Darren Waller vs. Jalen Ramsey Headlines a Crucial Week 15 Showdown Between Dolphins and Steelers
When the Miami Dolphins pulled the trigger on a deal to bring in tight end Darren Waller, it was a move rooted in opportunity-made possible by Pittsburgh acquiring Jonnu Smith. Now, that trade web comes full circle as the Dolphins and Steelers square off in a pivotal Week 15 Monday night matchup. But while the Waller-Smith connection made headlines in the offseason, it’s Waller’s looming clash with a familiar face-former Dolphins star Jalen Ramsey-that’s stealing the spotlight this week.
Waller isn’t just aware of the magnitude of the matchup-he’s embracing it.
“I think that’s what makes this league exciting,” Waller said. “People want to see big on big. It brings out the best in him, and it brings out the best in me when there are matchups like that.”
And he’s not wrong. These are the kinds of one-on-one battles that elevate a primetime game into must-see TV. Two elite talents-one a dynamic, pass-catching tight end; the other a versatile, physical defensive back-meeting in a game with serious playoff implications.
Waller’s Role in a Shifting Dolphins Offense
Since arriving in Miami, Waller has become a trusted target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, especially in the middle of the field where his size and route-running create matchup nightmares. But his 2025 season hasn’t gone entirely to script.
After missing a chunk of the year with an injury that landed him on injured reserve, Waller returned to action two weeks ago against the Saints. Since then, his stat line has been quiet-just three receptions over two games.
But that’s not just on Waller. Miami’s offensive identity has shifted in recent weeks, leaning heavily into a run-first approach that’s taken some of the spotlight-and targets-away from their tight end.
Still, Waller’s presence on the field changes the way defenses line up. And this week, that could be especially significant given Pittsburgh’s injury-riddled secondary.
How Will Pittsburgh Deploy Jalen Ramsey?
That’s the chess match to watch. With the Steelers dealing with depth issues in the defensive backfield, they’ve had to get creative with how they use Ramsey.
At times, he’s lined up in the slot. Other times, he’s played as a roaming safety, giving Pittsburgh flexibility in coverage and run support.
The question now: Does Pittsburgh assign Ramsey to Waller in man coverage? Or do they use him more as a rover, trying to disrupt Miami’s timing and disguise coverages?
Whatever the answer, Ramsey’s familiarity with the Dolphins’ personnel and system adds another layer of intrigue. He knows the tendencies of guys like Tagovailoa.
He’s practiced against this scheme. That kind of insider knowledge could prove valuable-if the Steelers can capitalize on it.
A Defining Test for Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins
Beyond the individual matchups, this game is a litmus test for the Dolphins as a whole. Mike McDaniel’s squad has been rolling, but this is arguably the toughest opponent they’ve faced since their win streak began-at least on paper. And once again, Miami has to do it in cold weather, something that’s historically been a hurdle for this team.
The stakes? Enormous.
With the AFC playoff picture tightening, the Dolphins don’t have the luxury of dropping a game. A loss here could be the difference between hosting a playoff game and watching from home.
So yes, Waller vs. Ramsey is the headline.
But the real story is whether Miami can rise to the moment. Whether they can win in December, on the road, against a physical, playoff-caliber team.
And whether Waller, despite the quiet stat lines and the run-heavy shift, can make the kind of impact that justifies the move Miami made to bring him in.
The lights will be bright. The stakes will be high. And all eyes will be on one of the most compelling matchups of the week.