Final2021 Week 14

U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings, Week 14 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers

Away

28

Minnesota Vikings

HomeWon

36

Scoring by quarter
TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4Final
Steelers0072128
Vikings6176736

PIT 28MIN 36 Final

  • Passing leader

    Ben Roethlisberger

    PIT · QB

    25.8PPR pts

    28/40, 308 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT

  • Top fantasy scorer

    Dalvin Cook

    MIN · RB

    35.2PPR pts

    27 ATT, 205 YDS, 2 TD, 1 REC, 17 REC YDS

  • Steelers leader

    Najee Harris

    PIT · RB

    25.4PPR pts

    20 ATT, 94 YDS, 1 TD, 3 REC, 10 REC YDS, 1 REC TD

  • Defensive playmaker

    Ahkello Witherspoon

    PIT

    2 INT, 4 TKL

Vikings 36, Steelers 28: Minnesota beats Pittsburgh

Minnesota led 23–0 at halftime after a 17-point second quarter and won 36–28, though Pittsburgh took the second half 28–13. The Vikings finished with a 458–375 edge in total offense and averaged 6.8 yards per play.

Pittsburgh didn't get on the board until the third quarter.

The Steelers went 4-for-13 on third down and committed one turnover.

Key advantages

  • +1.4 yards/play MIN 6.8 · PIT 5.4
  • +83 total yards MIN 458 · PIT 375
  • +5% third-down rate MIN 36% · PIT 31%

Game Highlights

Official NFL highlights · Opens from YouTube

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Why the Vikings Won

Minnesota won the efficiency, third-down, and time of possession battles.

Team stats comparison, Steelers vs Vikings
SteelersStatVikings
5.4Yards per play6.8
375Total yards458
31%Third-down conversion36%
Other team stats
69Plays67
1Turnovers2
29:32Time of possession30:28

Scoring Summary

The Vikings scored four touchdowns and three field goals; the Steelers scored four touchdowns.

Scoring plays, Steelers vs Vikings
TimeTeamPlayPITMIN
1st quarter
3:31MINKirk Cousins → Justin Jefferson, 14-yard TD Takes leadXP missed06
2nd quarter
14:43MINGreg Joseph 38-yard FG Extends lead09
9:55MINDalvin Cook 29-yard TD run Extends leadGreg Joseph XP016
2:20MINDalvin Cook 7-yard TD run Extends leadGreg Joseph XP023
3rd quarter
9:36MINGreg Joseph 42-yard FG Extends lead026
6:15MINGreg Joseph 25-yard FG Extends lead029
2:11PITBen Roethlisberger → Najee Harris, 3-yard TDChris Boswell XP729
4th quarter
14:49PITNajee Harris 1-yard TD runChris Boswell XP1429
12:11PITBen Roethlisberger → James Washington, 30-yard TD2-pt try failed2029
10:51MINKirk Cousins → K.J. Osborn, 62-yard TD Extends leadGreg Joseph XP2036
4:14PITBen Roethlisberger → Pat Freiermuth, 15-yard TDBen Roethlisberger → Diontae Johnson, 2-pt conversion2836

Fantasy Points: Steelers vs Vikings, Week 14 2021

Fantasy leaders

  1. Dalvin CookMINRB35.2 PTSRB1
  2. Najee HarrisPITRB25.4 PTSRB4
  3. Ben RoethlisbergerPITQB24.8 PTSQB5
  4. Justin JeffersonMINWR20.5 PTSWR10

Player Stats

Quarterbacks

Quarterback statistics
PlayerFPTSFINCMP/ATTPass YDSTDINTRush ATTRush YDSRush TDRateStart/Sit
Ben RoethlisbergerPITQB24.8QB528/4030831150107.1
Kirk CousinsMINQB16.0QB1614/3121622214063.4Start/Sit →

