The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-15 on December 15, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium. The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats reflect Pittsburgh’s control after a scoreless opening quarter.
Pittsburgh entered at 7-6 and held first place in the AFC North. Miami arrived at 6-7 after four consecutive victories. The Dolphins needed another win to preserve their remaining playoff path.
T.J. Watt missed the game with a lung injury. Miami also entered without several reserve players. Pittsburgh decided the contest through four consecutive touchdown drives, effective rushing, and mistake-free quarterback play.
Match Overview
Pittsburgh recovered from an early deficit and scored touchdowns on four straight possessions. That sequence turned Miami’s 3-0 advantage into a 28-3 Pittsburgh lead.
Miami scored twice during the final quarter, but both two-point attempts failed. Pittsburgh finished with more first downs, rushing yards, total yards, and possession time.
| Match detail | Information |
| Date | December 15, 2025 |
| Venue | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Competition | NFL 2025 regular season, Week 15 |
| Final score | Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Miami Dolphins 15 |
| Miami record before game | 6-7 |
| Pittsburgh record before game | 7-6 |
| Miami record after game | 6-8 |
| Pittsburgh record after game | 8-6 |
| Attendance | 65,663 |
| Game duration | 2 hours, 56 minutes |
Pre-Match Context
Miami entered Pittsburgh after rebuilding its season from a 1-6 start. The Dolphins had won four straight and five of their previous six games. Their recent rushing production formed an important part of that recovery. Miami had surpassed 160 rushing yards in four consecutive games before visiting Pittsburgh.
De’Von Achane had sustained a rib injury against the New York Jets. He recovered sufficiently to start and remained Miami’s lead running back. Pittsburgh entered with a one-game AFC North advantage. A victory would preserve that division lead entering the final three games.
The Steelers played without T.J. Watt, James Pierre, Andrus Peat, and Derrick Harmon. Nick Herbig replaced Watt, while Asante Samuel Jr. entered the starting secondary. Miami listed Elijah Campbell and Larry Borom among its inactives. Andrew Meyer had already been ruled out with a triceps injury.
Quarter by Quarter Score
The first quarter ended scoreless despite Pittsburgh forcing the game’s only turnover. Miami moved ahead during the second quarter before Pittsburgh answered before halftime.
Pittsburgh controlled the third quarter with two passing touchdowns. Each team added two touchdowns during the fourth, although Miami failed on both conversion attempts.
| Team | First quarter | Second quarter | Third quarter | Fourth quarter |
| Miami Dolphins | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 0 | 7 | 14 | 7 |
Quarter by Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Neither team scored during the opening quarter. Miami’s first major opportunity ended with the game’s only interception. Tua Tagovailoa attempted a deep pass for Jaylen Waddle with 8:01 remaining. Asante Samuel Jr. intercepted the pass at Pittsburgh’s 19-yard line.
Pittsburgh did not convert the turnover into points. Both defenses continued producing stops, leaving the game scoreless after 15 minutes.
Second Quarter
Miami opened the scoring through Riley Patterson. He completed a 54-yard field goal with 5:11 remaining. Pittsburgh responded with a 12-play, 60-yard drive before halftime. Connor Heyward completed the possession with a one-yard rushing touchdown.
Chris Boswell converted the extra point with 17 seconds remaining. Pittsburgh therefore entered halftime leading 7-3.
Third Quarter
Pittsburgh received the second-half kickoff and immediately expanded its lead. Aaron Rodgers completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The Steelers scored again on their following possession. Rodgers found DK Metcalf for a 28-yard touchdown on third-and-12.
Miami committed a defensive substitution penalty during that scoring drive. Pittsburgh finished the quarter leading 21-3 after two unanswered touchdowns.
Fourth Quarter
Pittsburgh completed its fourth consecutive touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter. Jonnu Smith scored on a 14-yard rushing play. Miami answered through Darren Waller. Tagovailoa found Waller for a six-yard touchdown, but the two-point pass failed.
Waller caught another touchdown from 13 yards with 2:32 remaining. Miami’s second two-point attempt also failed. Connor Heyward recovered Miami’s onside kick. Pittsburgh then protected its lead before returning possession during the closing seconds.
Team Stats Comparison
Pittsburgh produced 336 total yards and controlled possession for more than 33 minutes. Miami generated more net passing yards, but Pittsburgh created a clear rushing advantage.
The Steelers converted every fourth-down attempt and every red-zone appearance. Miami also scored during both red-zone visits, but reached that area less frequently.
| Statistical category | Miami Dolphins | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| First downs | 16 | 22 |
| Total offensive plays | 48 | 62 |
| Total net yards | 285 | 336 |
| Rushing yards | 63 | 135 |
| Net passing yards | 222 | 201 |
| Third-down conversions | 2 of 8 | 4 of 13 |
| Fourth-down conversions | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 |
| Red-zone touchdowns | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Sacks allowed | 4 | 3 |
| Penalties | 6 for 31 yards | 4 for 25 yards |
| Time of possession | 26:27 | 33:33 |
Key Numbers That Decided the Game
The statistical difference came from rushing production, possession control, turnover avoidance, and sustained Pittsburgh scoring drives.
- Pittsburgh outrushed Miami 135-63 and averaged 4.2 yards across 32 rushing attempts.
- Rodgers completed 23 of 27 passes without throwing an interception.
- Pittsburgh converted all three fourth-down attempts, extending possessions before Miami could regain control.
- Miami converted only two of eight third downs and ran 14 fewer offensive plays.
- Pittsburgh scored touchdowns on four consecutive possessions after falling behind 3-0.
Full Box Score: Miami Dolphins
Miami’s passing offense produced 253 gross yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns. However, four sacks reduced the team’s net passing output. Tagovailoa completed 22 passes from 28 attempts. His first-quarter interception remained Miami’s only turnover.
Achane led Miami in rushing and produced additional yardage as a receiver. Waller led the team in receptions and caught both touchdowns. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine received one target without recording a catch. Miami used four rushers, eight receivers, two returners, and one kicker.
Miami Passing
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| Tua Tagovailoa | 22/28 | 253 | 2 | 1 |
Miami Rushing
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| De’Von Achane | 12 | 60 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Jaylen Wright | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 |
| Ollie Gordon II | 2 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
Miami Receiving
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Darren Waller | 7 | 66 | 9.4 | 2 |
| De’Von Achane | 6 | 67 | 11.2 | 0 |
| Greg Dulcich | 2 | 46 | 23.0 | 0 |
| Jaylen Waddle | 2 | 26 | 13.0 | 0 |
| Julian Hill | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 0 |
| Malik Washington | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 |
| Jaylen Wright | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 |
| Alec Ingold | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 |
Miami Kicking
| Player | FG | XP | Total points |
| Riley Patterson | 1/1 | 0/0 | 3 |
Miami Punting
Jake Bailey punted four times and produced one touchback. Miami did not place a punt inside Pittsburgh’s 20-yard line.
His gross average reached 48.5 yards. Pittsburgh’s returns and touchback reduced his net figure to 41.3 yards.
| Punter | Punts | Average | Net average | Inside 20 |
| Jake Bailey | 4 | 48.5 | 41.3 | 0 |
Miami Returns
Malik Washington handled Miami’s punt returns, while Dee Eskridge returned kickoffs. Their combined work produced 88 return yards.
PR identifies punt returns within the table. KR identifies kickoff returns.
| Player | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Malik Washington, PR | 2 | 14 | 7.0 |
| Dee Eskridge, KR | 3 | 74 | 24.7 |
Miami Defensive Leaders
Jordyn Brooks led all Miami defenders with 13 combined tackles. He also recorded one sack, one pass defended, and two tackles for loss.
Tyrel Dodson and Jack Jones followed in tackles. Miami recorded three sacks but did not force a turnover.
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Key play |
| Jordyn Brooks | 13 | 1 | 1 PD |
| Tyrel Dodson | 10 | 0 | No takeaway |
| Jack Jones | 8 | 0 | No takeaway |
| Minkah Fitzpatrick | 6 | 0 | 1 TFL |
| Ashtyn Davis | 6 | 0 | No takeaway |
| Rasul Douglas | 5 | 0 | No takeaway |
| Bradley Chubb | 4 | 0 | No takeaway |
| Ifeatu Melifonwu | 3 | 0 | No takeaway |
Full Box Score: Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh built its offense around Rodgers’ efficiency and a 32-attempt rushing attack. The Steelers scored twice through the air and twice on the ground. Rodgers completed more than 85 percent of his passes. He avoided turnovers while distributing completions among eight receivers.
