Who Won Super Bowl 1992? Full Recap & Stats

By Sarah Miller · April 15, 2034

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

Super Bowl XXVI: A Defining Victory

Super Bowl XXVI was a pivotal moment in NFL history, showcasing dominant offensive execution and strategic brilliance from the Washington Redskins. Held on January 26, 1992, the game confirmed Washington as one of the league's elite teams during the early 1990s.

Key Highlights of the Game

Washington quarterback Mark Rypien delivered an MVP performance with 292 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Redskins built a commanding 24-0 lead before Buffalo scored their first points.
Buffalo committed five turnovers, including four interceptions thrown by Jim Kelly and Frank Reich.
Washington’s defense held strong despite late-game efforts by the Bills' no-huddle offense.
The final score was 37-24, securing Washington’s third Super Bowl title (previously winning Super Bowls XVII and XXII).

Team Profiles: Washington vs. Buffalo

Both teams entered Super Bowl XXVI with impressive records and momentum, but their paths and playing styles differed significantly.

Washington Redskins: Balanced Dominance

Coached by Joe Gibbs, the 1991 Redskins finished the regular season with a 14-2 record, leading the league in point differential (+218). Their offense ranked second in scoring, while their defense allowed the fewest points per game (23.5).

Buffalo Bills: Pursuing Redemption

The Bills, led by head coach Marv Levy, were appearing in their second consecutive Super Bowl after losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV. Despite their high-powered offense, they struggled with consistency under pressure and were ultimately undone by costly turnovers in Super Bowl XXVI.

Statistic	Washington Redskins	Buffalo Bills
Final Score	37	24
First Downs	22	17
Total Yards	371	314
Passing Yards	292	273
Rushing Yards	79	41
Turnovers	1	5
Punts	4	6
Time of Possession	34:11	25:49

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical edge clearly favored Washington, particularly in turnover margin and time of possession. Their ability to control the clock and capitalize on Buffalo’s mistakes was decisive. The five turnovers by the Bills—four interceptions and one fumble—directly contributed to Washington’s scoring opportunities and field position advantage.

Most Valuable Player: Mark Rypien

Mark Rypien became the first Canadian-born quarterback to win Super Bowl MVP honors. He completed 18 of 33 passes for 292 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His deep throws to wide receivers Art Monk and Gary Clark stretched the Bills’ secondary and opened up running lanes.

Rypien’s Key Stats

Completion Percentage: 54.5%
Passer Rating: 107.7
Longest Completion: 59 yards
Sacks Taken: 2

Venue and Broadcast Details

Super Bowl XXVI was played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota—the second time the Super Bowl was held in a cold-weather city with an indoor stadium. The game drew an estimated television audience of 98.3 million viewers in the United States, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts of the year.

Broadcast and Cultural Impact

Broadcast Network: CBS
Halftime Show: “Winter Magic” featuring Gloria Estefan and Brian Boitano
Ad Rate (30 seconds): ~$800,000
Attendance: 63,130

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 1992

Who won Super Bowl 1992?

The Washington Redskins won Super Bowl 1992 (Super Bowl XXVI), defeating the Buffalo Bills 37-24 on January 26, 1992.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XXVI?

The final score was Washington Redskins 37, Buffalo Bills 24.

Where was Super Bowl 1992 held?

Super Bowl XXVI was held at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Who was the MVP of Super Bowl 1992?

Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 292 yards and two touchdowns.

Did the Buffalo Bills win any Super Bowls in the 1990s?

No, the Buffalo Bills did not win a Super Bowl during the 1990s. They lost four consecutive Super Bowls (XXV, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII) from 1991 to 1994.