Los Angeles Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins Series History: Teams have had classic battles

Travis Wakeman

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins Series History: Teams have had classic battles image

Three weeks ago, a game between the Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) and Miami Dolphins (1-4) looked like a major mismatch. But in today's NFL, things change quickly. 

Following back-to-back losses by the Chargers and the Dolphins now playing much better than they did to start the season, this one shapes up to be quite interesting. 

Across history, the two teams have battled since the AFL days, with their first matchup coming back in October 1966, a 44-10 Chargers win. Since then, they have faced off 36 more times, with the Dolphins holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 20-17

January 2, 1982

Of course, there is the game that will forever be known as the "Epic in Miami". The Chargers and Dolphins met in a divisional round playoff game and it stands as one of the best games played in NFL history. 

On that day, Kellen Winslow set what was a playoff record by catching 13 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown. But he was treated for four different injuries in that game, including a pinched nerve in his shoulder, a laceration of his lower lip, cramps and dehydration. An image of him being helped off the field, exhausted, by teammates following an incredible performance is one of the most iconic moments in NFL history. 

From 1995 to 2008, the Dolphins were dominant, winning seven straight over the Chargers. Since then, the series is split right down the middle, with each team winning five games. Their most recent meeting was the season opener in 2023, a 36-34 shootout victory for the Chargers, which saw Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throw for 466 yards, the second most in his career.

READ: Chargers should look to trade for one of these RBs right now 

However, the Chargers have won just one time in their last 10 trips to Miami. It will be another long trip to the East Coast for the Chargers, a team that will come into the game dealing with a slew of big injuries. 

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Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.