The Miami Dolphins (6-7) travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) in a critical Week 15 matchup that will heavily impact the AFC playoff picture. This game is a classic tactical battle, pitting Miami's speed-based offense against a tough, opportunistic Steelers defense.

I. Team Strengths and Weaknesses

The key to this game lies in how each team can neutralize the opponent's strongest unit.

  • Miami Dolphins: Their strength lies in their offensive speed and ability to generate explosive plays, while also maintaining excellent ball security with a low total of 10 offensive turnovers. Their major weakness remains **pass protection** (profiled as the worst in the NFL), alongside struggles in the defensive line and run defense.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh is built on **defensive dominance**, excelling in pass rush and creating turnovers. They are also one of the most disciplined teams, leading the NFL in fewest penalty yards per game. Their offensive weakness is the run game, ranking near the bottom in the NFL with just 3.3 yards per carry.

II. The Key Matchups

Miami Offense vs. Pittsburgh Defense: The Pressure Point

The most decisive battle will be Miami’s ability to protect its quarterback against a fierce Pittsburgh pass rush led by T.J. Watt.

  • The Dolphins' offensive line struggles with pass protection. If Miami is forced into long, predictable passing downs, the Steelers' defense—which excels at generating pressure and turnovers—will dominate.
  • Miami must leverage speedsters like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to create explosive plays and establish the run early to slow the rush and open up play-action passes.

Pittsburgh Offense vs. Miami Defense: Exploiting the Secondary

The Steelers, led by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, will look to exploit a major weakness in the Dolphins’ secondary.

  • Pittsburgh’s offense will likely utilize D.K. Metcalf (on pace for 1,116 yards) against Miami's cornerbacks, which have been a major concern this season.
  • The Dolphins defense has struggled, allowing a high 74.5% Adjusted Completion Rate. If Miami's pass rush fails to generate pressure, the secondary will be exposed.
  • Pittsburgh will emphasize a balanced attack to control the clock and keep Miami’s potent offense off the field.

III. Critical Injury Report Insights (Updated December 04, 2025)

Injuries, especially along the offensive line, are a major factor for both sides.

  • Miami Concern: The availability of RB De’Von Achane (Rib) is critical. If he is limited or out, it affects the running game's explosive potential.
  • Pittsburgh Concern (OL): The Steelers face major depth issues at tackle. Starting LT Broderick Jones is on IR. With backup Andrus Peat (Concussion) and Calvin Anderson (Knee) also dealing with issues, the protection falls to third-string tackle Dylan Cook.
  • Pittsburgh Concern (WR): Star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf (Abdomen) is expected to play despite a recent hospital visit. His status is crucial to the passing game.

The Verdict

This game is projected to be a tight, **low-scoring affair**. The Dolphins' best path to victory is creating turnovers with their defense (forcing 14.8 per game, based on opponent stats) and capitalizing with big plays. However, the Steelers' strength on defense aligns perfectly with the Dolphins' biggest weakness: pass protection. Given Pittsburgh’s home-field advantage and defensive prowess, the slight edge in this critical AFC contest tilts toward the Steelers.