Updated Dec. 15, 2025, 11:55 p.m. ET
For the second straight season, the Miami Dolphins (6-8) will miss the playoffs.
On a cold, strange night in Pittsburgh, the Steelers (8-6) took down Miami to simultaneously stay ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North standings and eliminate the Dolphins from contention.
Pittsburgh’s 28-15 win had plenty of highlights for the winning team — a couple of rushing touchdowns from tight ends, a physical catch-and-run score from D.K. Metcalf and big games from Patrick Queen and Jalen Ramsey.
But it also generated plenty of questions about the Dolphins and their future. Is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a part of their future plans? Should he be? Where does head coach Mike McDaniel fit in for Miami’s vision for 2026 and beyond?
The Dolphins’ defense held the Steelers to only punts for most of the first half, but the floodgates opened in the second half when Miami’s offense couldn’t stay on the field, tallying -20 yards. Then McDaniel made some strange game-management decisions in the fourth quarter, seeming indecisive about whether to wave the white flag in a must-win game for his team.
It was a strange game — any matchup that features zero points until the final five minutes of the first half is bound to be — but the Steelers will happily ride into the final three weeks with a one-game lead over the Ravens in the AFC North. The Dolphins, in losing their first game since October, will face a long wait until 2026 for another shot at making the playoffs.
Here’s how it all went down on “Monday Night Football,” as USA TODAY Sports covered all of the action live:
Steelers vs. Dolphins MNF takeaways
- Is this the end of the line for Tua Tagovailoa? The Dolphins’ quarterback moved to 0-6 in cold games — any game with a kickoff temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less — and was largely unable to lead the offense on sustained drives throughout the night. Miami finished the night with only 16 first downs (the Steelers had 22) and tallied -20 yards in the third quarter. There were multiple instances in which Tagovailoa took an unnecessary sack instead of throwing the ball away. There was another interception to take sole possession of the league lead with 15 this year. Two things are certain: the weather gets cold in the winter, and the playoffs take place in that cold weather. If the Dolphins want to be Super Bowl contenders, they need Tagovailoa to find a way to win in the cold, or they need to move on.
- What was Mike McDaniel’s strategy? The Dolphins’ head coach seemed to indicate a lack of faith in his quarterback all night. First, there was his decision to run the ball to close out the first half, even though he had to kick it away to begin the second. Then, in the fourth quarter, McDaniel let his offense take its time throughout the final period despite facing a significant deficit in a game Miami needed to win to avoid playoff elimination. But then McDaniel also called all his timeouts on one of the Steelers’ final possessions to ensure the Dolphins got the ball back, and he had his team attempt an onside kick late in the period. ESPN analyst Troy Aikman questioned McDaniel’s game management throughout the quarter due to some of those decisions. Was McDaniel waving the white flag early? Was he not? If he was, was it another indication of his lack of belief in Tagovailoa? Did he realize his team could be eliminated from the playoffs with a loss? After a third quarter that featured -20 yards from McDaniel’s offense, the fourth quarter was almost more baffling, with his back-and-forth decision-making leaving it unclear whether he was really trying to win the game.
- The Steelers played with toughness. Whether it was running back Kenneth Gainwell crashing through multiple defenders for extra yards or wide receiver D.K. Metcalf tossing a defensive back to score a touchdown, Pittsburgh played more like a team staving off elimination than the Dolphins did. The Steelers took their cold-weather advantage to the max with hard-nosed play all night, and it kept them at the top of the AFC North for at least one more week with only three games to play.
- The NFL needs to re-evaluate its taunting penalty. Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (who had a great game, for what it’s worth) got called for a taunting penalty for… standing over tight end Pat Freiermuth after breaking up a pass? That extra 15 yards allowed Pittsburgh to pick up a first down after what was initially a third-down stop on a drive that ended in a touchdown. It was a questionable call on what is already a subjective, ambiguous penalty, and it would behoove the league to reconsider and/or redefine what constitutes a penalty.
Are the Dolphins eliminated from playoff contention?
Miami has been eliminated from playoff contention with its loss to the Steelers on Dec. 15.
