Who Won the 1981 Super Bowl? Raiders Beat Eagles 27-10

By Sarah Miller · July 6, 2047

The New Orleans Saints won Super Bowl XLIV in 2010, but no team won the '1981 Super Bowl' as that game was officially known as Super Bowl XV, held on January 25, 1981. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27–10 to claim their first NFL championship, becoming the first wild card playoff team to win a Super Bowl.

Understanding Super Bowl XV: The 1981 Championship Game

Although commonly referred to as the "1981 Super Bowl," the correct designation is Super Bowl XV, which took place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on January 25, 1981. This historic matchup featured the AFC champion Oakland Raiders against the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Key Facts About Super Bowl XV

Date: January 25, 1981
Location: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Final Score: Oakland Raiders 27, Philadelphia Eagles 10
MVP: Jim Plunkett, Quarterback (Raiders)
First wild card team to win the Super Bowl
Only Super Bowl victory for the Raiders as an Oakland-based team

Game Highlights and Key Moments

The Raiders took control early, with quarterback Jim Plunkett throwing three touchdown passes. A pivotal moment came when linebacker Rod Martin intercepted Eagles QB Ron Jaworski three times—a Super Bowl record at the time. The Eagles struggled offensively, managing only a single touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Offensive Breakdown

Jim Plunkett completed 17 of 24 passes for 261 yards and 3 TDs
Cliff Branch caught two touchdowns, including a 7-yarder and a 3-yarder
Fred Biletnikoff had 7 receptions for 79 yards
Ron Jaworski threw for 298 yards but with 3 interceptions

Super Bowl XV Box Score and Statistics

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final Score
Philadelphia Eagles	0	3	0	7	10
Oakland Raiders	7	13	7	0	27

Table data source:1, 2

The scoring distribution shows the Raiders built a commanding 20–3 halftime lead, effectively controlling the tempo. Philadelphia's inability to convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns proved costly. The Raiders' defense dominated key third-down situations, limiting the Eagles to just 3-of-12 conversions.

Historical Significance of the Raiders' Victory

The 1981 Super Bowl marked several milestones:

First Super Bowl win for the Raiders franchise
First wild card team to win the Super Bowl
Jim Plunkett became the first Latino quarterback to win a Super Bowl MVP
Coached by Tom Flores, the first Hispanic head coach to win a Super Bowl
Symbolized the rise of the Silver and Black as a dominant NFL force

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1981 Super Bowl

Who won the 1981 Super Bowl?

The Oakland Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27–10 in Super Bowl XV on January 25, 1981.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XV?

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

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XV?

Quarterback Jim Plunkett of the Oakland Raiders was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Where was the 1981 Super Bowl held?

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

Were there any records set during Super Bowl XV?

Yes, linebacker Rod Martin set a Super Bowl record with three interceptions in a single game, a feat unmatched until Super Bowl LVII. Additionally, the Raiders became the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl.