Steelers Gearing Up for Monday Night Showdown with Dolphins: Key Storylines, Stats, and Memories
As the Steelers prepare for a high-stakes Monday Night Football clash against the Miami Dolphins, there’s no shortage of intrigue surrounding this Week 15 matchup. With playoff implications looming large and both teams trending in very different directions on offense, this one has all the makings of a December classic. Let’s break down what’s at stake, who’s surging, and why history might just repeat itself-or write a new chapter altogether.
Vegas Leans Pittsburgh, But It’s Tight
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Steelers are narrow 3-point favorites heading into Monday night.
The money line sits at -175 for Pittsburgh, and the over/under is set at 42.5-suggesting oddsmakers are expecting a relatively tight, moderately scoring affair. And when NFL.com’s panel of analysts weighed in, six out of ten picked the Steelers to come out on top.
In a game that could swing postseason momentum, the experts are giving a slight edge to the Black and Gold.
Darnell Washington: Quietly Dominant in the Trenches
While the Steelers’ offense has been a work in progress all season, one consistent bright spot has been rookie tight end Darnell Washington’s blocking.
On Sunday against the Ravens, Washington helped pave the way for a strong Jaylen Warren run, sealing the right edge with authority. Plays like that don’t always show up in the box score, but they’re a big reason why Pittsburgh’s ground game has shown flashes of life.
Washington’s size and strength have made him a key piece in the Steelers’ run game, and with Miami’s front seven bringing plenty of speed, his ability to set the edge could be critical come Monday night.
Miami’s Ground Game is Rolling
If there’s one area where the Dolphins have been flat-out dominant lately, it’s the run game.
Miami has racked up at least 160 rushing yards in four straight games-their longest such streak since 1977. Since Week 10, they’re averaging a league-best 192.3 rushing yards per game.
That’s not just impressive-it’s a statement. And it’s a major test for a Steelers defense that’s been solid against the pass but will need to be disciplined and physical up front to slow down Miami’s rushing attack.
A Tale of Two Defenses
Here’s a stat that could end up deciding the game: The Dolphins are 6-0 this season when they allow 21 points or fewer.
But when opponents cross the 22-point threshold? Miami is 0-7.
That’s a stark split, and it tells you everything you need to know about how thin the margin is for their defense.
On the flip side, Pittsburgh’s defense has been quietly locking things down through the air. The Steelers have held opponents under 230 passing yards in five straight games-a testament to their secondary’s discipline and the pass rush’s ability to disrupt timing.
If Pittsburgh can keep Miami’s offense one-dimensional and avoid getting gashed on the ground, they’ll put themselves in a strong position to control the tempo.
Steelers-Dolphins: A Rivalry Built on Big Moments
These two teams don’t meet every year, but when they do, there always seems to be a moment that sticks.
Who could forget the infamous "stuck punt" game from Monday Night Football back in 2007? That waterlogged slugfest ended 3-0 and remains one of the most bizarre games in NFL history. Then there’s Bud Dupree’s crushing hit on Matt Moore in the 2016 Wild Card round-a moment that, fair or not, has become a defining image of that postseason.
This rivalry doesn’t have the frequency of a divisional matchup, but the stakes and the moments have always been memorable. Monday night could be the next entry in that highlight reel.
Ryan Shazier’s Return, Eight Years Later
In a powerful off-the-field moment, former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier returned to the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center-eight years to the day after suffering a spinal cord injury during a game. Shazier met with patients, thanked the medical team that helped save his life, and announced an expansion of his Ryan Shazier Fund’s services in Cincinnati.
It’s a reminder of the human side of football, and Shazier’s continued presence in the community speaks volumes about his resilience and commitment to helping others.
More Steelers News & Notes
- The Steelers placed another offensive lineman on injured reserve, continuing a brutal stretch of injuries up front.
In response, they signed a promising and massive offensive tackle to the active roster to help fill the void.
- Former Steelers wide receiver Kenny Pickett is expected to make his first start with the Raiders.
- The NFL announced a major change for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, a move that could make the city a central hub for draft festivities.
- Steelers quarterbacks coach is being considered for a high school head coaching role, a testament to his growing reputation in coaching circles.
- Mike Tomlin offered a glimmer of hope that a key injured starter could return in time for the Dolphins game.
- ESPN’s latest mock draft has the Steelers passing on a quarterback in favor of a wide receiver-fueling the ongoing debate about the team’s long-term offensive direction.
Final Thought
The Steelers and Dolphins are two teams with very different identities right now-Pittsburgh leaning on defense and physicality, Miami leaning into speed and explosive playmaking. But come Monday night, it’ll be about execution, adjustments, and who can impose their style on the other.
One team is trying to prove it belongs in the postseason picture. The other is trying to stay there.
Buckle up. This one could get interesting.