Aaron Rodgers stats vs. Dolphins
- 23-of-27 (85.1% completion rate)
- 224 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 125.9 passer rating
Tua Tagovailoa stats vs. Steelers
- 22-of-28 (78.5% completion rate)
- 253 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 113.2 passer rating
Steelers vs. Dolphins highlights
Steelers vs. Dolphins final score: Steelers 28, Dolphins 15
Steelers vs. Dolphins score update: Darren Waller scores second TD of the night
After a quiet night in the first three quarters, Waller is up to six catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns on “Monday Night Football.” It’s Waller’s second multi-touchdown game of the year and the fourth of his career.
The Dolphins once again failed to convert the two-point attempt, and it’s 28-15 Steelers with 2:32 left.
Where did Aaron Rodgers go to college?
Rodgers attended Butte Community College for a year in 2002 before playing two seasons at California from 2003-04.
Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf) injury update: Dolphins S questionable to return
The Dolphins’ safety got banged up on the Steelers’ last touchdown drive, and Miami has ruled him questionable to return to the Week 15 game.
Steelers vs. Dolphins score update: Darren Waller TD cuts Dolphins’ deficit to 19
Miami had allowed 28 unanswered points before driving down the field 65 yards on six plays. Waller caught two passes for 26 yards, with the latter catch ending in six more points for Miami.
The Dolphins went for two to attempt to shrink their deficit to 17 points, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa overthrew Waller in the back of the end zone.
The Steelers still lead 28-9 with 9:41 left in the game.
Steelers vs. Dolphins score update: Jonnu Smith TD extends Steelers’ lead
Smith, a tight end, lined up in the backfield and took a toss from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to begin a 14-yard rush to the end zone. It was Smith’s third overall touchdown of the season and second-ever rushing touchdown.
The score was Pittsburgh’s fourth straight touchdown without allowing any points. The Steelers lead 28-3 with 13 minutes left to play.
Steelers vs. Dolphins score update: D.K. Metcalf scores impressive TD
For the first time since Week 8, Metcalf hit pay dirt. The Steelers have scored 21 unanswered points after the Dolphins broke a scoreless tie late in the first half.
It’s 21-3 Steelers with five minutes to play in the third quarter.
Steelers vs. Dolphins score update: Marquez Valdes-Scantling doubles Steelers’ score
Valdes-Scantling, whom Pittsburgh signed to its active roster from the practice squad earlier in the day, scored his first touchdown of the season on a 19-yard pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Valdes-Scantling and Rodgers had connected on a handful of touchdowns while they were both Green Bay Packers in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Their first connection as Steelers extended Pittsburgh’s “Monday Night Football” lead.
It’s 14-3 Steelers with 11:20 left in the third quarter.
Ollie Gordon (ankle) injury update: Questionable to return
The Dolphins’ rookie running back got twisted up on a rush attempt in the first half. Miami has ruled him questionable to return to Week 15’s “Monday Night Football” game.
Steelers vs. Dolphins score update: Connor Heyward ‘Tush Pushes’ the Steelers ahead
The Steelers’ tight end has established himself as Pittsburgh’s QB sneak aficionado. After Pittsburgh failed to punch the ball in twice on traditional rushing plays, Heyward took the snap under center and shoved his way across the goal line.
Heyward’s fourth carry of the night went for his fourth yard of the night and resulted in the Steelers’ first score on “Monday Night Football.”
Pittsburgh now leads 7-3 with 17 seconds left in the first half.
Did Aaron Rodgers get married? Who is his wife?
Rodgers was married during the 2025 offseason. Rodgers’ wife has not publicly appeared with him yet.
Before acknowledging his marriage, Rodgers last mentioned having a significant other during a December 2024 appearance on ”The Pat McAfee Show.” During the appearance, Rodgers said her name was “Brittani,” clarifying that she spelled it with an “I.”
Rodgers has not clarified whether she is the woman he married in 2025.
Steelers vs. Dolphins score update: Riley Patterson puts Miami on the board first
The Dolphins’ kicker broke a scoreless tie late in the first half with his 54-yard field goal. Prior to his kick, all six possessions to start the game ended in a punt or an interception.
Miami leads 3-0 with 5:11 left in the first half.
Aaron Rodgers contract details, incentives
Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers, which has a base value of $13.65 million, according to Spotrac. He received a $10 million signing bonus and will have a cap hit of $14.15 million in 2025.