Kenneth Gainwell led Pittsburgh in rushing and receptions. DK Metcalf led the team in receiving yards and caught one touchdown. Calvin Austin III received one target without making a catch. He still contributed through three punt returns.
Pittsburgh Passing
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| Aaron Rodgers | 23/27 | 224 | 2 | 0 |
Pittsburgh Rushing
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| Kenneth Gainwell | 13 | 80 | 6.2 | 0 |
| Jaylen Warren | 12 | 33 | 2.8 | 0 |
| Jonnu Smith | 1 | 14 | 14.0 | 1 |
| Connor Heyward | 4 | 4 | 1.0 | 1 |
| Kaleb Johnson | 2 | 4 | 2.0 | 0 |
Pittsburgh Receiving
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Kenneth Gainwell | 7 | 46 | 6.6 | 0 |
| DK Metcalf | 3 | 55 | 18.3 | 1 |
| Pat Freiermuth | 3 | 45 | 15.0 | 0 |
| Darnell Washington | 3 | 25 | 8.3 | 0 |
| Jaylen Warren | 3 | 15 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Jonnu Smith | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 0 |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | 1 | 19 | 19.0 | 1 |
| Adam Thielen | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 |
Pittsburgh Kicking
| Player | FG | XP | Total points |
| Chris Boswell | 0/0 | 4/4 | 4 |
Pittsburgh Punting
Corliss Waitman punted five times and placed two attempts inside Miami’s 20-yard line. His longest punt travelled 52 yards.
Waitman finished with a 46.2-yard gross average. He recorded a 39.4-yard net average.
| Punter | Punts | Average | Net average | Inside 20 |
| Corliss Waitman | 5 | 46.2 | 39.4 | 2 |
Pittsburgh Returns
Calvin Austin III returned three Miami punts. Jaylen Warren handled two kickoff returns and averaged 27 yards.
Neither player produced a return touchdown. Pittsburgh also avoided losing a fumble on special teams.
| Player | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Calvin Austin III, PR | 3 | 9 | 3.0 |
| Jaylen Warren, KR | 2 | 54 | 27.0 |
Pittsburgh Defensive Leaders
Patrick Queen led Pittsburgh with 10 combined tackles and two tackles for loss. The defense recorded four sacks and one interception.
Jalen Ramsey, Cameron Heyward, Payton Wilson, and Esezi Otomewo each recorded one sack. Samuel supplied the game’s only takeaway.
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Key play |
| Patrick Queen | 10 | 0 | 2 TFL |
| Jalen Ramsey | 6 | 1 | 1 QB hit |
| Cameron Heyward | 5 | 1 | 2 TFL |
| Malik Harrison | 5 | 0 | No takeaway |
| Payton Wilson | 3 | 1 | 1 sack |
| Esezi Otomewo | 3 | 1 | 1 sack |
| Asante Samuel Jr. | 2 | 0 | 1 INT, 1 PD |
| Alex Highsmith | 2 | 0 | 1 PD |
Game Leaders and Top Performers
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers directed Pittsburgh’s four consecutive touchdown drives. He completed 23 of 27 attempts and finished without committing a turnover.
His third-quarter touchdown passes created separation after Pittsburgh led by four points at halftime. His 125.9 passer rating led both quarterbacks.
Kenneth Gainwell
Gainwell produced a game-leading 80 rushing yards from 13 carries. He also caught seven passes for 46 yards.
His combined rushing and receiving work gave Pittsburgh 126 scrimmage yards. His 6.2 rushing average supported Pittsburgh’s possession advantage.
Darren Waller
Waller caught seven passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores came after Pittsburgh had established a 28-3 lead.
His touchdowns reduced the final margin during Miami’s fourth-quarter possessions. He led Miami in receptions and receiving touchdowns.
Jordyn Brooks
Brooks recorded 13 combined tackles, the highest total for either team. He added one sack and one pass defended.
His work contributed to three Miami sacks of Rodgers. Pittsburgh still sustained enough possessions to complete four touchdown drives.
Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel intercepted Tagovailoa during the first quarter. The play ended Miami’s early possession at Pittsburgh’s 19-yard line.
