It began with the team trying to improve upon its 10–5–1 record from 1981 and return to the playoffs under head coach Walt Michaels.
They defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 44–17 and Los Angeles Raiders 17–14 in the first two rounds of the playoffs to advance to their first AFC Championship Game.
Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve at Shea Stadium • Flushing, New York
The "Mud Bowl", in which the Jets were angered by the condition of the Orange Bowl’s grass field, which was not covered and was inundated with a huge amount of rainfall from a series of storms that swept through South Florida the week preceding the game (it was still overcast on the Sunday of the game but only had a minor drizzle).
Don Shula responded by stating that he hadn't checked the weather reports because he was focused on getting the Dolphins ready for the game, and that both teams would face the same conditions in any case.