Los Angeles ChargersVERSUSMiami Dolphins

Don Coryell's Chargers brought the league's most prolific passing offense to humid Miami, where Don Shula's Dolphins had built the AFC's stingiest defense. The contrast in styles made the divisional round a referendum on whether San Diego's revolutionary Air Coryell attack could survive January football on the road.

• San Diego led the NFL in passing for a third straight season behind Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow and Charlie Joiner.
• Miami had allowed the fewest points in the AFC and was returning to the postseason after missing it the previous year.
• The winner would travel to Cincinnati for the AFC Championship Game, putting both teams one victory from the Super Bowl.

Sources: Pro Football Hall of Fame: Epic in Miami · NFL postseason history