Rodgers’ contract can be worth up to $19.5 million in total value thanks to a $5.85 million incentive package tied to the deal. His incentives for the 2025 NFL season are as follows:
- Playoff berth: $500,000
- Wild card win: $600,000
- Divisional win: $750,000
- Conference championship: $1 million
- Super Bowl win: $1.5 million
- League MVP: $1.5 million
Oldest NFL players in 2025
Philip Rivers turned 44 on Dec. 8 and is now the oldest active NFL player. Aaron Rodgers turned 42 on Dec. 6. There are 12 players aged 39 or older playing in the NFL in 2025:
- Philip Rivers, QB, Indianapolis Colts: 44 years old
- Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: 42 years old
- Nick Folk, K, New York Jets: 41 years old
- Matt Prater, K, Buffalo Bills: 41 years old
- Marcedes Lewis, TE, Denver Broncos: 41 years old
- Joe Flacco, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: 40 years old
- JJ Jansen, LS, Carolina Panthers: 39 years old
- Jon Weeks, LS, San Francisco 49ers: 39 years old
- Morgan Cox, LS, Tennessee Titans: 39 years old
- Thomas Morstead, P, San Francisco 49ers: 39 years old
- Josh Johnson, QB, Washington Commanders: 39 years old
- Calais Campbell, DL, Arizona Cardinals: 39 years old
How many interceptions has Tua Tagovailoa thrown?
Tua threw an interception in the first half of the Steelers vs. Dolphins “Monday Night Football” game. It marked the 15th interception he has thrown this season. He entered Week 15 tied with Geno Smith for the most interceptions in the NFL in 2025. He now leads the league with 15.
What is the temperature in Pittsburgh?
The temperature at tonight’s kickoff was 18 degrees in Pittsburgh.
What channel is Steelers vs. Dolphins Monday Night Football on tonight?
The Week 15 “MNF” matchup between the Steelers and Dolphins will be broadcast on ESPN.
What time is the Steelers vs. Dolphins game tonight?
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 5:15 p.m. CT
The Steelers and Dolphins are set to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET, the customary start time for “Monday Night Football.” The Dolphins travel to Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the matchup.
Steelers vs. Dolphins stream
Cord-cutters looking for a stream of the Week 15 “MNF” matchup can tune to Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks, CBS, Fox, ABC and the NFL Network. Fubo also offers a free trial.
ESPN’s streaming services, Select and Unlimited, will also carry the game.
Watch “Monday Night Football” with Fubo
Steelers vs. Dolphins picks, predictions:
Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ NFL experts feel tonight’s game will go:
- Jarrett Bell: Steelers 23, Dolphins 20
- Nick Brinkerhoff: Steelers 24, Dolphins 16
- Chris Bumbaca: Steelers 24, Dolphins 22
- Nate Davis: Steelers 20, Dolphins 17
- Tyler Dragon: Steelers 26, Dolphins 20
- Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Dolphins 24, Steelers 23
Steelers vs. Dolphins odds, moneyline, O/U
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.
- Moneyline (ML): Pittsburgh -165 (Bet $165 to win $100) | Miami +140 (Bet $100 to win $140)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pittsburgh -3 (-115) | Miami +3 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Is there a ManningCast for Steelers vs. Dolphins game?
Yes, there will be a ManningCast tonight. The Manning brothers will be on the alt-cast for the “Monday Night Football” game between the Steelers and the Dolphins.
Steelers inactives vs. Dolphins
- WR Roman Wilson
- QB Will Howard (3rd QB)
- OL Andrus Peat DT
- Brodric Martin-Rhodes
- OLB T.J. Watt
- DT Derrick Harmon
Dolphins inactives vs. Steelers
- QB Quinn Ewers (3rd QB)
- DB Elijah Campbell
- CB AJ Green III
- OL Larry Borom
- WR Tahj Washington
- DT Matthew Butler
Is Jaylen Warren playing tonight?
The Steelers running back was added to the injury report Monday morning after waking up with an illness. Warren woke up under the weather but is optimistic about playing tonight, per Tom Pelissero.
Warren is officially active for tonight’s game.
Steelers vs. Dolphins weather report
The temperature is expected to be 22 degrees around kickoff in Pittsburgh. There is no snow in the forecast.
