Steelers Beat Dolphins 28–15 on Monday Night

Pittsburgh, PA – December 16, 2025 – In a commanding performance on a frigid Monday night at Acrisure Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-15, strengthening their hold on the AFC North lead while officially eliminating Miami from postseason contention.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing in what he has indicated may be his final NFL season, was nearly flawless, completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, posting a 125.9 passer rating. The victory improved Pittsburgh’s record to 8-6, giving them a 63% chance of making the playoffs according to simulations. The Dolphins, despite a recent four-game win streak, dropped to 6-8 and saw their slim playoff hopes extinguished.

The Steelers’ defense dominated Miami’s ground game, holding the Dolphins to just 63 rushing yards—their lowest since Week 5—forcing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa into difficult situations. Pittsburgh outgained Miami 336-285 in total yards and won the first-down battle 22-16.

Touchdowns came from Connor Heyward, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (connecting with his former Packers teammate Rodgers), Jonnu Smith on a pitch play, and others. Wide receiver DK Metcalf contributed despite recent health concerns. For Miami, tight end Darren Waller provided late scores with two touchdowns (7 receptions, 66 yards), but garbage-time points couldn’t spark a comeback. Jaylen Waddle had limited impact, and the cold 18-degree weather at kickoff appeared to hinder the Dolphins’ typically explosive offense.

Pre-game analysis favored Pittsburgh, noting their unbeaten home Monday Night Football streak since 1991 and the weather disadvantage for the warm-climate Dolphins.

Key Player Stats

• Aaron Rodgers (Steelers): 23/27, 224 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
• Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins): Strong completion rate but pressured heavily; contributed to late drives
• Darren Waller (Dolphins): 7 catches, 66 yards, 2 TD
• Notable: De’Von Achane managed yards despite low team total; Steelers’ run defense shone.

Playoff Implications

• AFC North: Steelers (8-6) maintain lead.
• AFC Wild Card: Dolphins eliminated; focus shifts to 2026.

Broadcast on ABC/ESPN with Joe Buck on the call, streaming on ESPN+ and NFL+. Pittsburgh faces a tough road ahead, while Miami’s season concludes on a disappointing note.

Pittsburgh, PA – December 16, 2025 – In a commanding performance on a frigid Monday night at Acrisure Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-15, strengthening their hold on the AFC North lead while officially eliminating Miami from postseason contention.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing in what he has indicated may be his final NFL season, was nearly flawless, completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, posting a 125.9 passer rating. The victory improved Pittsburgh’s record to 8-6, giving them a 63% chance of making the playoffs according to simulations. The Dolphins, despite a recent four-game win streak, dropped to 6-8 and saw their slim playoff hopes extinguished.

The Steelers’ defense dominated Miami’s ground game, holding the Dolphins to just 63 rushing yards—their lowest since Week 5—forcing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa into difficult situations. Pittsburgh outgained Miami 336-285 in total yards and won the first-down battle 22-16.

Touchdowns came from Connor Heyward, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (connecting with his former Packers teammate Rodgers), Jonnu Smith on a pitch play, and others. Wide receiver DK Metcalf contributed despite recent health concerns. For Miami, tight end Darren Waller provided late scores with two touchdowns (7 receptions, 66 yards), but garbage-time points couldn’t spark a comeback. Jaylen Waddle had limited impact, and the cold 18-degree weather at kickoff appeared to hinder the Dolphins’ typically explosive offense.

Pre-game analysis favored Pittsburgh, noting their unbeaten home Monday Night Football streak since 1991 and the weather disadvantage for the warm-climate Dolphins.

Key Player Stats

• Aaron Rodgers (Steelers): 23/27, 224 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
• Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins): Strong completion rate but pressured heavily; contributed to late drives
• Darren Waller (Dolphins): 7 catches, 66 yards, 2 TD
• Notable: De’Von Achane managed yards despite low team total; Steelers’ run defense shone.

Playoff Implications

• AFC North: Steelers (8-6) maintain lead.
• AFC Wild Card: Dolphins eliminated; focus shifts to 2026.

Broadcast on ABC/ESPN with Joe Buck on the call, streaming on ESPN+ and NFL+. Pittsburgh faces a tough road ahead, while Miami’s season concludes on a disappointing note.