17–15, but recent performances show Pittsburgh’s offense and defense can swing momentum and secure victories in close matchups.
Q6: How balanced are the teams offensively?
A6: Both teams mix passing and rushing effectively, but the Steelers show a slight advantage in rushing efficiency and distribution, contributing to their consistent performance in the rivalry.
Conclusion
Steelers vs. Raiders matchups are always fascinating for fans and analysts alike. Individual player stats, from rushing yards to defensive turnovers, reveal the strategies and execution that determine outcomes. While the Raiders hold a historical edge, recent trends suggest that Pittsburgh’s balanced approach and opportunistic defense can tip the scales. The rivalry continues to produce standout performances that are worth analyzing, whether for fantasy football insights, team evaluation, or simply enjoying the drama of NFL competition.
