Who Won 1992 Super Bowl? Washington Redskins Victory

By Sarah Miller · July 29, 2028

The Washington Redskins won Super Bowl XXVI, defeating the Buffalo Bills 37–24 on January 26, 1992. The game took place at Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, marking Washington's third Super Bowl victory in team history.

Super Bowl XXVI: A Dominant Performance by Washington

Super Bowl XXVI was a pivotal moment in NFL history, where the Washington Redskins showcased a balanced offensive attack and a disciplined defense to overcome the high-powered Buffalo Bills. This game solidified Washington as one of the dominant teams of the early 1990s under head coach Joe Gibbs.

Key Highlights from the Game

Washington quarterback Mark Rypien threw for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns, earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
The Redskins built a commanding 17–0 lead in the first half, controlling tempo and limiting Buffalo's explosive offense.
Defensive pressure forced two key turnovers, including a critical fumble recovery in the red zone.
Buffalo's Jim Kelly passed for 275 yards and 2 touchdowns but struggled against Washington's aggressive defensive schemes.
Running back Earnest Byner contributed 59 rushing yards and a touchdown, anchoring the ground game.

Team Comparison: Washington vs. Buffalo

A breakdown of both teams' performance reveals why Washington emerged victorious despite Buffalo's strong regular-season record and AFC dominance.

Statistic	Washington Redskins	Buffalo Bills
First Downs	22	18
Total Yards	396	331
Passing Yards	292	275
Rushing Yards	104	56
Time of Possession	36:29	23:31
Turboverns	1	2
Punts	3	5

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical edge lies clearly with Washington, particularly in time of possession and rushing efficiency. Their ability to sustain drives prevented Buffalo's offense from gaining rhythm. Superior ball control and fewer turnovers were decisive factors in the final outcome.

Path to Super Bowl XXVI

Both teams entered the championship with impressive postseason runs.

Washington Redskins' Playoff Journey

Defeated Atlanta Falcons 24–7 in NFC Divisional Round
Won NFC Championship 17–13 against Detroit Lions
Finished regular season 14–2, best in the NFL

Buffalo Bills' Road to the Super Bowl

Defeated Houston Oilers 41–14 in AFC Wild Card (famous "The Comeback" reversal)
Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 24–3 in AFC Divisional Round
Won AFC Championship 10–7 over Denver Broncos
This marked their second consecutive Super Bowl appearance

Legacy of Super Bowl XXVI

Washington's win cemented their status as a dynasty of the early 1990s, capturing their third Super Bowl title in ten years (after XVII and XXII). For the Bills, it was the second of four consecutive Super Bowl losses, a record unmatched in NFL history.

Mark Rypien became the first Canadian-born quarterback to win a Super Bowl and earn MVP honors. His performance under pressure highlighted his poise and arm strength, validating Washington's offensive strategy.