NBC Sports: NFL 1978-AFC Wildcard-Houston Oilers @ Miami Dolphins: Highlights

Source:NBC Sports– Houston Oilers head coach Bum Phillips.

Source:The New Democrat

“Bum vs Shula. If you want to see the first game it’s highlights are below. Reposted from classicsportsvids”

From Classic Sports

The Houston Oilers were playing an AFC Wildcard game on the road in 1978, because they finished second only to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Central that year. But not because the Miami Dolphins were a better team. Because if anything the Oilers were better. B

Back then and until 1990, you had to win your division in order to host an NFL playoff game. As it should be, at least as far as I’m concern. So because the Oilers were in the same division as the Steelers in 78 and finished behind the Steelers that season, the Dolphins won the AFC East, so the Dolphins hosted this wildcard against the Oilers.

The Oilers were the second best team in the AFC in 78. They just didn’t win their division, because again they were in the same division with the Steelers, the best team in the AFC in 78 and Super Bowl champion.