The coach and I agree that attempting a field goal is the thing to do here, but you may be thinking it makes sense to go for it. That would be the right call if you think the Steelers’ chances of converting on fourth down are at least 38 percent. But based on my analysis, I’d give the Steelers only a 10 percent chance to get a first down here.
Here's the full breakdown of my calculations:
| Option | Chance of converting |
Chance of winning
Before play
|
After play | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field goal try39 yard kick (est.) | 86% | 30% | 33% | +3% | |
| Go for it4th and 16, opp. 22 | 10% | 30% | 28% | –2% | |
| Punt | 30% | 27% | –3% |
Along with some circuitry to come up with a win probability for every game situation, all you need to figure out what you should do next is an estimate of how likely you are to make a field goal or convert a first down.
My estimates for these are based on the results of thousands of similar plays, but you may think you're smarter than I am. This chart shows you how changing those estimates would change my recommendation.
| Field goal try | 59% of the time |
| Punt | 21% of the time |
| Go for it | 19% of the time |
Chris Boswell 40 yard field goal attempt is GOOD. Chris Boswell 40 yard field goal attempt is GOOD.
To estimate a team’s chances of winning, I use a mathematical model that accounts for a whole lot of variables — including the difference in score, the time remaining in the game, and the number of timeouts each team has left. On top of that, I have models for the likelihood that a team makes a field goal and the likelihood that it will convert a first down.
By combining all of this information, I can come up with the best decision a team can make, according to math.
If you want even more details about the numbers behind my decisions, my full model is available on GitHub. Help make me better!