The Washington Commanders have had their bursts of success in the NFL. Although they are entering the postseason with the Commanders branding for the first time, Washington isn’t new to glory.
Let’s look back on the Commanders’ postseason history, including their Super Bowl appearances and victories, ahead of their Sunday wildcard round fixture against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We’ll focus on their playoff results since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger.
Washington Commanders Playoff Appearances and Results by Year
- 2020
- Wildcard: Lost 31-23 vs. Bucs
- 2015
- Wild Card: Lost 35-18 vs. Packers
- 2012
- Wildcard: Lost 24-14 vs. Seattle
- 2007
- Wild Card: Lost 25-14 vs. Seattle
- 2005
- Wild Card: Won 17-10 vs. Bucs
- Division: Lost 20-19 vs. Seattle
- 1999
- Wildcard: Won 27-13 vs. Lions
- Division: Lost 14-13 vs. Bucs
- 1992
- Wild Card: Won 24-7 vs. Vikings
- Division: Lost 20-13 vs. 49ers
- 1991
- Division: Won 24-7 vs. Falcons
- Conference Championship: Won 41-10 vs. Lions
- Super Bowl: Won 37-24 vs. Bills
- 1990
- Wild Card: Won 20-6 vs. Eagles
- Division: Lost 28-10 vs. 49ers
- 1987
- Division: Won 21-17 vs. Bears
- Conference Championship: Won 17-10 vs. Vikings
- Super Bowl: Won 42-10 vs. Broncos
- 1986
- Wild Card: Won 19-7 vs. Rams
- Divisional Round: Won 27-13 vs. Bears
- Conference Championship: Lost 17-0 vs. Giants
- 1984
- Division: Lost 23-19 vs. Bears
- 1983
- Division: Won 51-7 vs. Rams
- Conference Championship: Won 24-21 vs. 49ers
- Super Bowl: Lost 38-9 vs. Raiders
- 1982
- Wild Card: Won 31-7 vs. Lions
- Division: Won 21-7 vs. Vikings
- Conference Championship: Won 31-17 vs. Cowboys
- Super Bowl: Won 27-17 vs. Dolphins
- 1976
- Division: Lost 35-20 vs. Vikings
- Conference Championship: Won 30-20 @ 49ers
- Super Bowl: Won 52-17 vs. Buffalo
- 1974
- Divisional Round: Lost 19-10 vs. Rams
- 1973
- Divisional Round: Lost 27-20 vs. Vikings
- 1972
- Divisional Round: Won 16-3 vs. Packers
- Conference Championship: Won 26-3 vs. Cowboys
- Super Bowl: Lost 14-7 vs. Dolphins
- 1971
- Divisional Round: Lost 24-20 vs. 49ers
Commanders Playoffs History FAQ
The Commanders will once again kickstart their playoff campaign on Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know about Commanders’ postseason history.
What’s the Commanders’ Playoff Win/Loss Record?
The Cowboys have an all-time playoff record of 23-20 and a 20-16 postseason record following the NFL’s 1970 merger.
How Many Times Have the Commanders Been to the Playoffs?
The Commanders have been to the playoffs 26 times. They were most successful in the ’70s and ’80s, with five playoff appearances in each decade.
How Many Super Bowl Appearances Do the Commanders Have?
The Commanders have appeared in the Super Bowl five times. Three of those five appearances were during the ’80s.
Washington made the Super Bowl in 1972, 1982, 1983, 1987, and 1991.
How Many Super Bowls Have the Commanders Won?
The Commanders have won three Super Bowls, all within a 10-year span. They lost the opportunity to get their hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 1972. In 1982, they got the better of the Dolphins to win their first Super Bowl.
Washington made it to back-to-back Super Bowls, but the result didn’t go in their favor in 1983. Later, they clinched the silverware in 1987 and 1991.
When Was the Last Time the Commanders Made the Super Bowl?
The Commanders made the Super Bowl in 1991 when they defeated the Bills to win their third Super Bowl. They have not managed to advance past the divisional round since then.