Conditions will be nearly Arctic when the Miami Dolphins travel north to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. Many might think the cold environment would benefit the home team, but Steelers Nation has witnessed the Dolphins playing spoiler in similar situations before. The Steelers are coming off their biggest win of the season against the Ravens, but maintaining that momentum won’t be easy.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has led his team into disastrous efforts in trap games before. His club, especially this season, has been on a teeter-totter all year. They might play well against a top AFC opponent one week, only to fall flat the next.
Their inconsistencies have been maddening, and it's hard to pick them each week when you don't know which version of the team will show up.
Miami enters this game on a four-game win streak. If they want a shot at the playoffs, they must keep their winning ways going. They are rushing the ball well behind electric back De'Von Achane. He will be the ultimate test for the Steelers’ defense, which has allowed back-to-back 200-yard rushing performances against the Bills and Ravens. If they fail that test, most predictions will be wrong.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 15 Still Curtain predictions provide hope for trap game
"It's a Monday night home game against the Miami Dolphins, who have not played well in cold environments under head coach Mike McDaniel. The Steelers shouldn't be in too much trouble, but the way Miami has played recently should give fans some cause for concern. Pittsburgh wins, but the contest will be too close for comfort." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 24-21)
"The Steelers have historically done well on Monday Night Football when at home. While I don't think this team is on the right ship, I think they can beat a red-hot Dolphins team." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 23-21)
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"The Steelers are coming off a huge divisional win, and there's reason to believe they will keep the momentum going against Miami. Pittsburgh has won 22 straight home games on Monday Night Football. Now, the Dolphins are flying north for a mid-December game that could be accompanied by freezing temperatures. Mike Tomlin's team holds every major advantage over the Dolphins in Week 15." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 24-20)
"The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a slew of injuries that are making it hard to believe Monday night will not be a test for the team. I believe Aaron Rodgers will lead Pittsburgh to another victory behind stout defensive performance." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 31-20)
Final prediction has Pittsburgh overcoming the trap game environment
Final prediction: Steelers 26, Dolphins 23
It's getting harder not to take Miami in this matchup. Not because they are the better team, but because of the circumstances. The Steelers are now down not only star pass rusher T.J. Watt, but breakout cornerback James Pierre as well. It won't be easy to replace either of them.
The Dolphins are on a heater right now, but it's not like they have been terrific.
Outside of Achane, their offense has struggled to pass the ball. Their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, hasn't thrown for more than 173 yards in a game since their last loss. The key to victory is finding a way to force Tua to win the game for the Dolphins. He struggles to make plays in the cold, and shutting down Achane would force him into that situation.
Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of Miami right now is how well their defense is doing. During their win streak, that unit hasn't allowed more than 17 points in a game. That is a tough group to solve, but there are ways to beat them. You can’t allow the Dolphins to build an early lead. Keep the game tight, capitalize on opportunities when they arise, and Tua will eventually force turnovers
Finding a solid prediction for this game isn't easy. Many experts will pick the Steelers to win this game, and for good reason. It'll be in cold conditions, and in a hostile environment for the Dolphins. Don't be shocked if Tomlin's team struggles throughout this battle. At the end of the day, the home club has more going for them in this battle, and it should be enough to get them a last-second field goal to win.