Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats: History, Highlights, and Rivalry Reborn

The matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders is one of the most storied rivalries in NFL history. From the bone-crushing battles of the 1970s to the modern-day duels featuring young stars and evolving tactics, every Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders encounter tells a story of grit, pride, and statistical brilliance.

In this comprehensive article, we will dive deep into the Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders match player stats — from the all-time numbers to the most recent showdowns. We’ll look at individual performances, offensive and defensive trends, and what makes this rivalry one of the most unpredictable in football history.

The Historical Context: Origins of a Fierce Rivalry

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Raiders (originally Oakland Raiders, then Los Angeles, and now Las Vegas) have faced each other for more than five decades. Their rivalry began in the 1970s when both teams were powerhouses in the AFC, competing fiercely for playoff supremacy.

The “Immaculate Reception” in 1972 — one of the most iconic plays in NFL history — set the tone for years of physical, emotional, and strategic contests. Since then, the Steelers vs Raiders games have symbolized a clash of philosophies: Pittsburgh’s blue-collar toughness against the Raiders’ rebellious swagger.

Head-to-Head Record Overview

Over the years, the rivalry has been almost evenly matched. As of the latest 2024 season meeting, the Raiders hold a slight edge over the Steelers in the all-time series.

• Overall Series: Raiders lead with approximately 17 wins to Steelers’ 15.

• Total Points Scored: Raiders 668, Steelers 633.

• Playoff Meetings: Steelers lead 3–2.

Despite the close margins, each era has seen dominance swing back and forth — from the Raiders’ reign in the ‘70s and early 2000s to the Steelers’ modern revival.

The 2024 Match Breakdown: Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders Player Stats

The latest encounter between these two teams took place on October 13, 2024, where the Steelers dominated with a 32–13 victory. The win not only broke a losing streak but showcased Pittsburgh’s balance of physical defense and mobile offense.

Steelers Key Player Stats:

• Justin Fields (QB):

  • Passing Yards: 145

  • Rushing Yards: 59

  • Touchdowns: 2 rushing

  • Interceptions: 0

  • Completion Percentage: 68%
    Fields displayed control and versatility, using both his arm and legs to dismantle the Raiders’ defense. His dual-threat presence forced Vegas to spread thin on coverage.

• Najee Harris (RB):

  • Rushing Yards: 106

  • Touchdowns: 1

  • Average per carry: 5.4
    Harris rediscovered his rhythm, pounding the Raiders’ front line and exploiting gaps created by the offensive line.

• George Pickens (WR):

  • Receptions: 5

  • Receiving Yards: 72

  • Key first-down conversions: 3
    Pickens became the go-to target in pressure situations, proving essential for extending drives.

Raiders Key Player Stats:

• Aidan O’Connell (QB):

  • Passing Yards: 227

  • Touchdowns: 1

  • Interceptions: 1

  • Sacks Taken: 3
    Despite decent yardage, O’Connell struggled under Pittsburgh’s relentless blitzes, leading to inconsistent drives.

• Josh Jacobs (RB):

  • Rushing Yards: 58

  • Yards After Contact: 22
    The Steelers’ defensive front neutralized Jacobs’ ground game early, forcing the Raiders to become one-dimensional.

• Davante Adams (WR):

  • Receptions: 6

  • Receiving Yards: 91

  • Longest Catch: 32 yards
    Adams was, as usual, explosive — but double coverage limited his red-zone impact.

Defensive Mastery and Turnover Battles

A hallmark of every Steelers vs Raiders matchup is physical defense. The 2024 clash continued this tradition. Pittsburgh forced two key turnovers, including a fumble recovery by T.J. Watt, who also recorded 1.5 sacks.

The Raiders’ defense struggled with containment. Maxx Crosby led their defensive front with 2 sacks and 6 QB pressures, but the secondary failed to capitalize on opportunities.

In total, Pittsburgh’s defense allowed only 4.3 yards per play, a testament to disciplined execution and superior tackling.

Comparing Team Strategies

Steelers’ Strategy:

The Steelers leaned heavily on a balanced attack, mixing 55% run plays and 45% pass plays. This not only controlled time of possession but also exhausted the Raiders’ front seven. The dual mobility of Justin Fields provided unpredictability that made Pittsburgh’s play-action more effective.

Raiders’ Strategy:

Vegas tried to rely on short-yardage passing and Jacobs’ run game early, but once they fell behind, they shifted to a heavy passing strategy. The lack of offensive line protection for O’Connell disrupted rhythm and consistency.

Statistical Trends Over the Decades

When examining the Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders match player stats all time, fascinating patterns emerge:

• Average Points per Game:
  Steelers – 21.1 | Raiders – 22.3

• Average Rushing Yards:
  Steelers – 128.6 | Raiders – 117.2

• Average Passing Yards:
  Steelers – 201.3 | Raiders – 210.5

• Sacks per Game:
  Steelers – 3.1 | Raiders – 2.4

While the Raiders have historically been slightly stronger offensively, the Steelers often dominate defensively. That balance has defined the rivalry’s unpredictable nature.

