Monday Night Stakes: Dolphins, Steelers Enter Wk 15 With Playoff Pressure and Key Absences

Injuries, playoff positioning, and historical trends frame a pivotal Monday Night Football matchup between Miami and Pittsburgh.

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Week 15 concludes with a high-stakes Monday Night Football matchup as the Miami Dolphins travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers, with postseason implications remaining alive for both teams. Pittsburgh enters the contest at 7-6, holding the fourth spot in the AFC playoff picture and sitting one game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. Miami, at 6-7, remains mathematically alive in the playoff hunt, though their odds stand at 1%.

WHERE: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh)

WHEN: 8:15 p.m. ET

HOW TO WATCH: ESPN, NFL+

The Steelers will be without one of their most impactful defenders. Linebacker T.J. Watt has been ruled out after being evaluated for a lung issue and missing all three practices this week. Pittsburgh’s injury report also lists Andrus Peat and James Pierre as out, while Derrick Harmon is questionable after missing Thursday and Friday practices. Despite the absences, Pittsburgh’s defense continues to lean on Patrick Queen and a unit allowing 125.3 rushing yards per game.

Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report:

• T.J. Watt (lung) — Out

• Andrus Peat (concussion) — Out

• James Pierre (calf) — Out

• Derrick Harmon (knee) — Questionable

Miami enters the game managing several injuries of its own. Running back De’Von Achane progressed to full participation by Saturday, while Andrew Meyer is questionable. Elijah Campbell is listed as doubtful.

Miami Dolphins Injury Report:

• Elijah Campbell (ankle/knee) — Doubtful

• Andrew Meyer (triceps) — Questionable

Team Stats:

Offensively, Miami ranks 27th in passing yards per game at 178.2 but eighth in rushing yards per game at 126.5. Defensively, the Dolphins allow 202.6 passing yards per game and 131.9 on the ground. Pittsburgh’s offense enters ranked 23rd in passing and 29th in rushing, while Miami’s defensive front will aim to exploit those numbers.

Matchup History

• Steelers lead series 15-14-0 (since 1971)

• Steelers are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings

• Last matchup: Dolphins won 16-10 (2022)

• Only overtime game: Steelers won 16-13 (1994)

The Steelers will debut their color rush uniforms, while Miami will take the field in all white.