Who Won Super Bowl in 1982? Raiders Beat Redskins

By Sarah Miller · June 19, 2027

The Los Angeles Raiders won Super Bowl XVI in 1982, defeating the Washington Redskins 27-10 on January 22, 1983. This victory marked the Raiders' second Super Bowl title and made them the first wild card team to win the championship.

Super Bowl XVI: A Historic Win for the Raiders

Super Bowl XVI was played on January 22, 1983, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. Although the game occurred in 1983, it concluded the 1982 NFL season, which is why it's commonly referred to as the 1982 Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Raiders emerged victorious over the Washington Redskins with a final score of 27-10.

Key Highlights of the Game

The Raiders became the first wild card team to win a Super Bowl.
Jim Plunkett, Raiders quarterback, was named Super Bowl MVP.
The game was notable for being the first indoor Super Bowl held in a cold-weather city.
Attendance reached 80,187, setting a record for stadium capacity at the time.

Team Performance Breakdown

The Raiders dominated both offensively and defensively, capitalizing on key turnovers and executing a balanced attack. Their defense forced four interceptions, three of which came from Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann.

Raiders Offensive Strategy

Los Angeles utilized a mix of strong running plays led by Marcus Allen and precise passing from Jim Plunkett. The offense gained 345 total yards, including 136 rushing yards from Allen, who was a rookie at the time.

Defensive Dominance

The Raiders' defense applied consistent pressure, disrupting Washington’s rhythm. Defensive end Howie Long recorded multiple tackles and contributed to two sacks, while cornerback Lester Hayes intercepted a crucial pass late in the third quarter.

Statistic	Los Angeles Raiders	Washington Redskins
First Downs	22	15
Total Yards	345	293
Rushing Yards	153	103
Passing Yards	192	190
Turnovers	1	4
Penalties	6 (50 yards)	8 (70 yards)

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical edge clearly favored the Raiders, particularly in turnover margin and rushing efficiency. Their ability to protect the ball while forcing mistakes from Washington was pivotal. The 4-1 turnover differential directly influenced scoring opportunities and field position.

MVP and Key Players

Jim Plunkett delivered a standout performance, completing 13 of 21 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns. His 80-yard touchdown pass to receiver Cliff Branch remains one of the longest in Super Bowl history. Plunkett became the first minority quarterback to win a Super Bowl and earn MVP honors.

Marcus Allen: Rushed for 136 yards and caught key passes, laying the foundation for his Hall of Fame career.
Lester Hayes: Recorded an interception and provided lockdown coverage.
Howie Long: Applied relentless pressure, foreshadowing his defensive legacy.

Venue and Historical Significance

The Pontiac Silverdome hosted Super Bowl XVI, marking the first time the event was held indoors in a northern city. The controlled environment eliminated weather concerns but introduced challenges like echo effects and artificial turf dynamics.

This game also highlighted the growing national appeal of the NFL, with a television audience exceeding 80 million viewers. The halftime show featured Up with People, a common performer during that era, drawing mixed reviews compared to today’s star-driven productions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Won Super Bowl in 1982

Who won Super Bowl in 1982?

The Los Angeles Raiders won Super Bowl XVI, defeating the Washington Redskins 27-10 on January 22, 1983. The game concluded the 1982 NFL season, hence its association with 1982.

Was Super Bowl XVI played in 1982 or 1983?

Super Bowl XVI took place on January 22, 1983. It crowned the champion of the 1982 NFL season, which is why it is often referenced as the 1982 Super Bowl despite occurring in early 1983.

Who was the MVP of Super Bowl XVI?

Jim Plunkett, quarterback for the Los Angeles Raiders, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns, including an 80-yard strike to Cliff Branch.

What was significant about the Raiders' win in Super Bowl XVI?

The Raiders became the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl. Their victory proved that teams without home-field advantage could succeed through strong playoff performances, reshaping future playoff strategies.

Where was Super Bowl XVI held?

Super Bowl XVI was held at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. It was the first Super Bowl played indoors in a cold-weather city, setting a precedent for future northern host sites.