In one of the greatest games in Redskins history, Washington defeated the Cowboys in front of a deafening RFK crowd. The Redskins opened up the scoring, but Dallas was able to stay within one score for most of the game. Dexter Manley knocked Danny White from the game with a concussion just before halftime, but Dallas backup Gary Hogeboom was able to move the ball almost as well, hitting Butch Johnson midway through the third quarter to close the score to 21-17.

After a Moseley field goal, Washington's defense sealed the victory with a dramatic play. Hogeboom set up a screen to Dorsett, but Dexter Manley flew into his running lane. He tipped the ball in the air, and Daryl Grant pulled it in and chugged into the end zone to make the score 31-17. The Skins were able to control the ball for the rest of the fourth quarter behind Riggins and the Hogs, and RFK sent the team off to the Super Bowl with thunderous applause.