Who Won Super Bowl 15? Raiders Beat Eagles 27-10

By Sarah Miller · April 10, 2049

The winner of Super Bowl 15 was the Oakland Raiders, who defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 on January 25, 1981. This victory marked the Raiders' first Super Bowl win in franchise history and made them the first wild card team to win a Super Bowl.

Overview of Super Bowl XV

Super Bowl XV was the championship game of the 1980 NFL season and took place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game featured the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Oakland Raiders against the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Key Highlights

Date: January 25, 1981
Location: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Final Score: Oakland Raiders 27, Philadelphia Eagles 10
MVP: Jim Plunkett, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders
Attendance: 76,109
Halftime Show: Up with People – “A Salute to the Big Band Era”

Raiders’ Historic Victory

The Oakland Raiders entered the playoffs as a wild card team, making their Super Bowl win even more remarkable. They became the first wild card team in NFL history to win the Super Bowl, setting a precedent for future underdog teams.

Game-Changing Moments

Jim Plunkett threw for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Raiders built a 14-0 lead early and maintained control throughout.
Philadelphia struggled offensively, turning the ball over four times.
Casualty impact: Eagles' starting quarterback Ron Jaworski was hampered by injury late in the game.

Performance Analysis: Key Players

Jim Plunkett, the Raiders' quarterback, delivered one of the most memorable performances in Super Bowl history. Once considered a career in decline, Plunkett revitalized his career and led the Raiders with precision passing and leadership.

Player	Team	Position	Passing Yards	Rushing Yards	Receiving Yards	Touchdowns
Jim Plunkett	Oakland Raiders	QB	261	2	0	3
Ron Jaworski	Philadelphia Eagles	QB	152	15	0	0
Cliff Branch	Oakland Raiders	WR	0	0	94	1
Fred Biletnikoff	Oakland Raiders	WR	0	0	79	1
Mark van Eeghen	Oakland Raiders	RB	0	79	18	1

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical breakdown shows the Raiders dominated both through the air and on the ground. Jim Plunkett’s 261 passing yards and three touchdowns were instrumental in overcoming the Eagles’ defense. Philadelphia’s offense failed to generate consistent momentum, with only 152 passing yards and no offensive touchdowns.

Legacy of Super Bowl XV

Super Bowl XV is remembered not only for the Raiders’ breakthrough win but also for its historical significance in playoff structure evolution. As the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl, the Raiders demonstrated that postseason success wasn’t limited to division winners.

Proved wild card teams could compete at the highest level.
Boosted the legacy of Jim Plunkett, a Heisman Trophy winner whose career had faced setbacks.
Highlighted defensive discipline: Raiders forced four turnovers.
Set the stage for future Raiders’ prominence in the 1980s.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl XV

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XV?

Jim Plunkett, the quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 15?

The final score was Oakland Raiders 27, Philadelphia Eagles 10.

Where was Super Bowl XV held?

Super Bowl XV was played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Were the Raiders the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl?

Yes, the 1980 Oakland Raiders were the first wild card team in NFL history to win the Super Bowl.

How many touchdowns did Jim Plunkett throw in Super Bowl XV?

Jim Plunkett threw three touchdown passes during Super Bowl XV.