1981 AFC Championship Game Bengals vs Raiders

Lore & Background

The Bengals' victory in the 1981 AFC Championship Game marked a high point in a period of success for the franchise. According to the source, the Bengals qualified for the playoffs four times and played in two Super Bowls during an extended period of success that included this game.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled off the Ohio River, biting through layers of wool and leather at Riverfront Stadium. Ken Anderson tightened his gloves, feeling the chill seep into his bones as he surveyed the field. The Raiders lined up across from him, confident in their reputation. But tonight belonged to Cincinnati. As the ball snapped, the roar of the crowd drowned out the cold, a wall of sound pushing the Bengals forward. Anderson dropped back, spotted the receiver breaking free against the grey sky, and launched the pass. It was another step toward immortality.

Reader's Guide

The source does not specify the final score or details of the game. It notes that the Bengals won the AFC Championship Game and earned a berth in their first Super Bowl since the 1988 season, but the 1981 championship was their first Super Bowl appearance.

Did You Know?

• The Bengals have three Super Bowl appearances with no titles, a record matched only by the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings (who have four each).
• The Bengals did not win a playoff game between 1990 and 2021, one of the longest droughts in league history.
• The 1981 season was part of a period when the Bengals qualified for the playoffs four times and played in two Super Bowls.