Still a force to be reckoned with at 42: Aaron Rodgers © APA / JOE SARGENT

Aaron Rodgers keeps Pittsburgh on course

Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the Pittsburgh Steelers to an important home victory against the Miami Dolphins on their way to the NFL playoffs.

16 December 2025

From: dpa

After a sluggish first half, the home team ultimately secured a decisive 28-15 victory and their eighth win of the season. "We got going at the end of the first half and then scored four times in a row," said Rodgers, who racked up 224 yards and two touchdown passes.

The Steelers are currently in first place in the NFC North and would therefore qualify for the playoffs. However, the decision may not come until the final regular season game against the Baltimore Ravens, who are currently in second place with seven wins.

Zach Sieler and the Dolphins were only able to keep up in the first half. © APA / JUSTIN K. ALLER

The Steelers didn't score their first points until 17 seconds before halftime; their three previous possessions had all ended in punts. "I think we've got the running game sorted out, and that helps," Rodgers said. "I hope the belief grows. If we do our job, we'll be the hosts in the playoffs."

The division winners have a home game in the first round of the playoffs, even if their opponent from another division has a better record. "We're playing football games that mean something," said Rodgers. For the Dolphins, however, the playoffs are over – they no longer have a chance of advancing to the knockout stage.