The Miami Dolphins’ Most Memorable Games of All Time

The Miami Dolphins’ NFL legacy is woven together by moments of triumph, resilience, and historic achievement—games that defined eras, cemented legends, and left an indelible mark on South Florida sports culture. From the undefeated 1972 season to dramatic playoff comebacks in recent years, these contests aren’t just box scores; they’re stories of teamwork, heart, and the pursuit of excellence. The Miami Dolphins’ Most Memorable Games of All Time celebrates these iconic matchups, revisiting the plays, players, and emotions that made them unforgettable. Whether you’re a lifelong fan who witnessed them live or a new supporter learning the franchise’s history, these games offer a window into what makes the Dolphins one of the NFL’s most storied teams.

No list of the Dolphins’ most memorable games would be complete without Super Bowl VII (January 14, 1973), the game that capped their historic 17-0 perfect season and solidified their place in NFL history. The Miami Dolphins’ Most Memorable Games of All Time must start here, as this victory remains the gold standard for the franchise. Facing the Washington Redskins at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Dolphins leaned on their dominant “No-Name Defense” and a methodical offense to secure a 14-7 win. Quarterback Bob Griese, who had returned from a broken leg late in the season, threw for 202 yards and a touchdown, while running backs Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick combined for 112 rushing yards to control the clock. The defense stole the show, though: they held the Redskins to just 171 total yards, intercepted two passes, and made a critical goal-line stand in the fourth quarter to preserve the lead. The only blemish came on a late Redskins touchdown—a meaningless score that didn’t dim the celebration. For the Dolphins, this game wasn’t just a Super Bowl win; it was proof that perfection was possible. As Csonka later said, “That team didn’t just win games—we dominated them, and Super Bowl VII was the perfect ending.” To this day, no NFL team has replicated the 1972 Dolphins’ perfect season, making this game a timeless part of football history.

Another unforgettable matchup is the 1984 AFC Championship Game (January 6, 1985), where the Dolphins’ high-octane offense dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 45-28 to earn a trip to Super Bowl XIX. The Miami Dolphins’ Most Memorable Games of All Time wouldn’t be complete without this showcase of Dan Marino’s brilliance, as the young quarterback delivered one of the greatest playoff performances in NFL history. Marino, in his second season, threw for 421 yards and four touchdowns, including a 76-yard bomb to Mark Clayton that put the game out of reach in the third quarter. The Dolphins’ offense, which had set NFL records for points and passing yards during the regular season, was unstoppable: they scored touchdowns on five of their first seven possessions and amassed 556 total yards. Wide receivers Clayton and Mark Duper (the “Marks Brothers”) combined for 246 receiving yards, while running back Tony Nathan added 114 yards from scrimmage. The Steelers, led by Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, had no answer for Miami’s speed and precision. For Dolphins fans, this game was a reminder of how electrifying football could be—and a sign that Marino was on his way to becoming one of the game’s all-time greats. Though the Dolphins lost Super Bowl XIX to the 49ers, the AFC Championship Game remains a highlight of the 1980s dynasty era.

A more recent addition to the list is the 2016 AFC Wild Card Game (January 8, 2017), a dramatic overtime thriller where the Dolphins defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-23 in a game that showcased resilience and clutch play. The Miami Dolphins’ Most Memorable Games of All Time must include this contest, as it marked the Dolphins’ first playoff win in 17 years and reignited fan excitement for the franchise. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who had struggled with injuries in previous seasons, led the Dolphins back from a 10-0 deficit in the first quarter, throwing for 277 yards and two touchdowns. The game’s defining moment came in overtime: after the Steelers missed a game-winning field goal, Tannehill connected with wide receiver Jarvis Landry on a 28-yard pass to set up running back Jay Ajayi’s 1-yard touchdown run, sending Hard Rock Stadium into a frenzy. Ajayi, who had rushed for 204 yards in the regular-season finale against the Patriots, added 93 yards and a touchdown in the playoff win. For a franchise that had endured years of mediocrity, this game was a turning point—a sign that the Dolphins were back in contention. As Landry said after the game, “This win isn’t just for us—it’s for all the fans who stuck with us through the tough times. We’re bringing Miami football back.”

Another iconic game is the 1974 AFC Championship Game (January 5, 1975), where the Dolphins defeated the Oakland Raiders 26-21 in a hard-fought battle that featured one of the most controversial plays in NFL history. The Miami Dolphins’ Most Memorable Games of All Time wouldn’t be complete without this matchup, as it highlighted the Dolphins’ grit and the intensity of their rivalry with the Raiders. The game was tied 21-21 in the fourth quarter when Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian made a 37-yard field goal to give Miami a 24-21 lead. But the Raiders drove down the field, seemingly poised to score a game-winning touchdown—until Dolphins safety Dick Anderson intercepted Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler in the end zone with 28 seconds left. However, the game is best remembered for a play that didn’t count: earlier in the fourth quarter, Stabler appeared to score a touchdown on a 1-yard run, but officials ruled he had fumbled before crossing the goal line, and the Dolphins recovered. Replays showed the call was questionable, but it stood, and the Dolphins held on for the win. This game solidified the Dolphins as a dynasty—they went on to lose Super Bowl IX to the Steelers, but the AFC Championship Game remains a testament to their ability to win in high-pressure situations. For fans who witnessed it, the game is a reminder of the Dolphins’ dominance in the 1970s and the passion of their rivalry with the Raiders.

Finally, the 2023 Week 12 Game against the Baltimore Ravens (November 26, 2023) deserves a spot on the list, as the Dolphins pulled off a 22-10 upset of the NFL’s top-ranked team, showcasing their modern-day potential. The Miami Dolphins’ Most Memorable Games of All Time concludes with this matchup, as it proved the Dolphins could compete with the league’s elite and set the stage for their 2024 playoff run. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns, including a 45-yard strike to Tyreek Hill in the third quarter that gave the Dolphins a 15-10 lead. The defense, led by Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, sacked Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson five times and held Baltimore’s top-ranked rushing attack to just 89 yards. The game’s key play came in the fourth quarter: with the Dolphins leading 15-10, Phillips forced a fumble by Jackson, and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins recovered it, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Raheem Mostert to seal the win. For Dolphins fans, this game was a glimpse of what the team could be—a balanced, tough, and talented squad capable of beating anyone. As head coach Mike McDaniel said after the game, “This win isn’t just about today—it’s about building something special. We’re not here to just compete; we’re here to win championships.” For a new generation of Dolphins fans, this game will be remembered as the moment their team became a legitimate Super Bowl contender.