WRs, RBs, & TEs

Receiver, running back and tight end statistics
PlayerFPTSFINPOSRush ATTRush YDSRush TDTGTRECRec YDSRec TDStart/Sit
Dalvin CookMINRB35.2RB1RB27205231170
Najee HarrisPITRB25.4RB4RB2094133101Start/Sit →
Justin JeffersonMINWR20.5WR10WR1-40157791Start/Sit →
Chase ClaypoolPITWR17.5WR17WR12098930
K.J. OsbornMINWR17.3WR18WR———93831Start/Sit →
James WashingtonPITWR16.5WR21WR———64651
Diontae JohnsonPITWR15.3WR27WR170105760
Pat FreiermuthPITTE11.2TE9TE———32321Start/Sit →
Ray-Ray McCloudPITWR9.2WR51WR———86320
Tyler ConklinMINTE4.0TE32TE———22200Start/Sit →
Alexander MattisonMINRB2.7RB53RB62701000
Chris HerndonMINTE2.7TE38TE———11170
Benny SnellPITRB-0.2—RB1-20————

Fantasy Usage

Pittsburgh Steelers

Snap Share

  1. Diontae JohnsonWR72 snaps97%
  2. Najee HarrisRB71 snaps96%
  3. Ray-Ray McCloudWR63 snaps85%
  4. Pat FreiermuthTE55 snaps74%
  5. Chase ClaypoolWR44 snaps59%

Target Share39 targets

  1. Diontae Johnson26%, 10 targets
  2. Chase Claypool23%, 9 targets
  3. Ray-Ray McCloud21%, 8 targets
  4. James Washington15%, 6 targets
  5. Najee Harris8%, 3 targets
  6. Other8%, 3 targets

Carry Share24 carries

  1. Najee Harris83%, 20 carries
  2. Ben Roethlisberger4%, 1 carries
  3. Diontae Johnson4%, 1 carries
  4. Benny Snell4%, 1 carries
  5. Chase Claypool4%, 1 carries

Minnesota Vikings

Snap Share

  1. Justin JeffersonWR67 snaps96%
  2. K.J. OsbornWR60 snaps86%
  3. Dalvin CookRB54 snaps77%
  4. Tyler ConklinTE49 snaps70%
  5. Dede WestbrookWR29 snaps41%

Target Share31 targets

  1. Justin Jefferson48%, 15 targets
  2. K.J. Osborn29%, 9 targets
  3. Dalvin Cook10%, 3 targets
  4. Tyler Conklin6%, 2 targets
  5. Chris Herndon3%, 1 targets
  6. Other3%, 1 targets

Carry Share36 carries

  1. Dalvin Cook75%, 27 carries
  2. Alexander Mattison17%, 6 carries
  3. Kirk Cousins6%, 2 carries
  4. Justin Jefferson3%, 1 carries
View full usage tableHide full usage table
Offensive snaps and share for the skill positions
PlayerSNAPSSNAP %TGTTGT %CAR
Diontae JohnsonPITWR7297%1026%1
Najee HarrisPITRB7196%38%20
Justin JeffersonMINWR6796%1548%1
K.J. OsbornMINWR6086%929%0
Ray-Ray McCloudPITWR6385%821%0
Dalvin CookMINRB5477%310%27
Pat FreiermuthPITTE5574%38%0
Tyler ConklinMINTE4970%26%0
Chase ClaypoolPITWR4459%923%1
Dede WestbrookMINWR2941%00%0
James WashingtonPITWR3041%615%0
Zach GentryPITTE2635%00%0
Luke StockerMINTE1623%00%0
Alexander MattisonMINRB1319%13%6
Chris HerndonMINTE913%13%0
Ihmir Smith-MarsetteMINWR34%00%0
Dan ChisenaMINWR23%00%0
Kevin RaderPITTE11%00%0

Fantasy Points vs Expected

Expected points (xFP) are what a player's pass attempts, carries and targets are worth at the league's average rates; the difference is what the player made of them.

