1981 Cincinnati Bengals season

The team won their first AFC Championship, but lost Super Bowl XVI to San Francisco.

On January 3, 1982, the Bengals beat Buffalo, 28–21, in an AFC divisional playoff game.

A week later, playing in their first AFC Championship Game in brutally cold weather, the Bengals defeated San Diego 27–7 at Riverfront Stadium.

In Super Bowl XVI on January 24, 1982, in Pontiac, Michigan, the Bengals trailed 20–0 at halftime and lost to San Francisco, 26–21.

Before the season, the Bengals unveiled new uniforms with tiger-striped helmets, jerseys and pants.