PITTSBURGH – The playoff picture is starting to take shape, and for the Pittsburgh Steelers, every game from here on out feels like a postseason audition. Sitting at 8-5, the black and gold enter Week 15 firmly in the mix for both a playoff berth and the AFC North crown. To keep pace in a crowded conference, they’ll have to take care of business this week at home against Coach Jonny LoudPockets and his 5-8 Miami Dolphins.
On paper, the Steelers are the favorite, but if the past few weeks around the league have shown anything, it’s that nothing comes easy in December football.
Familiar Face, Missing Faces
This matchup had a little extra juice heading in. It was supposed to be a reunion game between the Steelers and their former All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick. Unfortunately, Fitzpatrick will not be active for Miami this week, robbing fans of what could have been an electric storyline: the former Steeler facing off against the organization that traded him away.
“It’s always fun seeing guys you used to go to battle with,” said Coach DK LaFleur after Thursday’s practice. “You respect what they did here, and you wish them the best, except when they’re lined up across from you.”
That won’t be the case this time. Miami will be without Fitzpatrick, along with several key defensive backs including cornerbacks Artie Burns, Kader Kohou, and Cam Smith. That leaves the Dolphins secondary dangerously thin against one of the most balanced and efficient offenses in football.
For a Steelers passing attack led by Desmond Ridder, who has thrown for over 3,400 yards and 37 passing touchdowns this season, this could be an opportunity to make a statement.
Air or Ground? Take Your Pick
When you think of the 2025 Steelers offense, balance is the first word that comes to mind. Under DK LaFleur, Pittsburgh has found the sweet spot between precision passing and punishing ground play. Ridder’s accuracy and command have given this team confidence in any situation, while rookie running back Nate Carter continues to look like one of the steals of the season.
Carter enters Week 15 with 793 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns since making his debut in Week 7. His combination of burst and balance has allowed Pittsburgh to control the tempo of games and keep defenses guessing. Against a depleted Dolphins defense, the game plan could go either way. They could pound the rock early or test the secondary deep.
“DK’s got that chess mindset,” said tight end Darnell Washington. “He’ll see who’s out there, see what they’re giving us, and he’ll make them pay for it. That’s how we play. We’re patient, disciplined, and ready to exploit weaknesses.”
The Dolphins may try to stack the box to limit Carter’s impact, but that comes with risk. Between Washington’s growing role as a downfield mismatch and receivers like DK Metcalf and Alec Pierce capable of stretching the field, it’s pick-your-poison time for defensive coordinators.
A Focused Locker Room
Despite the outside noise surrounding playoff positioning and divisional rivalries, the Steelers locker room is keeping things simple. Each week, it’s about execution.
“Every game is a playoff game for us now,” said linebacker Payton Wilson. “We’ve dug ourselves into this position, and now it’s time to capitalize. Nobody’s looking ahead. We’re locked in on Miami.”
Wilson’s emergence as a sideline-to-sideline force has given the Steelers defense another layer of speed and aggression. With T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith creating havoc on the edges and Cameron Heyward anchoring the middle, Pittsburgh’s front seven remains one of the most feared in the league.
Heyward, the veteran captain, has already hinted at returning for another season, and his presence has clearly fueled the young guys around him. “Cam sets the tone every week,” LaFleur said. “He doesn’t talk much, and he just leads. When you have that kind of leadership up front, it makes my job a whole lot easier.”
Stopping the Speed
While Miami’s defense is battered, their offense still has firepower. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has battled through inconsistency this year, but when he’s in rhythm, he can pick apart coverages with quick reads and timing throws. And then, of course, there’s Tyreek Hill, who is arguably the most explosive player in football.
Containing Hill will be a tall task for Pittsburgh’s secondary, but cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr have both been playing at a high level. Ramsey’s leadership and Porter’s length and athleticism have helped the Steelers adapt to various matchups each week.
“Tyreek’s a problem,” Ramsey said during media availability. “You don’t stop him, you just try to limit the damage. We’ll be ready.”
That preparation will likely involve bracketing Hill and forcing Tua to rely on his secondary weapons. If the front four can get consistent pressure and the linebackers can contain the run, it could be a long day for Miami’s offense.
The Stakes
This is the kind of game that defines playoff teams. The Steelers have battled through adversity all season including a midseason coaching change, roster turnover, and a brutal schedule. Yet, here they are, sitting at 8-5 and controlling their destiny.
A win would move them to 9-5 and potentially keep them close to atop the AFC North, depending on how Cleveland and Baltimore fare. A loss, however, could drop them into the wild card pack even further, where teams like Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and Houston are lurking.
The message from LaFleur is clear: respect every opponent, but fear none.
“Miami’s got talent,” he said. “They’re going to play hard, and we have to match that energy. Every team is dangerous this time of year, no matter the record. You can’t look at 5-8 and assume anything.”
The Bottom Line
Sunday’s matchup isn’t about flash or revenge or any headline. It’s about business. The Steelers have an opportunity to strengthen their playoff footing and send a message to the rest of the AFC that they’re not just in the race, but they’re leading it with purpose.
The Dolphins, short-handed and desperate, will come in swinging. But if Pittsburgh executes its game plan and keeps composure, this could be another stepping stone in what’s becoming a special run under DK LaFleur.
The stakes are high, the energy is building, and the lights at Acrisure Stadium will be bright. Pittsburgh knows what’s at stake. It’s time to handle business.
– Forged In Steel Times