  • Biggest overperformer+12.8Dalvin Cook35.2 PTS vs 22.4 xFP
  • Biggest underperformer−5.4Justin Jefferson20.5 PTS vs 25.9 xFP
  • Highest expected volume25.9 xFPJustin Jefferson20.5 PTS scored
Usage and expected fantasy points
PlayerPTSxFPvs xFPSnap%UsageRte%Pass attCarCar%TgtTgt%
Justin JeffersonMIN · WR20.525.9−5.496%48% tgt—013%1548%
Dalvin CookMIN · RB35.222.4+12.877%75% car—02775%310%
Ben RoethlisbergerPIT · QB25.818.2+7.6100%40 att—4014%00%
Najee HarrisPIT · RB25.417.9+7.596%83% car—02083%38%
Diontae JohnsonPIT · WR15.317.5−2.297%26% tgt—014%1026%
Chase ClaypoolPIT · WR17.515.8+1.759%23% tgt—014%923%
K.J. OsbornMIN · WR17.315.2+2.186%29% tgt—000%929%
Kirk CousinsMIN · QB16.014.9+1.1100%31 att—3126%00%
Ray-Ray McCloud IIIPIT · WR9.213.5−4.385%21% tgt—000%821%
James WashingtonPIT · WR16.510.1+6.441%15% tgt—000%615%
Alexander MattisonMIN · RB2.75.5−2.819%17% car—0617%13%
Pat FreiermuthPIT · TE11.25.1+6.174%8% tgt—000%38%
Tyler ConklinMIN · TE4.03.4+0.670%6% tgt—000%26%
Chris HerndonMIN · TE2.71.7+1.013%3% tgt—000%13%
Benny Snell Jr.PIT · RB-0.20.6−0.8—4% car—014%00%

Team totals: Steelers 39 targets and 24 carries; Vikings 31 targets and 36 carries. Shares are from the box score. Snap counts are from the weekly player logs (Sleeper), and include plays wiped out by penalties. Route counts, air yards and red-zone touches appear when the tracking feed is connected. League-average rates from the 2021 season: 1.68 PPR points per target (67% catch rate), 0.64 per carry and 0.44 per pass attempt. They don't adjust for field position or target depth.

Fantasy Verdicts

Ben Roethlisberger Ran hot

PIT · QB · 25.8 pts on 18.2 expected

28 of 40 passing for 308 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception; 1 carry for 5 yards.

Verdict: The opportunities were worth 18.2 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.

Kirk Cousins

MIN · QB · 16.0 pts on 14.9 expected

14 of 31 passing for 216 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions; 2 carries for 14 yards.

Verdict: The points matched the role, 14.9 expected.

Start/Sit: Kirk Cousins →

Najee Harris Ran hot

PIT · RB · 25.4 pts on 17.9 expected

3 targets (8% of the team's), 3 catches for 10 yards and 1 touchdown; 20 carries (83% of the team's) for 94 yards and 1 touchdown.

Verdict: The opportunities were worth 17.9 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.

Start/Sit: Najee Harris →

Diontae Johnson

PIT · WR · 15.3 pts on 17.5 expected

10 targets (26% of the team's), 5 catches for 76 yards; 1 carry (4% of the team's) for 7 yards.

Verdict: The points matched the role, 17.5 expected.

Justin Jefferson Volume, no payoff

MIN · WR · 20.5 pts on 25.9 expected

15 targets (48% of the team's), 7 catches for 79 yards and 1 touchdown; 1 carry (3% of the team's) for -4 yards.

Verdict: The role was there, worth 25.9 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.

Start/Sit: Justin Jefferson →

Dalvin Cook Ran hot

MIN · RB · 35.2 pts on 22.4 expected

3 targets (10% of the team's), 1 catch for 17 yards; 27 carries (75% of the team's) for 205 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Verdict: The opportunities were worth 22.4 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.

James Washington Ran hot

PIT · WR · 16.5 pts on 10.1 expected

6 targets (15% of the team's), 4 catches for 65 yards and 1 touchdown.

Verdict: The opportunities were worth 10.1 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.

Pat Freiermuth Ran hot

PIT · TE · 11.2 pts on 5.1 expected

3 targets (8% of the team's), 2 catches for 32 yards and 1 touchdown.

Verdict: The opportunities were worth 5.1 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.

Start/Sit: Pat Freiermuth →

Stock Up, Stock Down

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Stock up: Ray-Ray McCloud III played 85% of the snaps, up from a 36% season average.
  • Stock down: Chase Claypool played 59% of the snaps, down from a 81% season average.

Minnesota Vikings

  • Stock up: K.J. Osborn played 86% of the snaps, up from a 61% season average.

Fantasy Matchups

Fantasy points allowed per game by position, 2021 through Week 18.

Fantasy points allowed per game by position, Steelers defense and Vikings defense
Points allowed toSteelers DVikings D
QBs17.118.5
RBs25.624.5
WRs30.840.5
TEs10.810.4

Regular season, summed from each game's box score and scored with this page's rules.

