Who Won Super Bowl 1984? Raiders Beat Redskins 38-9

By Sarah Miller · January 15, 2033

The Los Angeles Raiders won Super Bowl XVIII, defeating the Washington Redskins 38-9 on January 22, 1984. The game was played at Tampa Stadium in Florida and marked the Raiders' third Super Bowl victory.

Super Bowl XVIII: A Dominant Raiders Victory

Super Bowl XVIII was a pivotal moment in NFL history, showcasing one of the most dominant performances by a team in the championship's annals. The Los Angeles Raiders delivered a commanding performance against the Washington Redskins, winning 38-9 and cementing their place in football lore.

Key Highlights from the Game

The Raiders set a Super Bowl record with 526 total yards of offense.
Running back Marcus Allen had a legendary 74-yard touchdown run, one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history.
Defensively, the Raiders held Joe Theismann and the Redskins to just nine points, far below their season average.
Marcus Allen was named Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 191 yards and two touchdowns.
The game marked the first time a team scored 38 points while allowing fewer than 10.

Team Breakdown: Raiders vs. Redskins

Both teams entered Super Bowl XVIII with strong regular-season records and high expectations. However, the Raiders' explosive offense and stifling defense overwhelmed Washington.

Raiders' Path to the Championship

Finished the 1983 regular season with an 11-5 record.
Won playoff games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.
Coached by Tom Flores, who became the first minority head coach to win a Super Bowl.
Quarterback Marc Wilson and backup Jim Plunkett led a balanced offensive attack.

Redskins' Season and Playoff Run

Posted a league-best 14-2 record during the regular season.
Defeated the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.
Joe Theismann, the 1983 NFL MVP, was expected to lead a high-powered offense.
Despite their dominance, they were uncharacteristically ineffective in the big game.

Statistic	Los Angeles Raiders	Washington Redskins
Final Score	38	9
Total Yards	526	283
Rushing Yards	266	49
Passing Yards	260	234
First Downs	24	14
Turnovers	1	4
Time of Possession	35:12	24:48

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical dominance of the Raiders is evident in key areas such as total yards, rushing production, and turnover margin. Their ability to control the clock and force four Redskins turnovers completely shifted the game’s momentum. The 266 rushing yards were the second-highest in Super Bowl history at the time, highlighting their ground game superiority.

Legacy of Super Bowl XVIII

Super Bowl XVIII is remembered not only for the Raiders' decisive win but also for individual brilliance and strategic mastery. Marcus Allen's performance solidified his status as one of the game's elite running backs. Additionally, the victory underscored the importance of balanced offensive play and aggressive defensive schemes in championship football.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The Raiders became the first wild card team to reach and win the Super Bowl (though this claim is debated due to playoff format differences).
The game was broadcast by CBS and drew over 77 million viewers, a massive audience at the time.
It marked the last Super Bowl appearance for Joe Theismann, whose career was derailed by injury the following season.
The Raiders' silver and black uniforms and swashbuckling image captured national attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Won 1984 Super Bowl

Who won Super Bowl XVIII in 1984?

The Los Angeles Raiders won Super Bowl XVIII, defeating the Washington Redskins 38-9 on January 22, 1984.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 1984?

The final score was Los Angeles Raiders 38, Washington Redskins 9.

Where was Super Bowl XVIII played?

Super Bowl XVIII was held at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 1984?

Marcus Allen, the Raiders' running back, was named Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 191 yards and scoring two touchdowns, including a famous 74-yard run.