Washington Commanders Playoff History

Washington’s storied history in the NFL playoffs spans decades, from their early championship victories in the 1930s and ’40s to their three Super Bowl titles in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite enduring playoff droughts, the team has experienced thrilling postseason moments, including their dramatic playoff return in 2020. This comprehensive collection of Washington’s playoff game results highlights the triumphs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, dive into the full history of the Washington Commanders Playoff History, from their early years to the latest postseason appearances.

Washington have won three Super Bowls – Super Bowl XVII, Super Bowl XXII, and Super Bowl XXVI. They also won World Championships in 1937 and 1942.

The Drought

They have historic successes, however, it had been a 5 year playoff absence before 2020’s foray into the postseason.

It has been more than 15 years since Washington won a playoff game (Jan. 7, 2006). Subsequently, that win was one of owner Dan Snyder’s only two playoff victories in his 20-plus year tenure. Snyder has managed just six trips to the postseason, and consequently, just eight games total.

Playoff Record Summary

All-Time Playoffs: 43 Games, 23-20
Wild Card Round: 10 Games, 6-4
Divisional Round: 16 Games, 7-9
Conference Championship: 6 Games, 5-1
Super Bowl: 5 Games, 3-2
Championship (pre-1966): 6 Games, 2-4

Washington Commanders Playoff History Game Log

Washington Commanders Playoff History: Post Gibbs

Jan. 9, 2021
NFC Wild Card
Tampa Bay 31, Washington 23

Jan. 10, 2016
NFC Wild Card
Green Bay 35, Washington 18

Jan. 6, 2013
NFC Wild Card
Seattle 24, Washington 14

Jan. 5, 2008
NFC Wild Card
Seattle 35, Washington 14

Jan. 14, 2006
NFC Divisional
Seattle 20, Washington 10

Jan. 7, 2006
NFC Wild Card
Washington 17, Tampa Bay 10

Jan. 15, 2000
NFC Divisional
Tampa Bay 14, Washington 13

Jan. 8, 2000
NFC Wild Card
Washington 27, Detroit 13

Jan. 9, 1993
NFC Divisional
San Francisco 20, Washington 13

Jan. 2, 1993
NFC Wild Card
Washington 24, Minnesota 7

Washington Commanders Playoff History: The Gibbs Era

Jan. 26, 1992
Super Bowl XXVI
Washington 37, Buffalo 24

Jan. 12, 1992
NFC Championship
Washington 41, Detroit 10

Jan. 4, 1992
NFC Divisional
Washington 24, Atlanta 7

Jan. 12, 1991
NFC Divisional
San Francisco 28, Washington 10

Jan. 5, 1991
NFC Wild Card
Washington 20, Philadelphia 6

Jan. 31, 1988
Super Bowl XXII
Washington 41, Denver 10

Jan. 17, 1988
NFC Championship
Washington 17, Minnesota 10

Jan.10, 1988
NFC Divisional
Washington 21, Chicago 17

Jan. 11, 1987
NFC Championship
N.Y. Giants 17, Washington 0

Jan. 3, 1987
NFC Divisional
Washington 27, Chicago 13

Dec. 28, 1986
NFC Wild Card
Washington 19, L.A. Rams 7

Dec. 30, 1984
NFC Divisional
Chicago 23, Washington 19

Jan. 22, 1984
Super Bowl XVIII
L.A. Raiders 38, Washington 9

Jan. 8, 1984
NFC Championship
Washington 24, San Francisco 21

Jan. 1, 1984
NFC Divisional
Washington 51, L.A. Rams 7

Jan. 30, 1983
Super Bowl XVII
Washington 27, Miami 17

Jan. 22, 1983
NFC Championship
Washington 31, Dallas 17

Jan. 15, 1983
NFC Divisional
Washington 21, Minnesota 7

Jan. 8, 1983
NFC Wild Card
Washington 31, Detroit 7

Washington Commanders Playoff History: Early NFL Results

Dec. 18, 1976
NFC Divisional
Minnesota 35, Washington 20

Dec. 22, 1974
NFC Divisional
L.A. Rams 19, Washington 10

Dec. 22, 1973
NFC Divisional
Minnesota 27, Washington 20

Jan. 14, 1973
Super Bowl VII
Miami 14, Washington 7

Dec. 31, 1972
NFC Championship
Washington 26, Dallas 3

Dec. 24, 1972
NFC Divisional
Washington 16, Green Bay 3

Dec. 26, 1971
NFC Divisional
San Francisco 24, Washington 20

Washington Commanders Playoff History: Pre NFL

Dec. 16, 1945
NFC Championship
Cleveland 15, Washington 14

Dec. 26, 1943
NFL Championship
Chicago 41, Washington 21

Dec. 19, 1943
Eastern Division
Washington 28, N.Y. Giants 0

Dec. 13, 1942
NFL Championship
Washington 14, Chicago 6

Dec. 8, 1940
NFC Championship
Chicago 73, Washington 0

Dec. 12, 1937
NFL Championship
Washington 28, Chicago 21

Dec. 13, 1936
NFL Championship
Green Bay 21, Washington 6

Get More Information

Be sure to also check out our pages on All-Time Regular Season Record, Coaching History, and the now defunct Fight Song.