Vinny Testaverde vs Miami Dolphins

Lore & Background

The Jets and Dolphins were established in 1960 and 1966 respectively; both as members of the American Football League. After the AFL–NFL merger in 1970, the Dolphins and the Jets were placed in the AFC East. The rivalry has stayed intense through the years as both teams are always competitive against one another regardless of the standings. The rivalry also maintains a high intensity because of the large number of transplanted New York Jets' fans who retire to South Florida.

Before the New England Patriots rise to dominance in the early 2000s, the Jets and Dolphins regularly contested for the AFC East title. Upon the Dolphins' joining the AFL in 1966, the Jets laid the seeds for their 1968 Super Bowl III victory. After the Jets' Super Bowl victory in 1968, the Dolphins began ascending to the top of the NFL, culminating in back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1972 and 1973. The 1972 season also saw Miami finish with a 17–0 record; the only NFL team to finish the regular season and post-season without a loss or tie.

Reader's Guide

When the Dolphins joined the AFL in 1966, the Jets won the first eight contests against the Dolphins beginning with the first meeting, a 19-14 Jets' win in Miami's second-ever game. The Dolphins went 14–2 against the Jets during the 1970–1977 seasons. The only tie in the series was a 28–28 stalemate in 1981, played in Miami. The 1982 AFC Championship, known as 'The Mud Bowl,' was a 14–0 Dolphins win. In 1986, the Jets won a 51–45 overtime game, the highest-scoring game between the teams. Later that season, the Dolphins won 45–3.

Did You Know?

• The Dolphins are one of four NFL teams with a winning record against every division rival after 100 games played against each of them.
• The Jets are one of only three NFL teams with a losing record against every division rival after 100 games played against each of them.