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 breadth of the Washington Commanders Playoff History, from their early years to the latest postseason appearances.

Commanders Playoff History: All-Time Record (1932–2025)

• Total Playoff Appearances: 25
• Super Bowl Championships: 3 (1982, 1987, 1991)
• Super Bowl Appearances: 5
• World Championship Appearances: 6
• Overall Playoff Record: 25 wins, 21 losses

Recent Playoff Performance (Since 1990)

In the last 35 years, the team has experienced many challenges in the postseason:

• Playoff Appearances: 8
• Playoff Record: 4 wins, 4 losses
• Notable Seasons:
  • 1991: Won Super Bowl XXVI
  • 1999: Advanced to NFC Divisional Round
  • 2005: Won Wild Card game; lost in Divisional Round
  • 2012: Lost in Wild Card Round
  • 2015: Lost in Wild Card Round
  • 2020: Lost in Wild Card Round
  • 2024: Advanced to NFC Championship

Until last year’s strong playoff run under Jayden Daniels, it had been dismal. It had been almost 20 years since Washington had won a playoff game (Jan. 7, 2006). Subsequently, that win was one of owner Dan Snyder’s two playoff victories in his 20-plus year tenure. Josh Harris won two last year.

2024–25 Commanders Playoff Run

• Wild Card Round: Defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23–20
• Divisional Round: Triumphed over the Detroit Lions 45–31
• NFC Championship: Lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 55–23

Playoff Record Summary

All-Time Playoffs: 46 Games, 25-21
Wild Card Round: 11 Games, 7-4
Divisional Round: 17 Games, 8-9
Conference Championship: 7 Games, 5-2
Super Bowl: 5 Games, 3-2
Championship (pre-1966): 6 Games, 2-4

Washington Commanders Playoff History Game Log

Date	Game	Result
Jan. 26, 2025	NFC Championship	Philadelphia 55, Washington 22
Jan. 18, 2025	NFC Divisional	Washington 45, Detroit 31
Jan. 12, 2025	NFC Wild Card	Washington 23, Tampa Bay 20
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
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
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
Pre National Football League Results
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

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Be sure to also check out our pages on All-Time Regular Season Record.