The team improved on their 10–6 record from 1985 and returned to the playoffs after missing them the previous year, finishing with a 12–4 record, a second place finish in the NFC East, and qualified for the playoffs as a wild card.
They defeated the Los Angeles Rams 19–7 in the NFC Wild Card Game at RFK Stadium, then upset the defending champion Chicago Bears 27–13 in the Divisional Playoffs.
The season came to an end in the NFC Championship Game when the Redskins were defeated by their division rivals, the New York Giants 17–0.
Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve
at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C. at Soldier Field, Chicago In knocking off the defending Super Bowl champion Bears, the Redskins scored their first road playoff win under Joe Gibbs.