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Dolphins–Jets rivalry
AFC East Rivalry

Dolphins–Jets

The fake spike and the miracle

Matchup:Dolphins–Jets
First Meeting:1966
Division:AFC East
2026 Meetings:2

An AFC East divisional rivalry between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets dating to the AFL era, defined by dramatic comebacks and trickery in its biggest games. Miami holds the all-time series edge, but the Jets own one of football's most legendary fourth-quarter rallies against them.

The Rivalry

The Jets and Dolphins have shared a division since Miami joined the AFL in 1966, and New York set the early tone by winning the first eight meetings of the rivalry. The 1970s belonged to Miami as the Dolphins built one of the NFL's premier teams, and they would go on to compile a winning record against the Jets over their long history. The series' identity, though, comes from a handful of unforgettable moments rather than steady dominance. In the 1982 playoffs the "Mud Bowl" AFC Championship saw Miami win 14-0 on a rain-soaked field, with linebacker A.J. Duhe intercepting three passes. Dan Marino's 1994 "Fake Spike" — pretending to kill the clock before throwing a touchdown — broke New York's heart. Six years later the Jets returned the favor with the "Monday Night Miracle." Across more than 120 games, the rivalry has stayed close and competitive.

What's at Stake

As an AFC East matchup, every meeting affects divisional standings and the playoff tiebreakers that come with them. The contrast in settings adds spice — South Florida's warmth against the New York metro area's intensity — and both fan bases treat these games as must-win measuring sticks. For the Jets, beating Miami is a marker of progress; for the Dolphins, it is about protecting their historical edge in a series that has repeatedly produced wild finishes.

Famous Moments

  • 1982 — Miami won the rain-drenched "Mud Bowl" AFC Championship 14-0, with A.J. Duhe recording three interceptions.
  • 1994 — Dan Marino's "Fake Spike" touchdown pass to Mark Ingram in the final seconds beat the Jets 28-24.
  • 2000 — The "Monday Night Miracle": the Jets scored 30 fourth-quarter points and won 40-37 in overtime.
  • 2000 — In that comeback, offensive tackle Jumbo Elliott caught the tying touchdown as a tackle-eligible receiver.
  • 1966 — The Jets won the rivalry's first meeting 19-14, the start of an eight-game streak over Miami.

The Dolphins–Jets Games in 2026

The Two Teams

Plan the Trip

Fans get a vivid swing of culture with this rivalry. The Jets play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York City, where game day taps into the energy of the nation's largest metro area. Miami hosts at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, blending football with beaches and a tropical climate. Doing both legs — a brisk Northeast trip and a sunny Miami escape — makes a memorable bucket-list pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dolphins–Jets

The two teams first met in 1966. An AFC East divisional rivalry between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets dating to the AFL era, defined by dramatic comebacks and trickery in its biggest games. Miami holds the all-time series edge, but the Jets own one of football's most legendary fourth-quarter rallies against them.

As an AFC East matchup, every meeting affects divisional standings and the playoff tiebreakers that come with them. The contrast in settings adds spice — South Florida's warmth against the New York metro area's intensity — and both fan bases treat these games as must-win measuring sticks. For the Jets, beating Miami is a marker of progress; for the Dolphins, it is about protecting their historical edge in a series that has repeatedly produced wild finishes.

Yes — they meet 2 times in the 2026 NFL season. The game pages, each with a fan-travel guide, are linked on this page.

Miami Dolphins host at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami; New York Jets play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Sources

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