Pittsburgh did not score from the takeaway. However, the interception remained the game’s only turnover.
| Category | Player | Team | Statistical line | Game effect |
| Passing leader | Tua Tagovailoa | Miami | 253 yards, 2 TD | Led two late touchdown drives |
| Passer efficiency | Aaron Rodgers | Pittsburgh | 23/27, 224 yards, 2 TD | Directed four touchdown drives |
| Rushing leader | Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh | 13 carries, 80 yards | Supported possession control |
| Receiving touchdowns | Darren Waller | Miami | 7 catches, 66 yards, 2 TD | Scored both Miami touchdowns |
| Tackles leader | Jordyn Brooks | Miami | 13 tackles, 1 sack | Led Miami’s defense |
| Turnover leader | Asante Samuel Jr. | Pittsburgh | 1 interception | Created the only turnover |
Starting Lineups
Both teams used their listed offensive and defensive starters from the official gamebook. Pittsburgh adjusted its defense because Watt and Pierre were inactive.
Miami opened with Achane at running back and Waller outside the listed starting formation. Pittsburgh listed two tight ends and used Jonnu Smith throughout the game.
Offensive Starting Lineups
| Position | Miami Dolphins | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Quarterback | Tua Tagovailoa | Aaron Rodgers |
| Running back | De’Von Achane | Jaylen Warren |
| Wide receiver 1 | Malik Washington | DK Metcalf |
| Wide receiver 2 | Jaylen Waddle | Adam Thielen |
| Tight end 1 | Julian Hill | Darnell Washington |
| Flex or extra blocker | Daniel Brunskill | Jonnu Smith |
| Left tackle | Patrick Paul | Dylan Cook |
| Left guard | Jonah Savaiinaea | Isaac Seumalo |
| Center | Aaron Brewer | Zach Frazier |
| Right guard | Cole Strange | Mason McCormick |
| Right tackle | Austin Jackson | Troy Fautanu |
Defensive Starting Lineups
| Position | Miami Dolphins | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Defensive line 1 | Zach Sieler | Cameron Heyward |
| Defensive line 2 | Benito Jones | Keeanu Benton |
| Defensive line 3 | Jaelan Phillips | Yahya Black |
| Linebacker 1 | Bradley Chubb | Alex Highsmith |
| Linebacker 2 | Matthew Judon | Nick Herbig |
| Linebacker 3 | Jordyn Brooks | Malik Harrison |
| Linebacker 4 | Tyrel Dodson | Patrick Queen |
| Defensive back 1 | Rasul Douglas | Asante Samuel Jr. |
| Defensive back 2 | Jack Jones | Joey Porter Jr. |
| Defensive back 3 | Ashtyn Davis | Jalen Ramsey |
| Defensive back 4 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | Kyle Dugger |
Injury Report
Pittsburgh played without Watt, removing its leading established edge defender from the lineup. Herbig received the corresponding starting role.
Pierre’s absence contributed to Samuel’s starting assignment. Samuel then produced Pittsburgh’s only interception.
Warren and Darnell Washington overcame their pregame concerns and played. Derrick Harmon carried a questionable designation before joining Pittsburgh’s inactive list.
Miami ruled out Meyer and listed Campbell as doubtful. Campbell and Borom did not play after appearing on the final report.
| Player | Injury | Status |
| Andrew Meyer, Miami | Triceps | Out |
| Elijah Campbell, Miami | Ankle and knee | Doubtful, inactive |
| Larry Borom, Miami | Illness | Questionable, inactive |
| T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh | Lung | Out, inactive |
| James Pierre, Pittsburgh | Calf | Out, inactive |
| Andrus Peat, Pittsburgh | Concussion | Out, inactive |
| Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh | Knee | Questionable, inactive |
| Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh | Illness | Questionable, active |
| Darnell Washington, Pittsburgh | Concussion | Cleared, active |
Season Series and Head to Head
Pittsburgh’s victory created a 16-14 all-time series lead across 30 meetings. The teams have divided their four postseason meetings evenly.