What is Tua Tagovailoa’s record in cold games?
Tua has never won an NFL game when the temperature is below 40 degrees at kickoff. Here is a breakdown of Tua’s record as an NFL starter in cold weather:
- 40 degrees or colder: 0-5
- 45 degrees or colder: 1-6
- 50 degrees or colder: 2-8
- 55 degrees or colder: 4-13
AFC North standings
Pittsburgh is in first place in the AFC North. They’re looking to snap the Ravens ‘ two-year streak of winning the division title. Here’s a current look at the AFC North standings:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
- Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-10)
- Cleveland Browns (3-11)
NFL playoff picture: AFC
- Denver Broncos (12-2, AFC West leaders)*
- New England Patriots (11-3, AFC East leaders)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4, AFC South leaders)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6, AFC North leaders)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-4, wild card No. 1)
- Buffalo Bills (10-4, wild card No. 2)
- Houston Texans (9-5, wild card No. 3)
In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-6), Baltimore Ravens (7-7), Miami Dolphins (6-7).
* Clinched playoff berth
Eliminated: New York Jets (3-10), Cleveland Browns (3-10), Las Vegas Raiders (2-11), Tennessee Titans (2-11), Kansas City Chiefs (6-8), Cincinnati Bengals (4-10).
NFL playoff picture: NFC
- Los Angeles Rams (11-3; NFC West leaders)*
- Chicago Bears (10-4; NFC North leaders)
- Philadelphia Eagles (9-5; NFC East leaders)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7; NFC South leaders)
- Seattle Seahawks (11-3, wild card No. 1)
- San Francisco 49ers (10-4, wild card No. 2)
- Green Bay Packers (9-4-1; wild card No. 3)
In the hunt: Detroit Lions (8-6); Carolina Panthers (7-7); Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
Eliminated: Minnesota Vikings (6-8); Atlanta Falcons (5-9); New Orleans Saints (4-10); Washington Commanders (4-10); Arizona Cardinals (3-11); New York Giants (2-12)
2026 NFL Draft order
Here’s the updated first-round order after Week 15 results, according to Tankathon, which calculates strength of schedule differently from the NFL:
- New York Giants: 2-12 record; .536 strength of schedule
- Las Vegas Raiders 2-12; .548 SOS
- Tennessee Titans: 2-12; .576 SOS
- Cleveland Browns: 3-11; .483 SOS
- New York Jets: 3-11; .538 SOS
- Arizona Cardinals: 3-11; .571 SOS
- New Orleans Saints: 4-10; .494 SOS
- Washington Commanders: 4-10; .508 SOS
- Cincinnati Bengals: 4-10; .521 SOS
- Atlanta Falcons (pick belongs to Los Angeles Rams): 5-9; .502 SOS
- Kansas City Chiefs: 6-8; .519 SOS
- Minnesota Vikings: 6-8; .521 SOS
- Miami Dolphins: 6-7; .481 SOS
- Dallas Cowboys: 6-7-1; .447 SOS
- Baltimore Ravens: 7-7; .500 SOS
- Carolina Panthers: 7-7; .519 SOS
- Detroit Lions: 8-6; .496 SOS
- Indianapolis Colts (pick belongs to Jets): 8-6; .530 SOS
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-7; .519 SOS
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-6; .508 SOS
- Philadelphia Eagles: 9-5; .490 SOS
- Houston Texans: 9-5; .542 SOS
- Green Bay Packers (pick belongs to Cowboys): 9-4-1; .475 SOS
- Buffalo Bills: 10-4; .460 SOS
- Chicago Bears: 10-4; .445 SOS
- Los Angeles Chargers: 10-4; .464 SOS
- San Francisco 49ers: 10-4; .492 SOS
- Jacksonville Jaguars (pick belongs to Browns): 10-4; .492 SOS
- New England Patriots: 11-3; .374 SOS
- Seattle Seahawks: 11-3; .494 SOS
- Los Angeles Rams: 11-3; .521 SOS
- Denver Broncos: 12-2; .433 SOS
Steelers remaining schedule
The Steelers final three games after tonight are as follows:
Dolphins remaining schedule
The Dolphins final three games after tonight are as follows:
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