1983 Washington Redskins season

The  Washington Redskins season was the franchise's 52nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 47th in Washington, D.C. The season began with the team trying to win consecutive Super Bowls, following their victory in Super Bowl XVII against the Miami Dolphins. Washington's 14–2 record was a franchise record and the best in the NFL. Their two losses were by a combined two points. Though the Redskins won the NFC Championship and advanced to a second consecutive Super Bowl, they were blown out by the Los Angeles Raiders 38–9 despite being 3-point favorites. They were the first defending Super Bowl champions to qualify for the playoffs since the 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Redskins' 541 points scored and +209 point differential was the best in the league, with the 541 points setting an NFL record at the time. The 1983 Redskins also had a turnover margin of +43, an NFL record. Washington was the first team since the merger to record more than 60 takeaways (61).

This season is cornerback Darrell Green's first in the league. He would spend 20 seasons with the team until his retirement in 2002.

The 27-12 victory on September 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs is the only win in franchise history against them as of 2023.

Schedule
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Awards and records

 * Joe Gibbs, National Football League Coach of the Year Award
 * John Riggins, Bert Bell Award
 * Joe Theismann, AP NFL MVP
 * Joe Theismann, PFWA NFL MVP
 * Joe Theismann, NEA NFL MVP
 * Joe Theismann, National Football League Offensive Player of the Year Award
 * John Riggins, 1,347 Rushing Yards and set record with 24 rushing TDs (Held the TD record for 12 Years)
 * Team scoring: 541 points (Held record until 1998)
 * Turnover differential: +43 (Record still stands today. Next closest is Cleveland with +33 in 1946.)