How the Game Swung

Minnesota opened at 60% win probability and passed 98% before halftime on the way to the win.

Vikings win probability

Vikings win probability by game minuteVikings started at 60%, stood at >99% at halftime and finished at 100%, across 11 scoring plays.Q1Q2Q3Q4100%50%0%

Key Swings

  1. +17Cousins → Jefferson, 14-yd TD59% → 77%Q1 3:31
  2. +7Joseph 38-yd FG77% → 84%Q2 14:43
  3. +10Cook 29-yd TD run85% → 95%Q2 9:55
  4. −5Roethlisberger → Washington, 30-yd TD>99% → 94%Q4 12:11
  5. +4Cousins → Osborn, 62-yd TD95% → >99%Q4 10:51

Swing in Vikings win probability, in points

Play Calling and Possessions

Play calling, Steelers vs Vikings
Pittsburgh SteelersMeasureMinnesota Vikings
69Plays67
65%Pass rate46%
6.0Yds / dropback7.0
4.4Yds / carry6.7
4/13Third downs5/14

Efficiency edge Minnesota ran 2 fewer plays but gained 1.0 more yards per dropback.

  • Top targets
  • PIT Johnson 26% · Claypool 23% · McCloud 21%
  • MIN Jefferson 48% · Osborn 29% · Cook 10%

Possession Results

How each possession ended, Steelers vs Vikings
ResultPITMIN
Touchdowns44
Field goals03
Punts63
Turnovers12
Missed field goals11

PIT turnover edge: +1

  • The Vikings opened the scoring on their second possession, a 5-play, 61-yard drive that ended in a touchdown.
All 27 possessions, drive by drive
Drive chart
TeamStartPlaysYardsTimeResult
MINQ1 15:007403:17Missed FG
PITQ1 11:4311266:11Missed FG
MINQ1 5:325612:01Touchdown
PITQ1 3:31381:46Punt
MINQ1 1:457372:02Field goal
PITQ2 14:433-61:42Punt
MINQ2 13:015783:06Touchdown
PITQ2 9:553-42:16Punt
MINQ2 7:3912605:19Touchdown
PITQ2 2:205140:45Punt
MINQ2 1:35390:51Punt
PITQ2 0:442180:44End of half
PITQ3 15:003-42:35Punt
MINQ3 12:257102:49Field goal
PITQ3 9:363271:14Interception
MINQ3 8:226232:07Field goal
PITQ3 6:1510754:04Touchdown
MINQ3 2:11100:08Interception
PITQ3 2:037422:14Touchdown
MINQ4 14:49331:32Punt
PITQ4 13:173691:06Touchdown
MINQ4 12:113751:20Touchdown
PITQ4 10:51321:55Punt
MINQ4 8:566223:58Interception
PITQ4 4:582210:44Touchdown
MINQ4 4:146201:58Punt
PITQ4 2:1612842:16End of game
About these numbers

Possessions that ended with the clock running out at the half or the end of the game aren't counted.

Personnel groupings, average depth of target and pass rate over expected appear when the tracking feed is connected.

Steelers vs Vikings Head-to-Head

The Steelers and Vikings first met in 1962 and have played 20 times since.

All-time series
10–10Series tied, 20 meetings since 1962
Postseason
1–0Steelers won in 1974
Largest Steelers win
26–92017
Largest Vikings win
52–141969

Since 2021

1–1 Series tied

2 meetings since the 2021 season, regular season and playoffs.

Oldest to newest. S = Steelers win, V = Vikings win, outlined = this game.

Recent Meetings

Season to Date (Through Week 18)

The 2021 regular season, from each game's box score.

Season to date, Steelers vs Vikings
SteelersStatVikings
9-7-1Record8-9
20.2Points per game25.0
315.4Yards per game362.8
4.8Yards per play5.7
23.4Points allowed per game25.1
361.1Yards allowed per game383.6

Steelers vs Vikings Odds and Results

How this game finished against the betting lines.

Spread
MIN −3.5Vikings covered by 4.5
Total
44.5Over: 64 points scored (by 19.5)

Expected vs Actual Scoring

Implied team totals against the actual score
TeamImpliedActualDifference
Vikings24.036+12.0
Steelers20.528+7.5

Both offenses beat the market's expectation, and the Fantasy tab shows who cashed in.