Legendary Player Performances in the Rivalry

The Steelers vs Raiders history is filled with legendary names whose stats shaped NFL folklore:

Pittsburgh Steelers Icons:

• Terry Bradshaw (QB, 1970s): 1,235 passing yards, 8 touchdowns across playoff duels.

• Franco Harris (RB): Over 600 career rushing yards vs Raiders, including the “Immaculate Reception.”

• Hines Ward (WR): 400+ receiving yards in multiple matchups.

• Ben Roethlisberger: Averaged 260+ passing yards per game against the Raiders, with several 3-TD games.

Las Vegas Raiders Icons:

• Ken Stabler (QB): 10 TDs vs Steelers in the 1970s rivalry era.

• Marcus Allen (RB): Over 500 yards and 6 touchdowns historically against Pittsburgh.

• Tim Brown (WR): Averaged 85 yards per game vs Steelers, known for clutch third-down receptions.

• Derek Carr (QB): Before leaving for the Saints, Carr had thrown 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in modern-era matchups.

Coaching and Tactical Evolution

Throughout their rivalry, the Steelers and Raiders have showcased unique coaching philosophies:

• Chuck Noll vs John Madden: The classic chess match of power football and mental fortitude.

• Mike Tomlin vs modern Raiders coaches (McDaniels, Pierce): A contrast of stability versus reconstruction.

Tomlin’s ability to maintain defensive discipline while introducing hybrid offensive schemes has often tilted modern matchups in Pittsburgh’s favor.

Statistical Comparison of Modern Eras

From 2010 to 2024, the rivalry entered a new phase where offensive diversity began to dominate.

This modern data shows that Pittsburgh’s offensive resurgence under Najee Harris and George Pickens has turned the tide, while Las Vegas continues to search for a stable quarterback foundation.

Special Teams and X-Factors

Special teams often play a decisive role in close Steelers vs Raiders games.
In 2024, Chris Boswell went perfect with 4 field goals, including a 49-yard strike that extended Pittsburgh’s lead.
On the Raiders’ side, Daniel Carlson contributed one 45-yard field goal, but the offense couldn’t capitalize on field position advantages.

Momentum Shifts and Psychological Edge

The Steelers’ recent success has given them psychological momentum, but the rivalry remains volatile. Historically, both teams thrive on being underdogs.

The Raiders’ aggressive style and Steelers’ disciplined defense create a push-and-pull dynamic that ensures no lead feels secure. Analysts often note that turnovers, rather than total yardage, determine outcomes — a hallmark of this rivalry.

Notable Games That Defined the Rivalry

1. 1972 Divisional Playoff — The Immaculate Reception:
   Franco Harris’ miracle grab off a deflected pass sealed a 13-7 victory for the Steelers and changed the rivalry forever.

2. 1976 AFC Championship:
   The Raiders’ revenge — a dominant 24-7 win — propelled them to their first Super Bowl title.

3. 2002 Regular Season:
   Rich Gannon’s 400-yard performance reminded the NFL that the Raiders’ aerial attack could dismantle even elite defenses.

4. 2018 Thriller:
   Derek Carr engineered a 24-21 upset against the Steelers, proving the Raiders’ resilience in crunch time.

5. 2024 Match:
   A new generation took over — Fields and Harris proving Pittsburgh’s future is bright.

Statistical Deep Dive: Offense vs Defense

Pittsburgh dominates possession and defensive metrics, while Las Vegas relies on explosive plays and vertical passing. This contrast ensures every game swings between tactical containment and high-risk offense.

Looking Ahead: Future Matchups

The Steelers’ youthful offensive core — Justin Fields, Najee Harris, George Pickens, and tight end Pat Freiermuth — promises longevity. Their defense, led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, continues to be among the NFL’s elite.

For the Raiders, the key lies in quarterback development and reinforcing their secondary. Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs remain elite talents, but they need consistency under center and improvement in the trenches.

Why This Rivalry Endures

Few NFL rivalries blend nostalgia, physicality, and unpredictability like Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders. Every stat line, from Harris’s rushing yards to Adams’s receptions, adds to a saga of generational battles.

The rivalry endures because it’s not just about numbers — it’s about culture. The Steelers represent persistence, discipline, and teamwork. The Raiders embody defiance, flair, and risk-taking. Together, they create the perfect storm for unforgettable football.

Conclusion: Legacy Written in Stats and Spirit

The Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders match player stats tell more than just a numerical story — they illustrate football’s evolution. From Terry Bradshaw to Justin Fields, from Ken Stabler to Aidan O’Connell, each generation has redefined how these teams compete.

Every passing yard, tackle, and touchdown reflects decades of rivalry and respect. As both teams evolve, one thing remains certain: every meeting between the Steelers and Raiders will continue to captivate fans and produce statistical masterpieces for years to come.

Written for Blog Loom

This article was crafted and researched for Blog Loom, where sports history meets deep statistical storytelling. Stay tuned for more analytical deep dives into football’s greatest rivalries and modern performances.

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