The matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders is not merely a game on the NFL calendar; it is a collision of legacies. Spanning over five decades, this rivalry has defined eras of professional football, from the gritty 1970s to the glitzy, high-tech atmosphere of Allegiant Stadium in 2024. In their most recent high-stakes encounter on October 13, 2024, the Steelers traveled to Las Vegas and delivered a statement 32–13 victory. This article provides an exhaustive breakdown of the player statistics, historical context, and tactical nuances that define this AFC classic.
The 2024 Game Recap: The Allegiant Stadium Takeover
When the Steelers and Raiders met in Week 6 of the 2024 season, the narrative was centered on whether Pittsburgh’s “Steel Curtain” could travel. Not only did the defense travel, but “Steelers Nation” famously turned Allegiant Stadium into a home-field atmosphere.
The Final Scoreboard
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 3 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 32 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 |
Game Flow Highlights
- First Half: The Raiders took an early lead with a 3-yard touchdown run by Alexander Mattison, but they would not find the end zone again until the game was out of reach in the 4th quarter.
- The Turning Point: A blocked punt by Pittsburgh’s Jeremiah Moon and two forced fumbles by T.J. Watt swung the momentum entirely in Pittsburgh’s favor.
Offensive Player Statistics: Performance Analysis
To understand the 2024 victory, we must look at the efficiency metrics of the key playmakers. Pittsburgh won this game through “complementary football”—using a mobile quarterback and a punishing ground game.
Quarterback Duel: Justin Fields vs. Aidan O’Connell
While Aidan O’Connell threw for significantly more yards, Justin Fields’ ability to create “off-script” plays with his legs was the deciding factor.
| Passing Metric | Justin Fields (PIT) | Aidan O’Connell (LV) |
| Completions/Attempts | 14/24 | 27/40 |
| Passing Yards | 145 | 227 |
| Completion % | 58.3% | 67.5% |
| Passing TDs / INTs | 0 / 0 | 1 / 1 |
| Rushing Yards / TDs | 59 / 2 | 0 / 0 |
| Passer Rating | 75.9 | 79.9 |
Tactical Note: Fields’ 59 rushing yards and two scores forced the Raiders’ linebackers to play “spy” coverage, which opened up passing lanes for George Pickens late in the game.
The Backfield Battle: Harris vs. Mattison
The 2024 season was a “statement” year for Najee Harris, and this game was his loudest performance.
| Rushing Leader | Team | Carries | Yards | AVG | TD | Long |
| Najee Harris | PIT | 14 | 106 | 7.6 | 1 | 36 |
| Justin Fields | PIT | 11 | 59 | 5.4 | 2 | 18 |
| Alexander Mattison | LV | 14 | 33 | 2.4 | 1 | 9 |
| Ameer Abdullah | LV | 4 | 24 | 6.0 | 0 | 10 |
Analysis: Harris’s 36-yard touchdown run in the 3rd quarter was a highlight-reel play that showcased his improved burst. Conversely, the Raiders were held to a dismal 3.0 yards per carry as a team.
Defensive Masterclass: The T.J. Watt Factor
The statistics of Pittsburgh’s defense tell the true story of their dominance. While the Raiders moved the ball (275 total yards), they were unable to protect it.
Team Defensive Comparison
| Metric | Steelers | Raiders |
| Total Turnovers Forced | 3 | 0 |
| Sacks | 1 | 3 |
| Forced Fumbles | 2 (Both by Watt) | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 (Donte Jackson) | 0 |
| Tackles For Loss (TFL) | 7 | 4 |
Individual Defensive Standouts
- Patrick Queen (PIT): 13 Total Tackles. Queen had his “breakout” game as a Steeler, flying sideline-to-sideline to stop the Raiders’ screens.
- T.J. Watt (PIT): 5 Tackles, 2 TFL, 2 Forced Fumbles. Watt didn’t record a sack, but his “punch-outs” directly led to 10 Pittsburgh points.
- Robert Spillane (LV): 8 Tackles. The former Steeler led the Raiders’ defense with high-effort play against his old team.
Historical Context: A Half-Century of Rivalry
To truly appreciate the Steelers vs. Raiders matchup, one must look at the history that makes every tackle feel personal.
The All-Time Series (Updated 2026)
The rivalry is incredibly balanced, often shifting by just a single game over decades.
- Overall Record: Raiders lead 17–16.
- Postseason Record: Tied 3–3.
- Current Trend: The Steelers have won the last three consecutive meetings (2022, 2023, 2024).
The Iconic Play: The Immaculate Reception (1972)
Decades later, the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff remains the most famous game in NFL history. Franco Harris’s miracle catch not only won the game (13–7) but launched the Steelers’ 1970s dynasty. The Raiders, to this day, contest the legality of the catch, fueling the “Silver and Black” resentment.
The 1970s War
Between 1972 and 1976, these two teams met in the playoffs for five consecutive seasons—an NFL record.
- 1974 & 1975: Steelers won the AFC Championship games on their way to Super Bowls IX and X.
- 1976: The Raiders finally got revenge, defeating Pittsburgh 24–7 to win their first Super Bowl title (XI).
Advanced Analytics: The Hidden Stats
Beyond the box score, advanced metrics like EPA (Expected Points Added) and Success Rate explain why the game ended in a blowout.
Efficiency Table
| Metric | Steelers | Raiders |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 33% | 18% |
| Yards Per Play | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| Penalty Yards | 50 | 42 |
| Time of Possession | 31:51 | 28:09 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best player to ever play in the Steelers vs. Raiders rivalry?
This is debated, but Hall of Famers like Joe Greene and Franco Harris (Steelers) and Ken Stabler and Howie Long (Raiders) define the matchup’s peak.
Where do the Steelers and Raiders play?
The Steelers play at Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh), and the Raiders play at Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas).
Why was the 2022 game so emotional?
It marked the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and took place just days after the passing of Franco Harris. The Steelers won that emotional night, 13–10.
Final Verdict and Betting Insights
For fans and bettors, the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders match player stats tell a clear story: defense and discipline.
- For the Steelers: Success is tied to the turnover margin. When Pittsburgh wins the turnover battle by +2 or more, they are nearly undefeated against Las Vegas.
- For the Raiders: Success depends on the early lead. In games where the Raiders score first and maintain a run-pass balance, they have historically held the edge.
As we look toward the 2026 season, the Steelers hold the momentum. However, in this rivalry, the “Silver and Black” are never truly out until the final whistle blows.
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