Preview: Dolphins at Steelers in Key AFC Showdown PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — A pivotal late-season AFC matchup with playoff implications is set for Monday night as the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) host the Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Acrisure Stadium. Both teams enter Week 15 on winning notes but with divergent momentum. The Dolphins have won three straight, including a 34-10 road victory over the New York Jets last Sunday. During that streak, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has managed games efficiently, throwing for 455 yards and a touchdown while committing no turnovers. The running game, led by Jaylen Wright’s 107-yard performance against the Jets, has provided balance. The Steelers snapped a two-game skid with a 27-22 win over Baltimore last week, fueled by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers completed 23 of 34 passes for 284 yards and a touchdown in the victory, showcasing the form Pittsburgh anticipated when acquiring him. His performance level has been inconsistent, however, as evidenced by a 10-for-21, 117-yard outing in a loss to Buffalo on Nov. 30. The teams’ recent paths highlight a contrast. Miami’s winning streak has featured lower-scoring, grind-it-out victories, with the offense averaging 23.6 points during the run. Pittsburgh’s season has been marked by volatility, alternating between impressive wins like the one over Baltimore and decisive losses. Despite Miami’s superior recent form, betting markets slightly favor the home team. The Steelers are installed as a 3-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, with an over/under of 42.5 points. National Statistical’s game simulator projects a 28-21 Steelers victory. A key matchup will be Miami’s improving defense, which has allowed an average of just 13.6 points during its three-game win streak, against the Rodgers-led Steelers offense that has shown both explosiveness and vulnerability. Containing Pittsburgh’s diverse backfield of Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, who combined for three touchdowns last week, will be another priority for the Dolphins. With both teams tightly packed in the AFC wild-card race, Monday’s result could prove decisive for their postseason hopes. A Dolphins win would even their record and strengthen their position, while a Steelers victory would solidify their hold on a playoff spot and complete a critical season sweep of conference opponents. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. EST on Monday, Dec. 15, with television coverage on ESPN.