# 1985 Pittsburgh Steelers season

The 1985 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 53rd season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League. The Steelers challenged for the AFC Central most of the season, sitting at 6–5 after their first eleven games. However, losing 4 out of their final 5 games dropped the Steelers to a 7–9 overall record, their first season with a losing record in fourteen years.

## Offseason
### NFL draft

1985 Pittsburgh Steelers draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 20 | Darryl Sims | Defensive tackle | Wisconsin |
| 2 | 47 | Mark Behning | Offensive tackle | Nebraska |
| 3 | 74 | Liffort Hobley | Safety | LSU |
| 4 | 101 | Dan Turk | Center | Wisconsin |
| 5 | 136 | Cam Jacobs | Linebacker | Kentucky |
| Made roster ||||||

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Game Site | Kickoff (ET) | TV | Result | Record |
| 1 | Saturday, August 10 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tampa Stadium | 8:00 p.m. | WTAE | W 42–27 | 1–0 |
| 2 | Saturday, August 17 | at Minnesota Vikings | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 8:00 p.m. | WTAE | L 41–34 | 1–1 |
| 3 | Friday, August 23 | at St. Louis Cardinals | Busch Stadium | 8:30 p.m. | WTAE | L 14–6 | 1–2 |
| 4 | Friday, August 30 | New York Giants | Three Rivers Stadium | 7:30 p.m. | WTAE | L 24–14 | 1–3 |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Game Site | Kickoff (ET) | TV | Result | Record |
| 1 | Sunday, September 8 | Indianapolis Colts | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | W 45–3 | 1–0 |
| 2 | Monday, September 16 | at Cleveland Browns | Cleveland Municipal Stadium | 9:00 p.m. | ABC | L 17–7 | 1–1 |
| 3 | Sunday, September 22 | Houston Oilers | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | W 20–0 | 2–1 |
| 4 | Monday, September 30 | Cincinnati Bengals | Three Rivers Stadium | 9:00 p.m. | ABC | L 37–24 | 2–2 |
| 5 | Sunday, October 6 | at Miami Dolphins | Miami Orange Bowl | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 24–20 | 2–3 |
| 6 | Sunday, October 13 | at Dallas Cowboys | Texas Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 27–13 | 2–4 |
| 7 | Sunday, October 20 | St. Louis Cardinals | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | W 23–10 | 3–4 |
| 8 | Sunday, October 27 | at Cincinnati Bengals | Riverfront Stadium | 4:00 p.m. | NBC | L 26–21 | 3–5 |
| 9 | Sunday, November 3 | Cleveland Browns | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | W 10–9 | 4–5 |
| 10 | Sunday, November 10 | at Kansas City Chiefs | Arrowhead Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | W 36–28 | 5–5 |
| 11 | Sunday, November 17 | at Houston Oilers | Astrodome | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | W 30–7 | 6–5 |
| 12 | Sunday, November 24 | Washington Redskins | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | L 30–23 | 6–6 |
| 13 | Sunday, December 1 | Denver Broncos | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 31–23 | 6–7 |
| 14 | Sunday, December 8 | at San Diego Chargers | Jack Murphy Stadium | 9:00 p.m. | ABC | L 54–44 | 6–8 |
| 15 | Sunday, December 15 | Buffalo Bills | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | W 30–24 | 7–8 |
| 16 | Saturday, December 21 | at New York Giants | Giants Stadium | 12:30 p.m. | NBC | L 28–10 | 7–9 |

### Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Steelers | 7 | 17 | 7 | 14 | 45 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: September 8, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
* Game weather: 79 °F (26.1 °C), wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
* Game attendance: 55,279
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play by play), Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Colts | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 7-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Colts | 39-yard field goal by Raul Allegre | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 11-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 17 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Rich Erenberg 11-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 24 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | John Stallworth 6-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 31 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Mark Malone 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 38 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 16-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 45 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 3 | 45 |

### Week 2: at Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Browns | 0 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 17 |
at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
* Date: September 16, 1985
* Game time: 9:00 pm EDT
* Game weather: 57 °F (13.9 °C), wind 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h; 4.3 kn)
* Game attendance: 79,042
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play by play), Joe Namath & O. J. Simpson (color commentators)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Browns |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | Fred Banks 7-yard touchdown reception from Gary Danielson, Matt Bahr kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 3 | | | | | Browns | 18-yard field goal by Matt Bahr | 0 | 10 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | John Stallworth 6-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 10 |
| 4 | | | | | Browns | Earnest Byner 21-yard touchdown run, Matt Bahr kick good | 7 | 17 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7 | 17 |

### Week 3: vs. Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Oilers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steelers | 14 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: September 22, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
* Game weather: 69 °F (20.6 °C), wind 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h; 3.5 kn)
* Game attendance: 58,752
* Referee: Ben Dreith
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play by play), Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Oilers | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 25-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 5-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 37-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 0 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 38-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 0 | 20 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 20 |

### Week 4: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bengals | 0 | 14 | 7 | 16 | 37 |
| Steelers | 0 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: September 30, 1985
* Game time: 9:00 pm EDT
* Game weather: 62 °F (16.7 °C), wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
* Game attendance: 59,541
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play by play), Joe Namath and O. J. Simpson (color commentators)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Bengals | Steelers |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 15-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good/no good (blocked)/no good (miss right)/no good (miss left)/no good (miss short)/no good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Bengals | James Brooks 14-yard touchdown run, Jim Breech kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Bengals | Rodney Holman 26-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good | 14 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 29-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 14 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Bengals | Eddie Brown 8-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good | 21 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | John Stallworth 17-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 21 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Rich Erenberg 4-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 21 | 24 |
| 4 | | | | | Bengals | Rodney Holman 4-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good | 28 | 24 |
| 4 | | | | | Bengals | Jim Breech-yard field goal by 32 | 31 | 24 |
| 4 | | | | | Bengals | James Brooks 32-yard touchdown run, 2-point pass failed | 37 | 24 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 37 | 24 |

### Week 5: at Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 17 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
| Dolphins | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
at Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida
* Date: October 6, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
* Game weather: 80 °F (26.7 °C), relative humidity 79%, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
* Game attendance: 72,820
* Referee: Dick Jorgensen
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play by play), Bob Griese (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Dolphins |
| 1 | | | | | Dolphins | Tony Nathan 1-yard touchdown run, Fuad Reveiz kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 48-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 10 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Dolphins | Dan Johnson 2-yard touchdown reception from Dan Marino, Fuad Reveiz kick good | 10 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Weegie Thompson 1-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 17 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Dolphins | 35-yard field goal by Fuad Reveiz | 17 | 17 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 33-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 20 | 17 |
| 4 | | | | | Dolphins | Lorenzo Hampton 2-yard touchdown run, Fuad Reveiz kick good | 20 | 24 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 20 | 24 |

### Week 6: at Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 13 |
| Cowboys | 0 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 27 |
at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas
* Date: October 13, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
* Game weather: 79 °F (26.1 °C), relative humidity 68%, wind 15 miles per hour (24 km/h; 13 kn)
* Game attendance: 62,932
* Referee: Tom Dooley
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Cowboys |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 48-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Cowboys | Tony Dorsett 56-yard touchdown reception from Danny White, Rafael Septien kick good | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Cowboys | 38-yard field goal by Rafael Septien | 3 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Cowboys | 39-yard field goal by Rafael Septien | 3 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Cowboys | Interception returned 19 yards for touchdown by Eugene Lockhart, Rafael Septien kick good | 3 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 34-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 6 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 13 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Cowboys | Tony Dorsett 35-yard touchdown run, Rafael Septien kick good | 13 | 27 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 13 | 27 |

### Week 7: vs. St. Louis Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cardinals | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Steelers | 14 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 23 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: October 20, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
* Game weather: 56 °F (13.3 °C), wind 10 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn)
* Game attendance: 56,478
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (CBS): Tom Brookshier (play by play), Dick Vermiel (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Cardinals | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Cardinals | 19-yard field goal by Neil O'Donoghue | 3 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 45-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Frank Pollard 14-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 33-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 33-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 20 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 33-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 23 |
| 4 | | | | | Cardinals | Stump Mitchell 5-yard touchdown reception from Neil Lomax, Neil O'Donoghue kick good | 10 | 23 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 10 | 23 |

