NFL scores: Steelers beat Dolphins to maintain AFC North lead in playoff race
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The Pittsburgh Steelers scored four touchdowns for the first time in seven years en route to a dominant 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.
The Steelers got a much-needed win; While their 8-6 record keeps them atop the AFC North standings, the Baltimore Ravens are 7-7 with three games remaining.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins lost their first game in five contests, dropping to 6-8 and falling out of the AFC playoff race.
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DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
It was a defensive battle that froze Pittsburgh for most of the first half until the Steelers finally got on the board with a touchdown. A 12-play drive ended with Connor Heyward diving into the end zone on a quarterback sneak to make it a 7-3 game.
Little did the Dolphins know that Aaron Rodgers and his team were about to score a touchdown to start the second half.
AARON RODGERS TALKS TO REPORTERS AS STEELERS WIN AFTER THE NOISE ABOUT THE TEAM’S FUTURE
The third quarter began with the Steelers driving 71 yards in just six plays, and Rodgers found Marquez Valdes-Scantling driving down the left side of the field for a 19-yard touchdown pass.
Then, after forcing a three-and-out, the Steelers returned to the field and it was star receiver DK Metcalf who showed off his power by throwing Minkah Fitzpatrick and avoiding other Dolphins tackles for a 28-yard touchdown pass, opening the gates at 21-3.
Finally, the fourth consecutive touchdown was when tight end Jonnu Smith made the rare rushing attempt, and he made the most of it with a 14-yard touchdown pass.
Aaron Rodgers and Marquez Valdes-Scantling of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 15, 2025. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense, famous for their inability to function in the cold, were able to make it 28-9 by winning the jump ball after tight end Darren Waller’s failed two-point conversion in the colored paint. But their efforts were too little, too late.
Waller was able to put together a solid performance personally, scoring another touchdown with 2:32 left in the fourth quarter, but the Steelers ran out of time after the Steelers recovered the onside kick.
In the box score, Rodgers was an efficient 23-of-27 for 224 yards and two touchdowns. Metcalf was the team’s leading receiver with 55 yards, but Rodgers managed to complete passes to eight different Steelers receivers.
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Pittsburgh also saw major contributions on offense by Kenneth Gainwell, who not only had 80 yards on 13 carries, but also had a team-leading seven catches for 46 yards.
For the Dolphins, Tagovailoa completed 22-of-28 passing for 254 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Waller broke out at the end of the game, tallying seven receptions for 66 yards with two scores, while De’Von Achane had 68 yards receiving and 60 yards rushing on the night.
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