Betting Trends

Each team's 2021 season through this game. Over/under is overs first.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Against the spread
5–8
Over/under
5–7–1
ATS as favorite
0–5
ATS as underdog
5–3
ATS on the road
3–3

Minnesota Vikings

Against the spread
7–6
Over/under
8–5
ATS as favorite
2–4
ATS as underdog
5–2
ATS at home
3–3

Lines: ESPN's consensus, captured at kickoff. Individual sportsbooks varied.

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Betting availability depends on your state.

Steelers and Vikings in Fantasy

The two teams don't meet again this season. If you roster a Steeler or a Viking, these answer the week-to-week question.

Keep Exploring

2021 Game Logs for Players in This Game

Steelers vs Vikings Game FAQ

Who won the 2021 Steelers vs Vikings Week 14 game?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 36–28 in Week 14 of the 2021 season. The game was played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN, on December 9, 2021. See the Vikings' 2021 schedule.

What was the final score of Steelers vs Vikings?

The final score was Vikings 36, Steelers 28. The Vikings led 23–0 at halftime, and the second half went Steelers 28, Vikings 13.

What happened in the Steelers vs Vikings game?

Minnesota led 23–0 at halftime after a 17-point second quarter and won 36–28, though Pittsburgh took the second half 28–13. The Vikings finished with a 458–375 edge in total offense and averaged 6.8 yards per play. Dalvin Cook led all players with a catch for 17 yards, plus 27 carries for 205 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. The Vikings committed 2 turnovers, the Steelers 1.

Who scored the most fantasy points in Steelers vs Vikings?

Dalvin Cook led the game with 35.2 PPR fantasy points, the RB1 of Week 14, on a catch for 17 yards, plus 27 carries for 205 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Najee Harris was next with 25.4 (RB4).

Who led Steelers vs Vikings in passing, rushing and receiving?

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) led all passers with 28 of 40 for 308 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception. Dalvin Cook (MIN) led in rushing with 27 carries for 205 yards and 2 touchdowns. Chase Claypool (PIT) led in receiving with 8 catches for 93 yards.

How many fantasy points did Dalvin Cook score against the Steelers?

Dalvin Cook scored 35.2 points in PPR leagues, 34.7 in half-PPR and 34.2 in standard scoring against the Steelers in Week 14 of the 2021 season, on a catch for 17 yards, plus 27 carries for 205 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. He handled 75% of his team's carries.

Who outperformed and underperformed expected fantasy points in Steelers vs Vikings?

Dalvin Cook outperformed his expected fantasy points the most, scoring 35.2 PPR points on 22.4 xFP (+12.8). Justin Jefferson fell furthest short, with 20.5 points on 25.9 xFP (−5.4). A gap either way reflects efficiency and touchdowns in one game; it is not a forecast. For matchups ahead, see fantasy points allowed by position.

How did the Vikings beat the Steelers?

The Vikings beat the Steelers 36–28 because they averaged 6.8 yards per play to 5.4 and outgained them 458–375.

Which team won the turnover battle in Steelers vs Vikings?

The Steelers won the turnover battle 2–1: the Vikings gave the ball away 2 times and the Steelers 1 time. The Vikings won the game anyway.

What is the all-time Steelers vs Vikings record?

The all-time series is tied 10–10 across 20 meetings since 1962, and the Steelers are 1–0 in the postseason.

Have the Steelers and Vikings played in the Super Bowl?

Yes, once: the Steelers won Super Bowl IX 16–6 over the Vikings after the 1974 season.

When did the Steelers and Vikings last play before this game?

Before Week 14 of 2021, they last met in the 2017 season on September 17, 2017, when the Steelers beat the Vikings 26–9.

What was the closing spread for Steelers vs Vikings?

The consensus closing spread at kickoff was Vikings −3.5, making the Minnesota Vikings 3.5-point favorites, with a closing total of 44.5. That implied about 24.0 points for the Vikings and 20.5 for the Steelers.

Did Steelers vs Vikings go over or under the total?

The game went over. The consensus closing total was 44.5, and the teams combined for 64 points, 19.5 over the number.

Who covered the spread in Steelers vs Vikings?

The Vikings covered by 4.5 against the closing line of Vikings −3.5. The final margin was 8 points.