1970 AFL Championship Game
Oakland's breakthrough moment on the road against the Jets.
The 1970 AFL Championship Game marks a definitive turning point in franchise history, representing the Raiders' second AFL title victory, following their 1967 championship. Played on January 3, 1971, against the New York Jets, this contest was more than a standard playoff matchup; it was a statement of arrival for a team seeking legitimacy among the league's elite. This game propelled the Raiders to Super Bowl V and solidified their reputation as 'The Most Dangerous Team in the NFL.' It showcased the offensive firepower of Daryle Lamonica and the defensive grit that would define the Silver & Black dynasty throughout the 1970s.
Quick Facts
- Date
- January 3, 1971
- Venue
- Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
- Opponent
- New York Jets
- Final score
- Raiders 27 - Jets 10
- Game mvp
- Daryle Lamonica
- Significance
- Second AFL Championship for the Raiders
Lore & Background
Entering the game, the New York Jets were not the reigning Super Bowl champions; that title belonged to the Kansas City Chiefs, who had won Super Bowl IV in January 1970. The Raiders, however, arrived in Baltimore with a singular mission: to conquer the league's best and claim their second conference banner. The contrast between the two squads defined the era—the Jets' fading glory against Oakland's hungry ambition. The atmosphere at Memorial Stadium was electric yet biting cold, typical of a late December/early January night.
Under the bright stadium lights, the Raiders proved they were not merely contenders but champions in the making. This victory silenced skeptics who doubted the franchise could win big games away from home, setting the stage for their subsequent Super Bowl appearance. Historically, this match is remembered as the moment the Raiders truly embraced their identity. It was a display of total team dominance where no single aspect of the game faltered.
The legacy of this night lives on in every Raider fan's memory as the foundation upon which future championships were built.
Reader's Guide
The 1970 AFL Championship Game stands as a pivotal turning point for the Oakland Raiders franchise. Facing the New York Jets, who were defending Super Bowl III champions, the Raiders entered Shea Stadium as underdogs seeking their first conference title. The atmosphere was electric yet frigid in late December, testing both teams' resolve on the gridiron. Quarterback Daryle Lamonica orchestrated a masterclass performance, throwing three touchdown passes to lead the offense.
His accuracy and leadership dismantled the Jets' defense early, setting a tone of dominance that lasted all four quarters. The Raiders' defense, anchored by legends like Willie Brown and Ted Brown, stifled Joe Namath and the Jets' offense, allowing only six points in a blowout victory. This 40-6 triumph was more than just a win; it validated the Raiders as a powerhouse capable of conquering the league's best. It secured their spot in Super Bowl V against the Baltimore Colts.
For fans, this game cemented the identity of The Black and Silver as resilient warriors who could deliver on the biggest stages away from home field advantage.
More in Iconic Matches & Games
Elsewhere in Las Vegas Raiders
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced