# 1985 New York Jets season

The 1985 New York Jets season was the 26th season for the team and the 16th in the National Football League. It began with the team trying to improve upon its 7–9 record from 1984 under head coach Joe Walton. Among quarterbacks, Ken O'Brien had the lowest rate of interceptions, with only eight interceptions in 488 passing attempts. The Jets finished the season with a record of 11–5, qualifying for the top Wild Card spot in the playoffs. On October 14, during a Monday Night Halftime ceremony, the Jets retired Joe Namath's number 12, and helped inspire the Jets to a 23–7 victory over the Dolphins. In the Wild Card round of the playoffs, they fell at home to the eventual AFC champion New England Patriots 26–14.
NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled Just The Beginning; it was narrated by Jeff Kaye.

## Offseason
### Draft

1985 New York Jets draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 10 | Al Toon * | Wide receiver | Wisconsin |
| 2 | 40 | Lester Lyles | Cornerback | Virginia |
| 3 | 67 | Donnie Elder | Cornerback | Memphis State |
| 4 | 94 | Doug Allen | Wide receiver | Arizona State |
| 5 | 120 | Troy Benson | Linebacker | Pittsburgh |
| 5 | 124 | Brian Luft | Defensive tackle | USC |
| 5 | 134 | Tony Smith | Wide receiver | San Jose State |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

## Pre season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | August 10 | Philadelphia Eagles | L 17–37 | 0–1 | Giants Stadium | 30,097 |
| 2 | August 17 | at Cincinnati Bengals | L 20–24 | 0–2 | Riverfront Stadium | 40,371 |
| 3 | August 24 | at New York Giants | L 31–34 (OT) | 0–3 | Giants Stadium | 63,174 |
| 4 | August 31 | at Green Bay Packers | W 30–20 | 1–3 | Lambeau Field | 56,753 |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | September 8 | at Los Angeles Raiders | L 0–31 | 0–1 | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | 57,123 |
| 2 | September 15 | Buffalo Bills | W 42–3 | 1–1 | Giants Stadium | 63,449 |
| 3 | September 22 | at Green Bay Packers | W 24–3 | 2–1 | Milwaukee County Stadium | 53,667 |
| 4 | September 29 | Indianapolis Colts | W 25–20 | 3–1 | Giants Stadium | 61,987 |
| 5 | October 6 | at Cincinnati Bengals | W 29–20 | 4–1 | Riverfront Stadium | 51,785 |
| 6 | October 14 | Miami Dolphins | W 23–7 | 5–1 | Giants Stadium | 73,807 |
| 7 | October 20 | at New England Patriots | L 13–20 | 5–2 | Sullivan Stadium | 58,163 |
| 8 | October 27 | Seattle Seahawks | W 17–14 | 6–2 | Giants Stadium | 69,320 |
| 9 | November 3 | at Indianapolis Colts | W 35–17 | 7–2 | Hoosier Dome | 59,683 |
| 10 | November 10 | at Miami Dolphins | L 17–21 | 7–3 | Miami Orange Bowl | 73,965 |
| 11 | November 17 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 62–28 | 8–3 | Giants Stadium | 65,344 |
| 12 | November 24 | New England Patriots | W 16–13 (OT) | 9–3 | Giants Stadium | 74,100 |
| 13 | November 28 | at Detroit Lions | L 20–31 | 9–4 | Pontiac Silverdome | 65,531 |
| 14 | December 8 | at Buffalo Bills | W 27–7 | 10–4 | Rich Stadium | 23,122 |
| 15 | December 14 | Chicago Bears | L 6–19 | 10–5 | Giants Stadium | 74,752 |
| 16 | December 22 | Cleveland Browns | W 37–10 | 11–5 | Giants Stadium | 59,073 |
| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |||||||

## Regular Season Game summaries
### Week 1 (Sunday, September 8, 1985): at Los Angeles Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets (0–1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Raiders (1–0) | 7 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, California
* Date: September 8, 1985
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 57,123
* Referee: Tom Dooley
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| NYJ | Passing | Ken O'Brien | 16/29, 192 YDS, 2 INTs |
| NYJ | Rushing | Freeman McNeil | 17 CAR, 44 YDS |
| NYJ | Receiving | Mickey Shuler | 7 REC, 88 YDS |
| RAI | Passing | Jim Plunkett | 14/21, 242 YDS, 1 TD |
| RAI | Rushing | Marcus Allen | 20 CAR, 76 YDS, 2 TDs |
| RAI | Receiving | Todd Christensen | 6 REC, 87 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NYJ | RAI |
| 1 | 1:13 | | | | Raiders | Allen 1-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | 12:10 | | | | Raiders | Williams 41-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 2 | 5:08 | | | | Raiders | Allen 3-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good | 0 | 21 |
| 3 | 11:38 | — | — | — | Raiders | Interception returned 76 yards for touchdown by Toran, Bahr kick good | 0 | 28 |
| 4 | 8:29 | | | | Raiders | 20-yard field goal by Bahr | 0 | 31 |
| "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 | 31 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
| Jets | Game Statistics | Raiders |
| 14 | First downs | 19 |
| 24–62 | Rushes–yards | 35–122 |
| 192 | Passing yards | 258 |
| 16–29–2 | Passes | 15–22–0 |
| 10–61 | Sacked–yards | 4–24 |
| 131 | Net passing yards | 234 |
| 193 | Total yards | 356 |
| 0 | Return yards | 125 |
| 7–43 | Punts | 4–37 |
| 1–0 | Fumbles–lost | 0–0 |
| 2–10 | Penalties–yards | 7–60 |
| 28:21 | Time of possession | 31:39 |

### Week 2 (Sunday, September 15, 1985): vs. Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills (0–2) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Jets (1–1) | 0 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 42 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: September 15, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 63,449
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| BUF | Passing |
| BUF | Rushing |
| BUF | Receiving |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | BUF | NYJ |
| "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 | 42 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 3 (Sunday, September 22, 1985): at Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets (2–1) | 7 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 24 |
| Packers (1–2) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
at Milwaukee County Stadium • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
* Date: September 22, 1985
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 53,667
* Referee: Bob Frederic
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
| GB | Passing |
| GB | Rushing |
| GB | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NYJ | GB |
| "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 | 3 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 4 (Sunday, September 29, 1985): vs. Indianapolis Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts (1–3) | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
| Jets (3–1) | 6 | 12 | 7 | 0 | 25 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: September 29, 1985
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 61,987
* Referee: Dick Jorgensen
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| IND | Passing |
| IND | Rushing |
| IND | Receiving |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | IND | NYJ |
| "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 | 25 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 5 (Sunday, October 6, 1985): at Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets (4–1) | 7 | 7 | 12 | 3 | 29 |
| Bengals (1–4) | 7 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 20 |
at Riverfront Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio
* Date: October 6, 1985
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 51,785
* Referee: Ben Dreith
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
| CIN | Passing |
| CIN | Rushing |
| CIN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NYJ | CIN |
| "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. | 29 | 20 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 6 (Monday, October 14, 1985): vs. Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Dolphins (4–2) | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Jets (5–1) | 0 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 23 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: October 14, 1985
* Game time: 9:06 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Cloudy & Foggy • 65 °F (18 °C) • Wind SE 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
* Game attendance: 73,807
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play-by-play), Joe Namath (color commentator) and O. J. Simpson (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| MIA | Passing |
| MIA | Rushing |
| MIA | Receiving |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | MIA | NYJ |
| "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 | 23 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 2 hours, 45 minutes
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 7 (Sunday, October 20, 1985): at New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets (5–2) | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
| Patriots (4–3) | 3 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 20 |
at Sullivan Stadium • Foxboro, Massachusetts
* Date: October 20, 1985
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Cloudy • 54 °F (12 °C) • Wind NNW 10 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn)
* Game attendance: 58,163
* Referee: Fred Silva
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| NYJ | Passing | Ken O'Brien | 15/31, 246 YDS, 1 INT |
| NYJ | Rushing | Johnny Hector | 21 CAR, 80 YDS |
| NYJ | Receiving | Wesley Walker | 6 REC, 140 YDS |
| NE | Passing | Steve Grogan | 11/32, 171 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| NE | Rushing | Craig James | 22 CAR, 94 YDS |
| NE | Receiving | Stanley Morgan | 3 REC, 71 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NYJ | NE |
| 1 | 1:56 | | | | Patriots | 19-yard field goal by Franklin | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | 9:30 | | | | Patriots | 53-yard field goal by Leahy | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | 2:37 | | | | Patriots | 44-yard field goal by Franklin | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | 5:48 | | | | Patriots | 52-yard field goal by Leahy | 6 | 6 |
| 4 | 10:22 | | | | Patriots | Fryar 36-yard touchdown reception from Grogan, Franklin kick good | 6 | 13 |
| 4 | 6:50 | | | | Jets | Paige 2-yard touchdown run, Leahy kick good | 13 | 13 |
| 4 | 3:27 | | | | Patriots | Grogan 3-yard touchdown run, Franklin kick good | 13 | 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. | 13 | 20 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 3 hours, 4 minutes
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 8 (Sunday, October 27, 1985): vs. Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Seahawks (4–4) | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Jets (6–2) | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 17 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: October 27, 1985
* Game time: 1:01 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny • 69 °F (21 °C) • Wind SW 11 miles per hour (18 km/h; 9.6 kn) to 16 miles per hour (26 km/h; 14 kn)
* Game attendance: 69,320
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
* Gamebook
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| SEA | Passing | Dave Krieg | 9/20, 148 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs |
| SEA | Rushing | Randall Morris | 23 CAR, 88 YDS |
| SEA | Receiving | Daryl Turner | 2 REC, 78 YDS, 1 TD |
| NYJ | Passing | Ken O'Brien | 13/25, 182 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| NYJ | Rushing | Freeman McNeil | 22 CAR, 151 YDS |
| NYJ | Receiving | Rocky Klever | 3 REC, 43 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | SEA | NYJ |
| 2 | 9:08 | 6 | 80 | 2:26 | Seahawks | Turner 45-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | 0:46 | — | — | — | Seahawks | Fumble recovery returned 79 yards for touchdown by Green, Johnson kick good | 14 | 0 |
| 3 | 4:10 | 9 | 69 | 6:02 | Jets | McNeil 16-yard touchdown reception from O'Brien, Leahy kick good | 14 | 7 |
| 4 | 12:47 | 3 | 2 | 1:28 | Jets | 41-yard field goal by Leahy | 14 | 10 |
| 4 | 5:11 | 7 | 91 | 4:02 | Jets | Walker 15-yard touchdown reception from O'Brien, Pat Leahy kick good | 14 | 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. | 14 | 17 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 3 hours, 15 minutes
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 9 (Sunday, November 3, 1985): at Indianapolis Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets (7–2) | 14 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| Colts (3–6) | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: November 3, 1985
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 59,483
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
| IND | Passing |
| IND | Rushing |
| IND | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NYJ | IND |
| "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. | 35 | 17 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 10 (Sunday, November 10, 1985): at Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets (7–3) | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| Dolphins (6–4) | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
at Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, Florida
* Date: November 10, 1985
* Game time: 4:01 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Mostly Sunny • 84 °F (29 °C) • Wind E 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn)
* Game attendance: 73,965
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
| MIA | Passing |
| MIA | Rushing |
| MIA | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NYJ | MIA |
| "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. | 17 | 21 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 11 (Sunday, November 17, 1985): vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers (4–4) | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
| Jets (8–3) | 17 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 62 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: November 17, 1985
* Game time: 1:16 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Partly Sunny • 59 °F (15 °C) • Wind NW 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
* Game attendance: 65,344
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play) and Terry Bradshaw (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| TB | Passing |
| TB | Rushing |
| TB | Receiving |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | TB | NYJ |
| "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. | 28 | 62 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 3 hours, 29 minutes
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 12 (Sunday, November 24, 1985): vs. New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Patriots (8–4) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 13 |
| Jets (9–3) | 6 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: November 24, 1985
* Game time: 1:01 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny • 53 °F (12 °C) • Wind NW 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn) to 22 miles per hour (35 km/h; 19 kn)
* Game attendance: 74,100
* Referee: Bob Frederic
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| NE | Passing |
| NE | Rushing |
| NE | Receiving |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NE | NYJ |
| "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 | 16 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 3 hours, 39 minutes
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 13 (Thursday, November 28, 1985): at Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets (9–4) | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 20 |
| Lions (7–6) | 3 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
at Pontiac Silverdome • Pontiac, Michigan
* Date: November 28, 1985
* Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 65,531
* Referee: Chuck Heberling
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator) and Ahmad Rashad (sideline reporter)
| Team | Category |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
| DET | Passing |
| DET | Rushing |
| DET | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NYJ | DET |
| "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 | 31 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 14 (Sunday, December 8, 1985): at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets (10–4) | 0 | 21 | 0 | 6 | 27 |
| Bills (2–12) | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
at Rich Stadium • Orchard Park, New York
* Date: December 8, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game attendance: 23,122
* Referee: Ben Dreith
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
| BUF | Passing |
| BUF | Rushing |
| BUF | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NYJ | BUF |
| "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. | 27 | 7 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 15 (Saturday, December 14, 1985): vs. Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bears (14–1) | 3 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 19 |
| Jets (10–5) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: December 14, 1985
* Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
* Game attendance: 74,752
* Referee: Fred Wyant
* TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator) and Irv Cross (sideline reporter)
| Team | Category |
| CHI | Passing |
| CHI | Rushing |
| CHI | Receiving |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | CHI | NYJ |
| "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. | 19 | 6 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Week 16 (Sunday, December 22, 1985): vs. Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Browns (8–8) | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Jets (11–5) | 10 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 37 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: December 22, 1985
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game attendance: 59,073
* Referee: Dick Jorgensen
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| CLE | Passing |
| CLE | Rushing |
| CLE | Receiving |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | CLE | NYJ |
| "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 | 37 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

### Standings

AFC East :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| Miami Dolphins$^{(2)}$ | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 6–2 | 9–3 | 428 | 320 | W7 |
| New York Jets$^{(4)}$ | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 6–2 | 9–3 | 393 | 264 | W1 |
| New England Patriots$^{(5)}$ | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 6–2 | 8–4 | 362 | 290 | W1 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–7 | 2–10 | 320 | 386 | W2 |
| Buffalo Bills | 2 | 14 | 0 | .125 | 1–7 | 2–12 | 200 | 381 | L6 |

## Playoffs

| Round | Date | Opponent (seed) | Time | TV | Result | Record | Game Site | Attendance | Recap |
| Wild Card | December 28 | New England Patriots (5) | 4:00 p.m. EST | NBC | L 14–26 | 0–1 | Giants Stadium | 70,958 | |

## Playoff Game summaries
### AFC Wild Card Playoffs (Saturday, December 28, 1985): vs. New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots (12–5) | 3 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 26 |
| Jets (11–6) | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: December 28, 1985
* Game time: 4:07 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Partly Cloudy • 33 °F (1 °C) • Wind NW 15 miles per hour (24 km/h; 13 kn) to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h; 26 kn)
* Game attendance: 70,958
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play), Bob Griese (color commentator) and Ahmad Rashad (sideline reporter)
| Team | Category |
| NE | Passing |
| NE | Rushing |
| NE | Receiving |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NE | NYJ |
| "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. | 26 | 14 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 3 hours, 0 minutes
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession

## Awards and honors

* Ken O'Brien, NFL passing leader (96.2 passer rating)