PITTSBURGH, PA — In a performance that evoked memories of his back-to-back MVP seasons, Aaron Rodgers led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a commanding 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. The win, fueled by a clinical 85.2% completion rate from the 42-year-old quarterback, solidifies Pittsburgh’s position atop the AFC North and officially eliminates the Dolphins from the NFL playoff race.
As the temperature at Acrisure Stadium dipped into the teens, Rodgers proved he still has the “ice in his veins” required for December football. Completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns, Rodgers moved past Peyton Manning for the third-most games with multiple passing touchdowns in NFL history.
The “Castoffs” and “Afterthoughts”: Pittsburgh’s Offensive Explosion
While Rodgers was the conductor, the music was played by a roster Rodgers affectionately dubbed a group of “castoffs.” The Steelers’ offense scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives—a feat the franchise hadn’t achieved since 2018.
- Kenneth Gainwell’s Breakout: Signed to a modest one-year, $1.79 million contract, Gainwell has become the ultimate fantasy football sleeper and real-world asset. Against Miami, he totaled 126 yards from scrimmage, leading the team with 7 receptions and 80 rushing yards.
- The Return of MVS: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, elevated to the active roster just hours before kickoff, hauled in a 19-yard touchdown. It was his first score from Rodgers since their 2021 campaign in Green Bay.
- Metcalf’s “Beast Mode”: DK Metcalf provided the highlight of the night, a 28-yard touchdown where he physically overwhelmed former Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to reach the end zone.
“There’s some castoffs if you look at our roster, which makes it really special,” Rodgers said post-game. “Kenny Gainwell signed a next-to-nothing contract. Adam Thielen got cut. Samuel was on the street. It says a lot about the character of the guys we brought in.”
Game Stats and Betting Impact: Steelers vs. Dolphins
For those tracking NFL betting odds and live sportsbook bonuses, the Steelers’ dominance in the third quarter was the turning point. Pittsburgh outscored Miami 14-0 in the period, while the Dolphins’ offense was stifled to a staggering minus-20 total yards.
| Key Stat | Miami Dolphins | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Total Yards | 285 | 336 |
| Passer Rating | 113.2 (Tua) | 125.9 (Rodgers) |
| Third Down Eff. | 25% | 38% |
| Time of Possession | 26:27 | 33:33 |
Tua Tagovailoa finished 22-of-28 for 254 yards, but much of that production came in “garbage time” with two late scores to Darren Waller. Tagovailoa’s struggles in cold weather continued, as he remains winless in games where the kickoff temperature is below 40 degrees.
A Defensive Statement: Asante Samuel Jr.’s Redemption
With All-Pro T.J. Watt sidelined following surgery for a collapsed lung, the Steelers’ defense needed a new hero. They found one in Asante Samuel Jr.
Just seven months after undergoing spinal fusion surgery, Samuel made his first start for Pittsburgh and immediately impacted the game with a first-quarter interception of Tagovailoa.
“It’s a blessing to get a second chance,” Samuel remarked. “You can’t take the long days for granted.” The Steelers’ secondary, once ranked among the league’s most vulnerable, has seen a resurgence since Samuel joined the practice squad in November.
AFC North Standings and Playoff Implications
With the win, Pittsburgh moves to 8-6, maintaining a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens (7-7) in the division. For Mike Tomlin, the victory extends an incredible streak: the Steelers have now won 23 consecutive home games on Monday Night Football, a record dating back to 1991.
As the NFL regular season winds down, the Steelers are peaking at the right time. For fans looking for the best NFL tickets or checking NFL scores today, the road to the AFC North title now firmly runs through the Steel City.
What’s Next for the Steelers?
Pittsburgh looks to carry this momentum into a crucial Week 16 matchup. With Rodgers finding his “flow state” and a defense proving it can win without Watt, the Steelers are no longer just a “mushy middle” team—they are a legitimate threat in the AFC.