### Week 8: at Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
| Bengals | 3 | 14 | 9 | 0 | 26 |
at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati
* Date: October 27, 1985
* Game time: 4:00 pm EST
* Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), wind 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h; 3.5 kn)
* Game attendance: 55,241
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Bengals |
| 1 | | | | | Bengals | 37-yard field goal by Jim Breech | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Bengals | Rodney Holman 11-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Bengals | Interception returned 57 yards for touchdown by Robert Jackson, Jim Breech kick good | 0 | 17 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 49-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Bengals | 39-yard field goal by Jim Breech | 7 | 20 |
| 3 | | | | | Bengals | 40-yard field goal by Jim Breech | 7 | 23 |
| 3 | | | | | Bengals | 32-yard field goal by Jim Breech | 7 | 26 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 62-yard punt return for touchdown | 14 | 26 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 21 | 26 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 21 | 26 |

### Week 9: vs. Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Browns | 0 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
| Steelers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: November 3, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EST
* Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C), wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
* Game attendance: 51,976
* Referee: Bob Frederic
* TV announcers (NBC): Len Berman (play by play), Reggie Rucker (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Browns | Steelers |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | 34-yard field goal by Matt Bahr | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | 45-yard field goal by Matt Bahr | 6 | 0 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 32-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 6 | 7 |
| 4 | | | | | Browns | 30-yard field goal by Matt Bahr | 9 | 7 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 25-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 9 | 10 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 9 | 10 |

### Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 10 | 17 | 3 | 6 | 36 |
| Chiefs | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
* Date: November 10, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EST
* Game weather: 36 °F (2.2 °C), wind 13 miles per hour (21 km/h; 11 kn), wind chill 27 °F or −2.8 °C
* Game attendance: 46,126
* Referee: Ben Dreith
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play by play), Bob Griese (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Chiefs |
| 1 | | | | | Chiefs | Interception returned 47 yards for touchdown by Deron Cherry, Nick Lowery kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | John Stallworth 13-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | 35-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 10 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 13 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | Jeff Smith 45-yard touchdown reception from Bill Kenney, Nick Lowery kick good | 13 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 71-yard punt return for touchdown | 20 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 2-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 27 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 27-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 30 | 14 |
| 4 | | | | | Chiefs | Jeff Smith 13-yard touchdown reception from Bill Kenney, Nick Lowery kick good | 30 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 36-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 33 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 28-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 36 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Chiefs | Anthony Hancock 13-yard touchdown reception from Bill Kenney, Nick Lowery kick good | 36 | 28 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 36 | 28 |

### Week 11: at Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 3 | 7 | 13 | 7 | 30 |
| Oilers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
at Astrodome, Houston, Texas
* Date: November 17, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EST
* Game weather: Dome
* Game attendance: 45,977
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play by play), Jimmy Cefalo (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Oilers |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | 52-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Frank Pollard 2-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 10 | 0 |
| 3 | | | | | Oilers | Mike Rozier 15-yard touchdown run, Tony Zendejas kick good | 10 | 7 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 13 | 7 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | David Woodley 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 20 | 7 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 34-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 23 | 7 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 5-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 30 | 7 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 30 | 7 |

### Week 12: vs. Washington Redskins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Redskins | 14 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 30 |
| Steelers | 3 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 23 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: November 24, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EST
* Game weather: 38 °F (3.3 °C), wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
* Game attendance: 59,293
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan (play by play), Johnny Morris (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Redskins | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Redskins | George Rogers 1-yard touchdown run, Mark Moseley kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | 22-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 7 | 3 |
| 1 | | | | | Redskins | Clint Didier 18-yard touchdown reception from Jay Schroeder, Mark Moseley kick good | 14 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Redskins | 20-yard field goal by Mark Moseley | 17 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 5-yard touchdown reception from Scott Campbell, Gary Anderson kick good | 17 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Rich Erenberg 9-yard touchdown reception from Scott Campbell, Gary Anderson kick good | 17 | 17 |
| 2 | | | | | Redskins | 39-yard field goal by Mark Moseley | 20 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Redskins | John Riggins 1-yard touchdown run, Mark Moseley kick good | 27 | 17 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 37-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 27 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Redskins | 42-yard field goal by Mark Moseley | 30 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 27-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 30 | 23 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 30 | 23 |

### Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 10 | 0 | 21 | 31 |
| Steelers | 0 | 6 | 3 | 14 | 23 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: December 1, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EST
* Game weather: 52 °F (11.1 °C), wind 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn)
* Game attendance: 56,797
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play by play), Bob Trumpy & Paul Zimmerman (color commentators)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Broncos | Steelers |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 25-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Clint Sampson 24-yard touchdown reception from John Elway, Rich Karlis kick good | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 42-yard field goal by Rich Karlis | 10 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 34-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 10 | 6 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 24-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 10 | 9 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Steve Sewell 12-yard touchdown run, Rich Karlis kick good | 17 | 9 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 31-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good | 17 | 16 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Interception returned 35 yards for touchdown by Mike Merriweather, Gary Anderson kick good | 17 | 23 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Steve Sewell 2-yard touchdown run, Rich Karlis kick good | 24 | 23 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Interception returned 42 yards for touchdown by Mike Harden, Rich Karlis kick good | 31 | 23 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 31 | 23 |

### Week 14: at San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 7 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 44 |
| Chargers | 21 | 13 | 7 | 13 | 54 |
at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: December 8, 1985
* Game time: 9:00 pm EST
* Game weather: 56 °F (13.3 °C), wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
* Game attendance: 52,098
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play by play), Joe Namath & O. J. Simpson (color commentators)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Chargers |
| 1 | | | | | Chargers | Tim Spencer 12-yard touchdown run, Robert R. Thomas kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 15-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Chargers | Wes Chandler 36-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Robert R. Thomas kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 1 | | | | | Chargers | Pete Holohan 20-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Robert R. Thomas kick good | 7 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 8-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good | 14 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 45-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 17 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | Wes Chandler 75-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Robert R. Thomas kick good | 17 | 28 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | Buford McGee 3-yard touchdown run, Robert R. Thomas kick no good | 17 | 34 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 41-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 20 | 34 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | David Woodley 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 27 | 34 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 25-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good | 34 | 34 |
| 3 | | | | | Chargers | Buford McGee 7-yard touchdown run, Robert R. Thomas kick good | 34 | 41 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 15-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 41 | 41 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Gary Anderson-yard field goal by 26 | 44 | 41 |
| 4 | | | | | Chargers | Gary Anderson (Chargers) 2-yard touchdown run, Robert R. Thomas kick no good | 44 | 47 |
| 4 | | | | | Chargers | Interception returned 47 yards for touchdown by Jeffery Dale, Robert R. Thomas kick good | 44 | 54 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 44 | 54 |

### Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills | 7 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 24 |
| Steelers | 0 | 14 | 6 | 10 | 30 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: December 15, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 pm EST
* Game weather: 17 °F (−8.3 °C), wind 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn), wind chill 3 °F or −16.1 °C
* Game attendance: 35,953
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV announcers (NBC): Phil Stone (play by play), Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Bills | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Bills | Greg Bell 77-yard touchdown run, Scott Norwood kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Bills | Jerry Butler 33-yard touchdown reception from Bruce Mathison, Scott Norwood kick good | 14 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Bills | Fumble recovery returned 61 yards for touchdown by Don Wilson, Scott Norwood kick good | 21 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 13-yard touchdown reception from Scott Campbell, Gary Anderson kick good | 21 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Frank Pollard 4-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 21 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 26-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 21 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 21 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Bills | 24-yard field goal by Scott Norwood | 24 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 45-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 24 | 23 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 2-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 24 | 30 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 24 | 30 |

### Week 16: at New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
| Giants | 7 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: December 21, 1985
* Game time: 12:30 pm EST
* Game weather: 27 °F (−2.8 °C), wind 15 miles per hour (24 km/h; 13 kn), wind chill 15 °F or −9.4 °C
* Game attendance: 66,785
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Giants |
| 1 | | | | | Giants | Joe Morris 9-yard touchdown run, Eric Schubert kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 26-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Giants | Joe Morris 65-yard touchdown run, Eric Schubert kick good | 3 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Giants | Joe Morris 1-yard touchdown run, Eric Schubert kick good | 3 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Giants | Bobby Johnson 23-yard touchdown reception from Phil Simms, Eric Schubert kick good | 3 | 28 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | John Stallworth 34-yard touchdown reception from Scott Campbell, Gary Anderson kick good | 10 | 28 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 10 | 28 |

## Standings

AFC Central :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| Cleveland Browns$^{(3)}$ | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 4–2 | 7–5 | 287 | 294 | L1 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 5–7 | 441 | 437 | L2 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3–3 | 6–6 | 379 | 355 | L1 |
| Houston Oilers | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 4–8 | 284 | 412 | L4 |