Miami still holds a 614-610 advantage in total points across the series. The 2025 matchup was their first meeting since Miami’s 2022 victory.
| Date | Winner | Loser | Score | Stage |
| December 15, 2025 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 28-15 | Regular season |
| October 23, 2022 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 16-10 | Regular season |
| October 28, 2019 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 27-14 | Regular season |
| January 8, 2017 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 30-12 | AFC Wild Card |
| October 16, 2016 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 30-15 | Regular season |
| December 8, 2013 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 34-28 | Regular season |
| October 24, 2010 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 23-22 | Regular season |
| January 3, 2010 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 30-24 | Regular season |
| November 26, 2007 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 3-0 | Regular season |
| September 7, 2006 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 28-17 | Regular season |
| September 26, 2004 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 13-3 | Regular season |
| September 20, 1998 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 21-0 | Regular season |
| November 25, 1996 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 24-17 | Regular season |
| September 18, 1995 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 23-10 | Regular season |
| November 20, 1994 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 16-13 | Regular season, overtime |
| December 13, 1993 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 21-20 | Regular season |
| September 30, 1990 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 28-6 | Regular season |
| November 26, 1989 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 34-14 | Regular season |
| December 18, 1988 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 40-24 | Regular season |
| November 1, 1987 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 35-24 | Regular season |
| October 6, 1985 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 24-20 | Regular season |
| January 6, 1985 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 45-28 | AFC Championship |
| October 7, 1984 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 31-7 | Regular season |
| September 10, 1981 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 30-10 | Regular season |
| November 30, 1980 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 23-10 | Regular season |
| December 30, 1979 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 34-14 | AFC Divisional Playoff |
| November 14, 1976 | Pittsburgh | Miami | 14-3 | Regular season |
| December 3, 1973 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 30-26 | Regular season |
| December 31, 1972 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 21-17 | AFC Championship |
| November 14, 1971 | Miami | Pittsburgh | 24-21 | Regular season |
Conference and League Standings
Pittsburgh remained first in the AFC North after improving to 8-6. Baltimore followed at 7-7 entering Week 16.
Miami dropped to 6-8 and remained behind New England and Buffalo in the AFC East. The defeat mathematically eliminated Miami from playoff contention.
| Team | Postgame record | Division | Position | Postgame status |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 8-6 | AFC North | First | Division leader |
| Miami Dolphins | 6-8 | AFC East | Third | Eliminated |
Broadcast and Stream Information
The game began at 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time as a Monday Night Football broadcast. ESPN and ABC carried the national English-language presentation.
ESPN Deportes provided Spanish-language television coverage. Digital viewing was available through the ESPN App and NFL+ for eligible subscribers.
Joe Buck handled play-by-play duties. Troy Aikman served as analyst, while Lisa Salters reported from the sideline.
| Platform | Coverage | Availability | Details |
| ESPN | National television | United States | Monday Night Football |
| ABC | National television | United States | Simulcast |
| ESPN Deportes | Spanish television | United States | Spanish-language coverage |
| ESPN App | Streaming | Eligible subscribers | Live ESPN stream |
| NFL+ | Streaming | Eligible devices | Subscription required |
| WTAE | Local television | Pittsburgh market | Local simulcast |
| Steelers Audio Network | Radio | Pittsburgh and affiliates | SNR, WDVE, WBGG |
| Broadcast team | Commentary | National broadcast | Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters |
Conclusion
Pittsburgh strengthened its AFC North position and retained control of its division path. Its balanced offense sustained drives without giving Miami short fields.
Miami’s late touchdown possessions reduced the margin but did not reverse the earlier scoring run. The defeat ended Miami’s remaining playoff opportunity.
Pittsburgh next prepared for a Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions. Miami returned home to face the Cincinnati Bengals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Dolphins and Steelers?
Pittsburgh defeated Miami 28-15 at Acrisure Stadium. The victory moved Pittsburgh to 8-6 and dropped Miami to 6-8.
Who recorded the most passing yards?
Tua Tagovailoa led the game with 253 passing yards. Aaron Rodgers finished with 224 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Who was the leading rusher?
Kenneth Gainwell led both teams with 80 yards from 13 carries. De’Von Achane led Miami with 60 yards.
Who scored Miami’s touchdowns?
Darren Waller caught both Miami touchdowns during the fourth quarter. His scores came from six and 13 yards.
Who intercepted Tua Tagovailoa?
Asante Samuel Jr. intercepted Tagovailoa during the first quarter. He caught the pass at Pittsburgh’s 19-yard line without returning it.
Why did Pittsburgh win the game?
Pittsburgh combined four consecutive touchdown drives with a strong rushing advantage. The Steelers also avoided turnovers and controlled possession.
What is the Dolphins-Steelers record?
Pittsburgh leads the completed series 16-14 after the 2025 victory. The teams have played four postseason games, splitting them evenly.
